A half inch really does matter. It helps to have a centerline and at least one waterline marked on each of your forms. I always remind myself that there are twelve ways (see below) a form can be misaligned, but only one right position. You're ready to start stripping when everything looks aligned to within about 1/16 inch and test strips curve fairly over the forms, touching each form.

Twelve Ways of Misalignment
1. Form too high
2. Form too low
3. Form too far forward
4. Form too far back
5. Form too far left
6. Form too far right
7. Form twisted left forward, right back
8. Form twisted right forward, left back
9. Form twisted top forward, bottom back
10. Form twisted bottom forward, top back
11. Form twisted left up, right down
12. Form twisted right up, left down

An remember, a form can be misaligned in 2 or more of the Twelve Ways at the same time.

Mike