How to Make a Strong Crossbow

Crossbows were used in battles in medieval times, but you can use them in hunting or sports. A crossbow can cause harm -- as pointed out in the Swiss folk story of William Tell -- but if you observe some caution, you can find it pleasurable bringing down game with a crossbow. A crossbow with a telescopic sight costs anywhere from $500 to $700, but you can build one yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Hardwood for the stock and bow or prod
  • Crossbow strings
  • Sheet metal strips
  • 1-inch rubber strips made from old tire tubes
  • Aluminum block
  • Rubber strip
  • Fiberglass strips
  • Wing nuts
  • C-clamp
  • Chisel
  • Steaming pot
  • Wood bending machine
  • Metal strip
  • Drill
  • Glue
  • Jigsaw
  • Band saw
  • Manual and machine tools
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make the crossbow stock from a hardwood board measuring 1 1/2 inches by 7 1/2 inches by 35 inches. The stock is the main body of a crossbow or a rifle. Use a chisel to chip out a space measuring 2 1/2 inches on the stock for the trigger assembly. Then, still with the chisel, make a groove down the center approximately 3/15 inch by 1/2 inch between the space and the end of the barrel. Sand the edges of the groove to create a 1/7 inch beveled edge.

    • 2

      Take a piece of wood measuring 1/2 inch by 2 inches by 36 inches and curve both ends to a tapering shape to make the bow. Steam the wood in the pot for 15 minutes, then hold it in the bent strip of metal and clamp them against each other with the C-clamp. This prevents the wood from splintering as you bend the tips. Remove the clamp when the wood cools. You can also cut out the bow from wood using a band saw or a wood bending machine.

    • 3

      Glue the fiberglass strips to the back of the bow, then hold everything firmly together using 1-inch rubber strips for old inner tubes. Slip a wedge shaped block into the slot behind the bow to stop the bow from moving back and forth horizontally as this is the weakest part of the crossbow.

    • 4

      Make a wooden plate measuring 1/2 inch by 1 1/2 inches by 5 i/2 inches and drill holes on both ends to allow bolts through. Fasten it in place longitudinally on the crossbow stock using bolts and wing nuts. This plate prevents the bow from moving back and forth vertically when you use the crossbow.

    • 5

      Make a peep sight from an aluminum block. The peep sight helps you to take a better aim. You may ask a metal turner to make the peep sight for you or you can make it yourself using three drills and a hacksaw. The peep sight has two places for adjusting. Fix screws for adjusting the peep sight. Finish it with lacquer and fasten the parts together. Fix the bow string before using the crossbow.

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