Just won't do it again. First off, right out of nowhere, some kind of inclusion (can't figure out what) whacked my pattern cutter bit and chipped a cutting edge. :( . The inconsistency of the material made it difficult for the bit to cut an even smooth surface. Ended up doing a filler job on the back side surface just to get it smooth.
There's something in the composition of that stuff that makes any sliver in the hands flare up like crazy. This is the second form from this same sheet of OSB. The first one was a flat backed American Flatbow design that circumvents most of those cutting problems.
The nice thing about this stuff was when I purchased it, it was exact dimension 3/4". Two pieces made a perfect 1 1/2" form. These pieces, after sitting in my shed for about six years turn out to be more like 13/16ths inch. I can deal with it but prefer not to!
So my next form (will be a one piece recurve) will be made from the laminated lumber that has gotten so many raves here.
Live and learn! :knothead:
I used a sheet of Birch plywood, very smooth and strong, but not cheap:)
Hardwood plywood has gotten outrageously expensive, but it's the sh**
I lucked out and got a half sheet from Lowes that was sitting beside the saw for $2 bucks. I asked the guy if I could buy it and he said sure, then marked it $2 bucks. The lady at the register looked at me like I was stealing something.
LVL beams are the way to go guys...limited warp, strong..no gluing and screwing once you get it and probably just a little cheaper than plywood once you figure in the glue/screws you no longer need.
I second the LVL. I keep some in the shop most of the time.
bigjim
3X on the LVL.
Not needing to lam it up is one of the big attractions of the LVL for me. I put about 2/3 of a large bottle of TBIII into lamming that cursed OSB form. Screws not a very big expense but still are a part of it.
Have never seen the LVL at Lowes or HD. Hope they can order it!
How are you cutting the LVL? On a bandsaw? Got any pictures?
And I have also looked at Home Depot and Lowes. Where are you getting the LVL. Am also interested in how you cut your forms out and with what, if band saw, what tooth blade works best?
Lowes and HD can order it for your. HD is just over $4 ft, while Lowes is closer to $6 ft.
What does LVL stand for?
Laminated venieer lumber