trad gang members i need advice. i have been takin over by the trad archery and bow building diease. my two options are a shelf bow from osage which i have tried in the past and came very close to a finished bow which broke in the late tillering stage. so i have some but very little experience with self bows. i also have the componets from 3rivers for a boo backed ipe core hickory belly bow. so my first of what im sure will be many questions is what would be easier for a new guy selfbow from osage OR the laminated bow? any advice is welcome and thanks alot

karrow, I'd suggest first to do some searches through the posts and read all the build alongs here and at primitive archer site.

I think the laminated bow is easier in a reflexed design. Still you need to get with someone or risk ruining some material as you learn.

I've got two different guys building a bow as they get time to come to my place.

It's not that I'm a pro but have gone through the basics a few times. You'd be welcome if the trip wasn't too long.
Ron

how about this video build along.  works good for maple, ash, red oak.  may be cheaper till you get some more experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37EPS0Xs_Tw

If you go with the laminate I wouldn't reccomend an R/D for your first, that's just me.  If you go with a straight profile laminated blank you can make yourself a tillering gizmo  http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=001047  and tillering out that blank will be a breeze.  Tillering R/D's can be tricky and while the gizmo helps with them it's not nearly as straight forward a process as with a straight profile bow.  But you may be the ambitious type and if so ignore me and get an R/D blank     If you decide to go with the stave the gizmo will help a ton there too.  Good luck and have fun.

self bow

selfie or shelfie.    Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

well guys thanks for the advice. macbow what an offer i greatly appreciate it. i watched the build along on you tube, very helpful. i think i will go with the board bow build because my dad owns the local lumber yard and we have plenty of red oak on hand (which may be needed    im sure there will be more questions. i'll keep you posted and try to post some pics. thanks again.

I'd say selfbow too.
 With the components you got from 3Rivers a better option for construction would be using the hickory for the core and the ipe for the belly...especially with a boo back.

first question is first. do you have any successful bows under your belt yet?

if not , i highly suggest a couple bend through the handle bows. youll learn a lot , and not risk messing up you 3rivers stuff..


gl
-hov