Question about laminating press

[jb2002]

Hey all!

I am completely new to fiberglass bow making and relatively new to bow making overall. I am making the Bingham style laminating press, and I was wondering just how important the upper form is. I realize its not CRITICAL, I am perfectly happy with my bottom form, but my upper form is just a plain shame. Out of square, not perfectly lined up with lower form, hills and valleys. I was curious if I should start again and shoot for square or if it doesn't really matter since it's just a surface the hose bears against. Thank you all!

[kennym]

The bottom is the important one, I use a router and pattern bit with a template tyo get it as good as possible without a CNC machine. I would try to get the top one as square as you can, becouse I know if your hose is off center on a square one it will push the lams to the side. I figure a form that isn't real close to square will prob do the same...

Good luck with your build!

[Shredd]

  I agree with Kenny...  Square is good...  It does not have to be perfect but any more than a degree or two off, I would start being concerned...  True it up with a drum sander.. If you don't have one, get a 3" or bigger one for your drill press...

[jb2002]

I think I'll try to square it up as much as possible, but I may just start the top from scratch since I won't be out too much. Thank you for your advice!

[Robertfishes]

square it up..then glue some wood strips (parallels) onto the new surface as needed.. I had to do that once, no problems at all