my first self bow....help please

[FoMoCo429]

Hi all, I live in ny and i want to take a chance and create my own self bow. I have no knowledge of this and will take any advice you are willing to give. The first bit of advice im looking for would be what woods could i use for my bow? I would like to use a type of wood that i can get out of my backyard, but i would like to start this soon. I will probably buy a pre dried stave from trad gang for now. What length should i look for with my draw length? Also i should tell you that i have a 31.5 draw and would like the bow to be around 55-60lb weight. please just start me off in the rigt direction.

Currently i shoot a recurve 60AMO 59#@30 and a longbow 66AMO 74#@28. My buddy hand crafted both.
 

[mwosborn]

If you are buying a stave I would go with Osage.  I would also suggest a video like rattle stick to get you going with the basics.  With that long of a draw a longer bow would be best - 66 to 68"

Good luck - enjoy!  But be careful it is addictive.  

[Roy from Pa]

Well I voted and ya got 100% yes. LOL

Osage is the best and Mitch was spot on of at least a 66 inch bow or 68. I'd choose 68 for your long draw, because the longer the bow the less stress applied to the limbs at a longer draw. Are you sure your draw is 31.5?

[Millhimes]

Try calling pine hollow longbows for a stave if you are buying it.Let mike know you are a virgin and he will take care of you.You can find him in the sponsor list.Osage is best but expensive.X2 on the video

[Pat B]

Learn proper tillering before you jump in on a specific type of wood or type of bow. Buy an inexpensive red oak board from Lowe's or Home Depot(less than $10)and build a simple bow. If you are like 90% of beginners you will break or badly bend your first few attempts so no need to waste money on an expensive stave.
  There are quite a few websites explaining and showing you how to build a bow. Go through these and when you are ready to get to work come back here to "Bowyers Bench" and let some experienced builders help you through your build.

[Roy from Pa]

What Pat says is true about not using a good stave to start. Here is a good how to thread on board bows.
 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000122

[George Tsoukalas]

What pat and Roy said..and now me. Here's my site. Jawge
 http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/index.html

[Pat B]

I would recommend George's site!!!

[Roy from Pa]

I guess Jawges site is Ok?  

[FoMoCo429]

mwosborn. i ordered that dvd before i posted yesterday, so im on the right track. I was thinking at least a 66" but i think longer would be better. thanks for the help

[FoMoCo429]

roy from pa. yes i do have a 31.5 draw. it is a bit long. i had a little trouble finding an arrow that wes spined and lone enough for my longbow. Thanks for the help.

[FoMoCo429]

pat b. I will do that. Thats good advice. I didnt even think of that. Thanks

[FoMoCo429]

Great call on George's site. Thanks for the help guys. Can i purchase the tool needed in a starter kit?

[mwosborn]

You bet Robert.  Roy, Pat, Jawges are steering you right.  If shipping wouldn't kill you, I would send you a nice hackberry stave to start out on.  A board bow would be cheaper though!  Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions once you start -These guys on here aren't so bad