Guys,
Normally, I work on carpentry projects, but I've been asked to replace a damaged light post made from exposed aggregate concrete. I've made a form from a 18" sonotube with wooden spines fastened around the inside to create a fluted concrete post about 3' above ground level forming a base for a decorative streetlight. The top of the form has multiple pieces that cause the post to neck down to a 6" diameter. The plans call for an exposed aggregate finish. This, of course, will mean that I have to early strip the form in order to wash the fines and expose the limestone aggregate. My question is how do I know when to remove the form. I'm concerned about damaging the flutes if I strip the form too early and, of course, if too late, I won't be able to. With sidewalks, it's easy to test the cure point. In this case, the form and the Any suggestions?