Well I went and did it...

[Dave Bowers]

I started my first hand made bow. I decide to use maple with a poplar riser. Some how a I'm thinking I shoulda used a hardwood for my riser. BUt I guess we'll see how it goes.
Anywho I got it all laid out last night, roughed and got the riser glued on. This mornin I tappered the tips and work on the belly a touch.

Heres a few pics:

 

Glues dry
 

Starting to take shape
 

[razorback]

Looks like a good start. Just take your time with tillering and ask lots of questions. There is plenty of advise from some really good bowyers on here.
Also keep the pics coming.

[Dave Bowers]

Hey thanks and thanks for the advice.

[Pat B]

I think poplar will be fine for what you are doing. There isn't be any pressure on the handle anyway. You have plenty enough wood in the limbs to get the belly plain below the plain of the handle so that area will stay stiff enough so the handle won't pop off.
   Good start. Looking forward to your progress.

[Dave Bowers]

Thanks Pat, I was a bit concerned with my choice. I sure I'm gonna have a bunch of question in the next few days, so I definitely keep everyone up to date with pics and progress.