newbie

[little bear MO]

My family and I just attended MOJAM, as we have for the past few years, but this year my son really got involved and built his 2nd bow.  He would really like to keep building throughout the year, but we would like to know the basic equipment we will be needing for him to do this.  Any help you can give me will be appreciated.  Thank you so much

[mikkekeswick]

The basics are a good solid bench with a 4 inch Engineers vice.
My tool choice would go something like this
Drawknife
Spokeshave
Coarse rasp
Fine rasp (google Shinto saw rasp)
A flat bastard file
A half round 2nd cut file (both 10 inch)
A couple of chainsaw files
Also maybe a bow saw to go and cut wood!
As for price don't go over the top but also don't buy the cheapest. Buy cheap, buy twice is very true when it comes to tools.
Anyway I wish somebody had got me into making bows when I was younger!

[KenH]

Mike's list is a good simple toolkit.  You don't mention if he's building all wood bows or composites.

[little bear MO]

all wood.  going to go cut hedge this weekend to be ready for next year, but do have some people to buy staves from now to keep him busy for awhile.

[DVSHUNTER]

Gail,
 But the boy a new farriers rasp, a drawknife, a chainsaw file, a scraper, and some sandpaper.  He knows what to do with te stuff now.  Also a heat gun wouldn't hurt to straighten his staves.

[Paul/KS]

Hi Gayle    
A good hatchet for cleaning up the stave before working it is handy as well.

[George Tsoukalas]

My site has info.  Nice list, Mike. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/index.html