the support columns in a related design the support columns may be made compliant so that any tool support contact on tool advance merely deflects or moves the support aside temporarily enabling to return to its undeflected configuration as the tool is withdrawn because the fiber capturing action of the tools shown in fig2 a g and 3 a f occurs at different stages of the stroke a bi directional tool incorporating both fiber capturing features 58 and 158 may be employed a representative tool 256 is shown in fig4 a and includes both of fiber capturing features 58 and 158 in operation fiber capturing tool 158 closer to tool point 259 will engage the upper surface of a reinforcement stack first and begin to convey fibers from the upper surface view of the stack to the lower surface as tool 256 advances deeper into the stack fiber capture feature 58 will be immersed in the stack but due to its orientation will be unable to engage with or capture any fibers when the tool reaches the limit of its advance stroke and begins to retract fiber capture feature 158 will release those fibers which it was conveying and fiber capture feature 58 will capture fibers and begin to convey them toward the upper surface the stroke of the tool and the placement of the fiber.