And don't forget the cost of the beer!

On the other end of the spectrum, I've made bows that just the wood from which I cut the riser  cost nearly $100...

LOL BMN:)

If you like PBR the cost of beer isn't all that significant.

nothing wrong with PBR

Nope..

PBR was awarded America's best beer in 1893.  They still have it on the can 120 years later.  Nothing wrong with it at all, it just doesn't cost a lot. In fact, I've made bows for lest than what a case of PBR costs.

I've made bows that took me 3 cases of PBR to finish:)

I haven't made a bow that took less than 1 case of PBR ....

Ron, I'm with you 100%, the equipment to make all the lams etc. can be very expensive. It's definately not worth buying a drum sander to make a bow or two ... you need to be a real addict first to make that worthwhile.

Someone mentioned homemade lam grinders. That's what I use, I built mine from a 1/4HP motor I got for around $35, 3" sanding drum ($25), and a single sheet of 3/4" hardwood ply ($40 or so) ... total cost a little over $100 ... it's not made for high volume or professional work, but it grinds with suprising precision for a wooden machine ... typically within .001-.002 side to side, and within tha same margin over the length of the lam.  I could definately use a better taper sled ... turns out thats a bit trickeir to make.

Like Todd Cook I could have bought several really nice customs with what I had in my first bow. Table band saw, sander, form, hot box, misc tools and consumables and the materials for the bow. But I wouldn't go back and do it any other way. I do not envy my friends high dollar customs in the least. I made mine. I'm sure most here feel the same way.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0716

Here's what I use, I have two of them.  One in my shop and one in my brother's shop.  They work great.

it really depends the type of the bow and type of the material you used.

BUT

SHOOTING WITH SELF MADE BOW IS PRICELESS

Well said inksoup.  Hard to top the satisfaction you get from shooting a bow that you put the time into to make yourself.  I haven't made a glass laminated bow yet, but the build alongs I've seen for a straight Hill style look like they could be made with a minimum of tools and cash.   Just get some Smooth On and riser wood, lams, and glass from Kenny M.  The form is just a straight 2 X 6 ( or 2 X 8 ? ) and you could use inner tubes and dowels for the glue up.

Well guys thanks so much for all the responses. You have me super excited to get started.  I am sure I am gonna make a lot of mistakes, but nothing a little (or a lot) of PBR can't get me through. Thanks again.