I've seen plans for some pretty bulky laminating ovens but I'm trying to save on space. How small can I go without completely torching my bow/form? Does anyone have some good plans or pictures for compact ovens?
Alternatively, is anyone using heating strips? I've only heard about them in passing, can't find them anywhere, and would like to know if they really are a viable option.
Any insight is appreciated. Thanks.
You could just go with an epoxy that doesn't require high temps and wait a day longer!
T88 is used a lot by people building wooden aircraft, so it should fit the bill.
If someone will stake their life on it, it can't be too bad.
Patience is a virtue, or so I've been told!
I did some bows without extra heat. I think the glue sticks better into the lams and flows under the glas with some heat. At least > 35° degrees cels. I build several ovens, some only with foam, some only for a weekend workshop. Heating with light bulbs. Currently i have a infrared heating panel that works too (80° degrees Cels.) Such a panel cost about 100 $ and is very flat.
You can also put the panel on the desk, the bow above it and put some blankets over the whole stuff.
In my own workshop i like a designated oven ;-)
You can always put the form and other stuff in it when on other projects.
At least we did optimize the forms itself. The weight is a lot less, and the size is also significant smaller. So the box can be smaller too. But this form works only with inner tubes, not with an air hose.
This link has some ideas. My pics for an easy to use, breakdown hot box are on their, too.
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=013199;p=1#000003