I know better than to get involved in these type discussions, since it doesn't really matter to me how others build a bow. If it works and they're happy, than I'm happy for them. To answer your questions, I use every tool I have. Bandsaw, table saw, thickness sander, ridged sander, etc. never claimed to build using primitive techniques. The wood bows I've made, almost as primitive as it gets. Self bows with self nocks . Primitive finish? Nope. string? Nope. Do I care? Nope. I did sinew and snakeskin a couple of kids bows, just to learn how. (Yes, hide glue!)