In general can you use spring clamps on a tri lam?
or do you have to use c-clamps?

On my last bow ( a bbo ) I was able to use a few c-clamps at the fades and the posts to get the bends, but the rest I just used spring clamps since I was just holding a thin backing down.

With the thicker ( 3/16"-1/4") lams in a tri lam I didn't know if spring clamps would have enough power.

No big deal either way...just thought if I need to figure more c-clamps into the budget it's nice to know sooner rather than later.

Also, I would have to modify my form a bit to use c-clamps just out of the dips.

Thanks guys!
   

I used spring clamps on a few backed bows and liked the results better than c clamps. As the wood heats up it shrinks somewhat and c clamps loosen but spring clamps hold tight. I used small metal spring clamps and about 14 per limb plus a few c clamps at the handle and fades. Don't forget to use a good pressure strip under the clamps.
I got my best glue lines using strips of bicycle tire tubes to wrap the glue-up.

You know what I use and I've never had a c clamp work loose.

I use the spring clamps almost exclusively. But I also use a few c clapms at the fades just after a powerlam or riser block, and use some of the irwin qhick grip clamps too just cause they're convenient to pull the lams against the form quickly.

I liek the spring clamps, but I think they work best if you really pile them on there.

I think I use about 20-24 per limb plus usually 4-6 c-clamps and some irwins. I don't think you can have too many.