Will formica work as a pressure strip?

[Zradix]

Hi everyone

I'm still working on designing a bow.
Came to the realization that making a form from plywood is too darn expensive for material and tools needed to make it. Much less the added cost and trouble when I find out the first one wasn't designed "quite right" and it needs to change.

So I'm thinking about the 2x4 "posts" at different heights type form.

Anyway.. I'll need a pressure strip for the clamps.
Do you think a strip of formica would work?

Thanks

[okie64]

The idea behind the pressure strip is to even the pressure out between the clamps and formica is pretty flimsy stuff. I would say it would not work very good IMO. You can buy a piece of 1/8"x 2" steel stock at your local hardware store for around 10 or 15 bucks know that it will work.

[Robertfishes]

The Formica I have seen was thin and flimsy and would not work as a pressure strip.. The galvanized metal pressure strips I got from Binghams are aprox 0.035 inch thick and are cut to standard lamination width sizes, I have 1 3/4" and 1 1/2" wide strips. I put paste wax on them before each use for easy clean up and have had no problems with them. I know some guys use 1/16" or 1/8" thick aluminum strips for pressure strips.
If you plan on making several bows then a nice plywood form would be worth your time, money and effort. Maybe someone near you has one you can borrow??

[eflanders]

Formica is also somewhat brittle and will crack under the force of a c-clamp.  A strip of 1/16" thick x 1-1/2" wide by 72" long strip of aluminum is about $5 locally.

[Zradix]

Ok
Thank you for the input everyone.
I really appreciate it!

Take care ...but have lots of fun!
   

[T Folts]

I'm using 1/8" hardwood for my top pressure strip on a hose pressure system.

[monterey]

Zradix, not sure where you stand on your knowledge of bow design, but designing right off can be dissapointing.  Not saying it will go that way for you, but it did for me!  :(    I ended up with a 66" long bow with an awful lot of hand shock.  Bow shot ok and all but the hand shock was brutal.

Would be a good idea to check around for some designs compatible with your shooting style and draw length.  Guys on this forum can help with that!