Cost to build a bow

[BMN]

And don't forget the cost of the beer!

[Mike Mecredy]

On the other end of the spectrum, I've made bows that just the wood from which I cut the riser  cost nearly $100...

[Roy from Pa]

LOL BMN:)

[Mike Mecredy]

If you like PBR the cost of beer isn't all that significant.

[BMN]

nothing wrong with PBR

[Roy from Pa]

Nope..

[Mike Mecredy]

PBR was awarded America's best beer in 1893.  They still have it on the can 120 years later.  Nothing wrong with it at all, it just doesn't cost a lot. In fact, I've made bows for lest than what a case of PBR costs.

[Roy from Pa]

I've made bows that took me 3 cases of PBR to finish:)

[LittleBen]

I haven't made a bow that took less than 1 case of PBR ....

Ron, I'm with you 100%, the equipment to make all the lams etc. can be very expensive. It's definately not worth buying a drum sander to make a bow or two ... you need to be a real addict first to make that worthwhile.

Someone mentioned homemade lam grinders. That's what I use, I built mine from a 1/4HP motor I got for around $35, 3" sanding drum ($25), and a single sheet of 3/4" hardwood ply ($40 or so) ... total cost a little over $100 ... it's not made for high volume or professional work, but it grinds with suprising precision for a wooden machine ... typically within .001-.002 side to side, and within tha same margin over the length of the lam.  I could definately use a better taper sled ... turns out thats a bit trickeir to make.

[Jason Scott]

Like Todd Cook I could have bought several really nice customs with what I had in my first bow. Table band saw, sander, form, hot box, misc tools and consumables and the materials for the bow. But I wouldn't go back and do it any other way. I do not envy my friends high dollar customs in the least. I made mine. I'm sure most here feel the same way.

[Mike Mecredy]

http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0716

Here's what I use, I have two of them.  One in my shop and one in my brother's shop.  They work great.

[inksoup]

it really depends the type of the bow and type of the material you used.

BUT

SHOOTING WITH SELF MADE BOW IS PRICELESS

[takefive]

Well said inksoup.  Hard to top the satisfaction you get from shooting a bow that you put the time into to make yourself.  I haven't made a glass laminated bow yet, but the build alongs I've seen for a straight Hill style look like they could be made with a minimum of tools and cash.   Just get some Smooth On and riser wood, lams, and glass from Kenny M.  The form is just a straight 2 X 6 ( or 2 X 8 ? ) and you could use inner tubes and dowels for the glue up.

[acollins]

Well guys thanks so much for all the responses. You have me super excited to get started.  I am sure I am gonna make a lot of mistakes, but nothing a little (or a lot) of PBR can't get me through. Thanks again.