Advice needed on laminating material/technique

[Dick in Seattle]

I guess I'm going to be asking a bunch of bowyer newbie type questions here as I gear up to get started.  I've already run into my first snag and need some advice or suggestions...

I worked through a laminated bow process as an observer/helper.  The person I was working with did not use a two piece wood form.  The techique used was as follows:

wood form with a glass surface... surface was waxed and laminations epoxied and laid in... then a strip of conveyor belt material was laid on top.  This was a heavy rubber strip with a cloth face.  A formed steel strip was laid on top of this and then the clamps were put in place and tightened.  The conveyor belting acted as a pad between the steel and the lams.  This technique worked well and I'm sure I can duplicate it.

I have the wood form and the formed steel strips, but was planning on picking up the conveyor belt material here in Seattle, since the person I was with didn't have any extra.   Big oops...  I can't find a supplier here who can provide a few small strips or material I can cut into strips.

So... my question is, what alternatives do others use?  Obviously, I don't want to clamp the steel directly to the lams.   I'm open to suggestions or alternatives...  leather?   flexible wood strips?  formica?  Anything? Help!

I have other questions on other aspects of things, but I'm going to try to deal with questions one at a time.

Dick in Seattle

[Mohawkbows]

Linoleum [spelling?] flooring works fine.

[Holm-Made]

Fedora's sells 1/4" rubber.  

Why not just use the air hose method.  Perfect even pressure every time and simple too.  Doesn't cost hardly anything for the hose/plugs either.  Can't imagine a better system.  Chad

[Dick in Seattle]

re hose system, I know it exists but don't know anything about it at this point.  I believe it requires a two part form and my form is a single part one.   I'm doing this for the fun and challenge of learning something new, and I guess the hose system is something to look forward to trying in the future.

[onemississipp]

Dick,

 Here is a build along I did awhile back, still not finished....

It uses the Air hose...

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=058727

It didn't get moved over here....

[Pennsyltuckey pete]

Dick

I get my conveyor belt material from a local quarry.  I bet if you were to stop by a local quarry they will be happy to get rid of a piece or two.  They have to pay to dispose of the stuff.  If you are unsuccessful I could get you some.

I have used both methods to build a bow.  Mox Nix to me

pete