Ray,
The only thing harder about building the R/D is getting the riser to fit properly in the form. If you have a disk sander and some patience you should be ok. You can also use a 2x4 to make practice risers with.
The straight limb longbow should shoot in the 160-170 fps range, I think mine shoots in the upper 160's with a 29" draw, they do have some hand shock so use light weight wood in the limbs. Straight limb bows are simple to build, they have plenty of speed for hunting and are very quiet.