gp,
I recently finished building a longbow. It was my first attempt and it came out GREAT!! so I speak from experience. If you are serious do your homework, see if you can find some trad shooters in your area and ask alot of questions. I was lucky in that I found someone who has already built several bows and was willing to mentor me. That being said, it was not that difficult and I feel very confident that had I not had guidance it still would"ve turned out the same(just would have taken longer). I purchased my longbow kit from www.binghamprojects.com. If you contact them they will be more than happy to answer your questions. Also, my archery experience was limited to modern compounds only and contrary to everything I've ever heard I shoot a longbow better than a recurve. Actually I shoot them both about the same, but I'm more comfortable with the longbow. I highly reccommend building your own, it will take a little while but it is very rewarding.
Specs for my bow .
Bubinga riser, Red elm limb laminations w/one piece of carbon fiber .030"
68" delex longbow 45lbs@ 28"
arrow speed 171fps w/ 464gr. arrow
Hope this helps and if you have any questions just ask.