Hi all, I live in ny and i want to take a chance and create my own self bow. I have no knowledge of this and will take any advice you are willing to give. The first bit of advice im looking for would be what woods could i use for my bow? I would like to use a type of wood that i can get out of my backyard, but i would like to start this soon. I will probably buy a pre dried stave from trad gang for now. What length should i look for with my draw length? Also i should tell you that i have a 31.5 draw and would like the bow to be around 55-60lb weight. please just start me off in the rigt direction.

Currently i shoot a recurve 60AMO 59#@30 and a longbow 66AMO 74#@28. My buddy hand crafted both.
 

If you are buying a stave I would go with Osage.  I would also suggest a video like rattle stick to get you going with the basics.  With that long of a draw a longer bow would be best - 66 to 68"

Good luck - enjoy!  But be careful it is addictive.  

Well I voted and ya got 100% yes. LOL

Osage is the best and Mitch was spot on of at least a 66 inch bow or 68. I'd choose 68 for your long draw, because the longer the bow the less stress applied to the limbs at a longer draw. Are you sure your draw is 31.5?

Try calling pine hollow longbows for a stave if you are buying it.Let mike know you are a virgin and he will take care of you.You can find him in the sponsor list.Osage is best but expensive.X2 on the video

Learn proper tillering before you jump in on a specific type of wood or type of bow. Buy an inexpensive red oak board from Lowe's or Home Depot(less than $10)and build a simple bow. If you are like 90% of beginners you will break or badly bend your first few attempts so no need to waste money on an expensive stave.
 There are quite a few websites explaining and showing you how to build a bow. Go through these and when you are ready to get to work come back here to "Bowyers Bench" and let some experienced builders help you through your build.

What Pat says is true about not using a good stave to start. Here is a good how to thread on board bows.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000122

What pat and Roy said..and now me. Here's my site. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/index.html

I would recommend George's site!!!

I guess Jawges site is Ok?  

mwosborn. i ordered that dvd before i posted yesterday, so im on the right track. I was thinking at least a 66" but i think longer would be better. thanks for the help

roy from pa. yes i do have a 31.5 draw. it is a bit long. i had a little trouble finding an arrow that wes spined and lone enough for my longbow. Thanks for the help.

pat b. I will do that. Thats good advice. I didnt even think of that. Thanks

Great call on George's site. Thanks for the help guys. Can i purchase the tool needed in a starter kit?

You bet Robert.  Roy, Pat, Jawges are steering you right.  If shipping wouldn't kill you, I would send you a nice hackberry stave to start out on.  A board bow would be cheaper though!  Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions once you start -These guys on here aren't so bad