Andy, it is not that hard. Start with a floor tillered board stave to learn the basics of tillerring, without breaking the bank.
There are lots of online resources for knowledge and guidance. Tools are simple and you don't need many. A Ferriers rasp, A draw knife, a cabnit scraper, and a Nicholson 49 and a 50 rasp, and a small chain saw file. Add a bit of sandpaper, a bottle of tru oil for finishing.
I prefer working Split staves over boards, but split staves are expensive to cut your teeth on. Board Bows are cheap.
After you make your first shooter then go for the good staves.
Here is a good place to start.
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.ne...ni/archer.html
Another good place is
www.rudderbows.com
The Bowyers bench at
www.tradgang.com is full of help
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimate...=0;DaysPrune=0
here is a good reference for woods.
https://sites.google.com/site/onemississipp/bowwoods
more info
http://poorfolkbows.com/index.html
http://www.osageorange.com/index.html
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php
Staves in canada
http://www.amwoodinc.com/productDeta...JZ0jifOw%3d%3d
Pete