![]() If you want a lighter bow (less power but easier to draw), start with a longer piece of pipe. This is what the finished bow should look like at full-draw. This bow should get around a 40 pound pull at six inches. Now is a good time to test the bow by pulling it back six inches. It also keeps the string from hopping up, which will help prevent misfires. This will help reduce the strain on the bow while it is used in the crossbow. Take a look at the strung prod from the front. Paracord or heavy dacron line will work for this bow, just tie a loop into either end. You want about an inch to two inches of space between the string and the bow, like in the picture. String the bow up with a string that is about an inch or so shorter than the bow. Sand and smooth all sharp edges so that they won't cut into the string. Cut a 1/4” square out of each corner of the bow tips, resulting in a square pin like the one in the photo. Now that the main body of the bow is finished, it is time to cut the nocks upon which the string will rest. Make sure the center stays connected and intact, as the bow will become unstable if the bottom edge is cut through. Notice how there is a slight gap on both limbs but not in the center. It is easier to see what I mean if you look at the picture of the upside down prod. Make sure to not sand the center too much, as a lot of the bow's strength will come from the center being a full tube. Finish the bow by rounding the bottom edge with sandpaper to match the curve of the top edge. If the recurve is too uneven, the prod may end up folding when the crossbow is loaded.įollow the lines you marked with a saw and cut the taper into the bow. Make sure that your second limb is close to matching the other. This will give your bow a nice recurve to both limbs. Once it sets run it under cold water to help it keep its new shape. Hold it there with a potholder or heat resistant gloves until it sets. Once it is soft enough to bend but not soft enough to where it begins to puff up, bend I over an 8” pot to form the recurve. Heat up one of the ends of the pipe to the 3” mark. This will form the tapered shape of your crossbow prod (bow). Next, draw two straight lines connecting the bottom edge of the middle of the pipe to the middle of both ends. With a straightedge and marker/pencil, mark the pipe 3” in from both ends and 1/2” from the center on both sides. You could also heat half the pipe and flatten that, then heat the other side and flatten it to match the first. Once the whole pipe is soft you can flatten it with a board by placing the pipe under the board and stepping on it, using your weight to flatten it. Be sure to wear heat resistant gloves or use oven pads when handling hot pipe as it can cause severe burns. Using an electric or gas range or heat gun, heat the entire pipe until it is easily flattened with finger pressure. PVC gets soft when heated, so heat will be used to flatten this pipe. Let's start with a 12” length of 3/4” PVC pipe. PVC hot enough to form will cause burns, so be careful and wear gloves to protect your hands. Always take good safety measures and wear safety equipment when heating, cutting, sanding, grinding, or shaping wood and PVC plastic. Do not point the crossbow at anything you do not want to shoot and be aware of what lies beyond your target. Build and use this crossbow at your own risk. This crossbow is not a toy and can cause serious injury. Drill with 5/16" and 1/16" drill bits Warnings: ![]() A saw, hacksaw or coping saw works best. 8 inch diameter pot or similar container for forming recurves A hair dryer will typically not get hot enough. Heat gun, stovetop, hot coals, or other heat source for flattening PVC pipe. 5/16" wood dowel, at least 2 inches long Twine, paracord, or nylon cord for tying and binding parts together. Pine will work for this bow, but hardwoods like oak or mahogany will be more durable. Paracord or Dacron/Polyester cord for string It's important that it is Schedule 40 or similar (3mm thick walls) as thinner pipes will not work for this and can fold or snap. If anyone is interested in seeing a new mini/pistol crossbow tutorial, let me know! Materials : - 12 inch long 3/4" diameter Schedule 40 PVC pipe. There are a lot of improvements that can be made and ways to streamline it quite a bit. This crossbow does take a little woodworking skill, but everything can be done with a few simple tools, a drill, and a file. It's surprising how accurate you can get even without sights. It draws 40 pounds at 6 inches and is great for shooting at cardboard boxes or aluminum cans. Hey everybody! Here's a really simple and fun mini crossbow I built a few years back.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |