is it alright to use E40 to glue a strip of formica onto a new form or will it release when it goes into the hot box?

I'd say it would release but when cooled it would readhere . For a few times ?

I use contact cement with no problems but not sure what to tell you on the ea40

Thanks Kenny, I will go with contact cement if that worked for you...hope all is well with you...haven't seen you for a while. I'm going to try my first recurve. 

Application - Apply to prepared surface and let cure for 24 hours. Applying mild heat will cure EA-40® faster – 150°F/65°C for 6 hours.

Post Curing - After EA-40® has cured at room temperature, heating the epoxy to 150° F (65° C) for 4 to 8 hours will increase physical properties and performance. Let cool to room temp. before moving bonded substrates, machining, etc.

To Attain Maximum Heat Distortion Temperature - let cure for 24 hours at room temperature, heat cure for 2 hours at 250°F (122°C).

At mix ratio 1A:1B – HDT will be 163°F (73°C).

At mix ratio 2A:1B – HDT will be 217° F (103 °C)

Spray adhesive is what I have used for ever.