I am new to bows but not to hunting. I would like to build my own bow and get into bow hunting. Am I better off buying a new bow, used bow or building one myself? Can someone suggest a bow company for a build it yourself "kit" for a newbie?
I would like to get good with a lonbow before I try a compound bow. Not for any particular reason other than I figure it worked for how long so why mess with success?
I have been reading the messages posted allready so a lot of my Q's are allready answered.

Bingham makes bow kits. Everybody I have talked to about them was happy with the way the bows turned out.

I just looked for a bookmark and can't seem to find oune.

Or Dan Quilan sells an unfinished long bow on Ebay for 60 bucks. Hickory backed cherry that are pretty good shooters.

=keith=

gpfreek:

Until you learn to shoot a bow, especially a stick bow, and learn all that you need to know about how a bow functions and how and why a bow is best when specifically matched to you, I strongly suggest you table the idea of building your own bow.

OK. But why would I not want to build my own bow? Is it too difficult, better left to someone with some experience to "tune" it to the shooter, what? Not that I don't appreciate the opinion but I am just curious.
If it isn't a good idea to build my first bow, then could you recommend a good longbow to start with?

Because you apparently do not know how a bow specifically functions and what specs are best suited in accordance with your purpose, you physical specs, and your shooting form. Hopefully, some other experienced shooters that have built their own bow, or tried and was not successful, will jump in here.

I also, would not begin with a "longbow" before you learn the basics of proper shooting form, which, imo, would best be done with a recurve if you plan to shoot only a "stick."

You are correct in that I do not know how a bow SPECIFICALLY functions and what specs are best suited to my purpose, which by the way is shooting for fun with the occasional hunt. That is why I came here and asked. If I knew we wouldn't be posting this conversation.

Why would I learn on a recurve before I shoot a longbow? To me it seems like driving a tractor before you drive a car. Similar in concept, but different enough to cause a lot more Q's than need be.

gpfreek:

I have reconsidered my advice. I believe you should build that bow and it should be a longbow. Keep us informed how you fare.

Why the change of advice c903?

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.