"BA-100" wrote in message ...
snip
Does the cedar strip technique you mention use multiple layers of veneer?
Presumably you need a form to wrap this around. Does it have to be solid
or
can you just use formers, say, every 9 inches or so? How do you clamp to
get a good bond between layers?

Years ago (1930's & 40's), my dad sponsored neighborhood kids for the Soap
Box Derby.

He had them use a form of this construction for the shell of their racers. A
couple of planks formed the bottom of the car and formers were fastened on -
the main ones being the "dash" to hold the steering column, and the seat
back. Then thin strips of cedar were tack-nailed on the plank and run up and
across the formers at a 45° angle (or so) and nailed to the plank on the
other side.

When one layer was complete, the wood was covered with strips of thin
canvas, saturated with glue. Then a second layer of wood was added, run in
the opposite direction.

The end result was a smooth, compound-curved, thin, light, streamlined shell
of a body.

Every racer who had my dad as a sponsor won the Pacific NW championship. But
that's another story. My dad discovered the secret to honestly and fairly
blow the doors off all the other racers. It involved a four-foot long
micrometer. . .

Rich S.