Smoothing up my laminating press...

[pigops]

So I've made a couple sets of limbs with the press that I built using bingham's plans. I modified the radius a bit and really like the shape of the limbs. I have about 3 imperfections that are very hard to perceive on the back of the limb but can be felt and, if you hold it up to a light just right, can be seen on the belly.

My press has formica glued to the surface so I'm wondering should I:

1) Sand the formica. (I think this would be labor intensive because I'm pretty sure they are some very minor divots on the press)
2) Use bondo on the formica.
3) Pull the formica off and sand off the glue residue, use bondo, reapply formica.
4) Sand the imperfections out of the limbs themselves.
5) Not worry about the imperfections. They are imperceptible to the eye unless you are holding the limbs right in relation to a light source.

Sorry for the long post. I'm kind of a perfectionist so I'm trying to get this right.

[Crooked Stic]

I would pull the formica. Then clean it and bondo it and block sand flat. You can bend a piece of glass over the form and find low and high spots.

[kennym]

The only way I will make forms anymore is with a template and router with pattern bit.  You can make the template bump and dip free by bending a pc of glass around the curves.  Easier to sand a 1/4" pc of plywood than a 1.5" or 1.75" form!!

Here is how I do them, except I won't go with the too thick form again, heavier and a couple other things I didn't care for with it...

https://www.kennysarchery.com/buildalong

[pigops]

Do you line your press with Formica Kenny?

[kennym]

Usually some streaky glass if anything.  The router makes them good to go if you get your template spot on!

If it is a form I think I'll keep and not a test bow, yes I put something on them.

[Forwardhandle]

I use a peace of Gordon's glass & contact cement to line my forms ,if I need to remove the glass or adjust it, it's simple just hit it with the heat gun and it will lift right off but oven temp is not enough heat to loosen it !

[monterey]

For my simpler ASL forms with only mild curves I glue down those oak slats that you can get at the orange box.