I need some help with a bow form I'm currently building. I've put two pieces of 3/4" plywood together and have come up 1/16" short of the 1.5" thickness that I need. I can't find anything to use to give me the 1/16" I need. I've found some bathroom board that's .090 thick, but that's .0275 thicker than 1/16". The sales person toldthat the bathboard would not compress. So, is .0275 something to worry about, or can somebody tell what else could be used?
D.A.
I wouldnt worry about it. Get a piece of .100 hickory or maple (or what ever you have really), 1.5" wide ang glue it to the top of your form. This will not only make a smoother, better surface than the plywood, but also give you an exact 1.5" to lay your stack on. Just hang it over 1/32 on each side...no big deal. Good luck
Exactly what Brad said,if you think the glue will hang under the 1/32,bondo it a bit!
Yep, that's what I did with one of mine. Also use a small washer under each large fender washer (used for alignment) to make clear that 1.5" surface.
Per what I saw in a bow build project a while back, I was planning on putting a 1.5" wide strip of 1/16" thick of aluminum along the top to give me a smooth, consistent surface. This will do the same thing, won't it?
D.A.
Yes indeed. That should take care of it.
After getting the form surface as perfectly square and as smooth as I can, I glue a piece of 050 black fiberglass onto surface of form. Some use a formica strip instead of fiberglass.
The form I am just finishing up was shy in thickness, too. A piece of formica sandwiched between the plywood took care of that perfectly. Then a strip of formica glued to the top to smooth out the router work gave me more confidence in what eventually will be the finished product; a bow!
this is just my two cents, but i'd use 1/8in thick aluminum. if there are any flat spots in your limbs, it is less likely that the 18/ stuff will form to them. this just something that i've noticed in the few bows that i've built.
Good point Eric.