With working part time in a archery shop this past year I havecome to know alocal fellow that builds both recurves and long bows and has done so for family and friendsthe past 15 years. Now I admit that I don't know much about tradional archery, but from those in the know (includingmy friend who is theshop owner) all say this fellow knows his stuff about building bows.He is retirednow and does this part time to full time if needs be. Anyway he offered to build me a traditional bow of my choice as long as I tell anyone who cares that he built the bow and refer them to him. I will have to pay for the costs of materials but other then that its free. He has not built many left handed bows, and I am a lefty but I have seen his work and its good and I trust him. I have also talked to many who now shoot his bows and I have not heard any complaints. I want a take down recurve, but what poundage should I get? I was thinking I wanted a 65 or 70 pound bow, but he didn't think that was a good idea for me to start out shooting traditional with such high poundage. Do you guys agree with this or not? He will build it if I want it so, but he recomends tostart out with a 50 or 55 pound bow.Also what are some good books about traditional archery I should start reading? I have archery hunted now since 1989 and feel like I know my stuff when it comes to modern bows and equipment but with traditional I feel like a newkid in candy shop starting all over again with so many choices.One last thing I doplan on trying to elk hunt with this bow, not this year but most likley next and that is why I want a 65 or 70 pound bow. My last couple of elk bow kills were under 20 yards so I know I can do it as long as I can hit them.[8D]We shall see.