Totally understand this frustration. This is the principle of the thing now. You’ll get it sorted out.
Thanks, Dave, that commiseration makes it easier to keep trying. ha ha
Got the old backing steamed off, sized the back, and started again. A few things I'm doing differently: I'm soaking the fibers in warm water before applying to make them more cooperative. Using smaller bundles or individual fibers, instead of big, wide bundles, and overlapping the ends more to avoid weak places. Running each fiber bundle through a fine-tooth comb to remove broken and twisted fibers, and straighten the ones that remain. And using more glue. Lots and lots of glue. Finally, covered the first layer in plastic film and very tightly wrapped with an ace bandage for a few hours until the glue sets up, just to really get it to adhere to the wood.
If this doen't work?
