I'm with soopernate. If you're looking to build an all wood bow for the first time, try getting a hickory board and making a few board bows. They can be had for about 5 bucks a piece if you get the right piece of wood and they help you learn how to build bows. I would definitely recommend Volumes 1 and 2 of the traditional bowyer's bible- all you need to know(well, maybe not everything, but a good start) to build a durable selfbow. For $175 you can build several(lots) bows and really learn the finer points. Then, once you've got it down, you can move on to more expensive materials and bulding methods/glueups. Whatever you do, have fun- that's why you're doing it! Take care, Matt