Future bowyer

[KSPete]

Greetings all, what a great resource this forum is!  I'm a new member who is very interested in learning to build my own laminate longbows.  I've just purchases Vol 1 -2 of the Bowyer's Bible and 2 great video's on making selfbows.  I'm interested in gathering resource materials on building as well as thoughts on purchasing a good band saw.  I plan on converting a detached garage into a shop in spring. I've seen bow kits that are available and was wondering if it would make sense to start with one?  Also, I would be very interested in taking an in depth class with a bowyer to get exposed to the finer points of building a laminate bow.  Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Happy Holidays!
KSPete

[bornofmud]

I know lots of folks offer bow making classes (I do, but I'm out on the west coast, quite a ways from Kansas haha), and that is definetely a good way to go if you don't have any wood working experience.  Kenny M and Bingham's offer plans, and both designs are great and are extremely well tested.  Many folks start there and then alter the riser and limbs to better suit their tastes/needs.

For a bandsaw, I recommend either look for one used, or just going with the grizzly g0555.  Great bandsaw, decent price.  Also save room in your budget for a nice blade (timberwolf is a good one). What I did is kept the blade it comes with for doing fiberglass cuts, and use a nice one when only working with wood or phenolic.  Most of the bandsaws in this price range are going to be very similar, and each has it's own area where the company decided to make quality cuts to save $$.  The grizzly's fence is horrible, but it is very easy to make your own.  Jet and performax usually also get decent reviews in the ~500$ range.

[snapper1d]

KSPete,Advise!!! Dont do it!!! This addiction is worse than crack cocaine!!! I have never tried any crack but if its as fun as bow building you will be in trouble just like the other bow junkies on here!

[Roy from Pa]

Here is a good band saw.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/14-1-HP-Bandsaw-Polar-Bear-Series-/G0555P

[mwosborn]

Don't know where you are located in Kansas - but Nebraska Traditional Archers holds a glass bow building class in June.  Here is the link...

http://www.nebraskatraditionalarchers.org/upcomingevents.htm

Also a selfbow workshop later on in the summer usually late July.

[KSPete]

I'm down in Manhattan KS.  I just came across the Nebraska Traditional Archers website yesterday and plan on making contact about joining and attending next years classes.  Does anyone maintain a list of bowyers who host classes / training?  I'm up for some travel for the right classes.
Thanks for the replies,
KSPete