I have never built a bow but have built things like houses and wood stripped canoes.

I negotiated for some money with my wife about $175.

I need suggestions on how to start.

I am thinking a longbow lh around 60 at 31.

I need direction!

Glass opr wood?   Pat

Wood

how much do you want to do your self??.  selfbow or glue up??  maybe plastic??
Gary Davis has real nice osage blanks already cut out just need tillering.
Wingnut has real nice glue ups that just need tillering.
there was an article in Trad Bowhunter about makeing glass ( plastic ) bow on the cheap

Howard Hill sells what they call a kit that just needs finishing

Where do I get info on the Gary Davis blanks?

Selfbow trees are basically free....you just need to purchase some handtools.  I have had many hours of enjoyment from just a ferriers rasp, a four way rasp, a butcher knife scraper and a chainsaw file for nocks after cutting a basic board blank from a hickory 1x6 purchased at a local supplier.

regarding gary davis blanks, pick up a copy of traditional bowhunter magazine and look for his ad...rattlestick bows...i think tehre is contact info in the magazine.

stan

One thing that helped me a lot:
Buildalongs here, and in the "how to sections" of this forum, Ferret's website, Jawge website and some others that I have at home, so let me know if you are interested.

Why not a Dryad blank? (They are sponsor here)

F-Manny

The Dryad blank with it's free how to video is a pretty good way to get started on a laminated bow, I'd go with Gary Davis' blanks if it's selfbow your lookin for.

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

You can't go wrong with Gary Davis for a starter bow that has already been roughed out, I think his roughed out staves are around $125.  If you want to try it from a full stave, you could get two for for your budget from Mike Yancey at Pine Hollow Bows (a sponsor here).  At Mojam last summer he bought a truck load of excellent looking staves for resale.

Walt Francis

Another Vote for  DRYAD BOWS  and the Whole  Westvang Crew  Crew, headed By Capt. WINGNUT  (MIKE)  They Make a Beautiful "Glue Up" and the DVD that Comes With the "Bow Glue-Up" explains a  LOT , and Is Full Of Info!!      

Gary Davis, Rattle Stick bows you can find his ad in Primitive Archer and in the new bowyers mag

Gary Davis info straight from Bowyers Journal. Since it's published, I thought it o.k. to post. If not,then please pull it.
Rattle Stick Bows
Gary S. Davis
19059 Amman Rd.
Chesaning, MI 48616
989-845-7740
osage blanks starting at $130 - 100% guaranteed

....and get a subscription to Bowyers Journal!

Start with a $6 red oak board from Lowe's. You can make a pretty good bow and goofing up expense will be marginal.

When you start tillering make yourself a Tillering Gizmo, takes all the mystery out of getting your limbs bending properly.

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=033419

Just say NO! It is an addiction that knows no cure.
   
On the other hand If I had the money I'd go for a Dryad blank