beginners item list?

[$bowhunter$]

well to start out lets just say that i know very little of bow making (never done it, never seen anyone do it) but i have the chance to make a bow in shop cass for my final SAE project. to say the least im completely pumped! so i figured i would ask some first time questions on here before i begin....
1. i was hoping to build a t/d recurve. now im not sure of the difficuty but any suggestions would be great.
2. if i do this what are the main tools ill need to use? i have access to your main wood working tools but i have to build things like a hot box if i needed one.
3. i know it will cost some money but im on a budget being only 15 so im trying to keep the price down. so what are the main costs im looking at in this project?
4. are there any good videos/ dvds / or anything else i could find to sort of guide me? ive looked through the build alongs also.
5. where is the best place to get materials to create my bow?

also just any other advice you could give me before i dive in on this project would be GREAT! im sorry to burry everyone with all of my questions but this site is my best sourse for info on this subjet.

thanks to everyone!,
steven

[perry f.]

I'm fairly new to the bow making world too. However, If you don't have a hot box, limb form, or any of the materials, building glass bows does come with some start up cost. You will get plenty of advice on here. I recommend getting materials from kennym on here. He is top notch and very knowledgable. You may also check out binghamprojects.com I have a video of theirs that is very informative and it takes you through how to build the hot box, form, and onto building the bow. Best of luck, and look forward to seeing your pictures.

[psychmonky]

If its going to be glass over wood, then yes, you will need a hotbox and some smooth on. This differs from an all wood bow in that with wood/wood you can use urac185 which is about a trillion times cheaper than smooth on and doesn't require heat.

You are also going to need forms for the limbs as was stated above. A longbow would seem easier to me, because a few blocks of wood and a bunch of clamps can serve as your form.

As for supplies, the post above pretty much covered it.

Sorry for the rambling, disjointed post, but im on nights right now so I've been up about 22 hrs.

Scott

[Jake Fr]

It might be easier to purchase the beginers kit from binghams it will come with every thing you need glue detailed plans woods for limbs and riser and hose. Everything for hot box you will need to pick up very little suplys after that and be ready you intial cost isn't cheap but well worth it good luck

[Grey Taylor]

Bingham's least expensive beginner's kit is $266 and that does not include tools (which you have access to) or materials for a hot box or a form, and you'll need both.
If you're on a budget why don't you consider making a self bow or a backed self bow? You can get a red oak board at the DIY store for about $7. Or you can splurge and order a stave from a vendor. Or you can really go nuts and go harvest a tree yourself and make that part of your project.
Making a 'glass bow is a pretty big commitment in parts and materials. If you curb your ambitions just a little you can still make a great bow and spend a lot less doing it.

Guy

[bamboo]

steven
there is no reason to not attempt making a take down form--i'll bet with some resourcfulness you could find enough ply wood scraps to make a form--and tons of bows have been glued up without a hot box--not to mention you don't need a lot of scrap ply to make a hotbox for a takedown limb/riser--you can use the rubber band method--also purchase the binghams movie--that will clear the proccess up for you--put a feeler out on the classifieds--you might get one used--check every build along you can find-amazing what you can learn-i believe a glass bow is your best chance for success[good grade/good bow]also don't rule out a one piece sraight long bow-good luck