rookie with questions on td recurve build

[Matt Green]

Am gearing up for attempt at first bow.  I have looked at lots of pictures, done lots of reading and plan to practice a good bit on scrap lumber.  In not hurry, I hope to get it right, not just get it done.  With that in mind, here are some questions. Planning a td recurve:
1. what woods are easiest to work with ??
2. Thinking of a simple spliced riser - would a flare be too difficult for first try?
3.  if I buy veneers from a sponsor on here are the spliced ones any more difficult to work with?
4. Any advice from your experience?  
thanks
matt G

[David Flanrey]

Matt,
Three piece recurve I assume?  Recurves are a little tougher for me to build.  Somehow they are harder for me to get tracking properly.  My advise is keep everything straight and square.  Have you already built your form?  Here are my answers to your questions.
1. First bow, use least expensive wood. (You will build more than one)
2. Flared risers are more difficult.
3. Don't know.
4. Go slow.
Have fun.
David

[Robertfishes]

I have not built any complete 3 piece bows, only limbs.. I started building ILF recurve limbs earlier this year. I bought 4 ILF risers from 13" up to 21" and I have built 8 pairs of limbs of my own design. So basically I am only building 1/2 a bow...I like the flexibility of the ILF system. If you make a "swing jig" and have a good band saw you should be able to make a riser with a sweeping flare..

[monterey]

Robert, sure like to see some pics of your limbs!

[Robertfishes]

Matt, this is a RER XR riser. It should be easy to glue up this style of riser since all pieces are flat. I think its Bocote and East Indian Rosewood with 4 pieces of either black phenolic or black fiberglass..  Monterey, I e-mailed you some pictures.  

[monterey]

Got the pics.  Thank you.