How to Make a Cross Bow

Crossbows evolved as medieval armies sought to develop increasingly powerful long-range weapons. The main advantage of a crossbow is that it can remain cocked without having to manually hold the bowstring back, allowing for more precision. Creating a crossbow of your own can be done fairly simply with a few common tools and some lumber from your local hardware store. In this article, you will learn how to create a small, lower-range and safer elastic string crossbow. This could be an excellent project to do with a child interested in archery or hunting.

Things You'll Need

• 2x2 piece of lumber Pencil or pen Small hacksaw Drill Wood gouge 2x2 piece of sheet styrene Two-inch long nail 1x1 tree branch One-foot-long elastic thong (sturdy string) Sand paper

Instructions

1. 

   Sketch out the pattern of the crossbow on a a 2x2 piece of lumber. Starting at the left end of the board, draw a horizontal line running across the plank of wood for six inches. Draw a diagonal line to the bottom edge of the board. Start a diagonal line two inches from the first and connect this with a horizontal line running another two inches. Your diagonal line should gradually hit the bottom right-side corner.

2. Measure two inches across the top left side edge and draw a one-inch vertical line. Connect this to a perpendicular horizontal line that runs until it lines up with the rightmost bottom diagonal line. Connect a perpendicular vertical line to this. This will be the pattern of your crossbow.

3. 

   Drill out a one-inch diameter hole in the jutting bottom portion of the crossbow. Using a gouge, carve out a groove running down the middle of the top side of the crossbow. This grove should be at least one inch wide. Continue the groove until it is one foot long. At the last inch, carve all the way down and through the other side to create room for the trigger.

4. Create the trigger out of a small piece of sheet styrene that has been cut into a curved triangle. On the bottom of the triangle carve a small indention so that the bowstring can be held in place until the trigger is pulled. Turn the trigger upside down so that the curved point is facing down and the indention is facing up. Secure this in place with a two-inch-long nail all the way through the board. Wiggle the trigger back and forth to make it more pliable.

5. 

   Cut down a small sapling tree or cut off a one-inch-wide tree branch. The stick should be one foot long. Trim both ends and carve two notches on each end side for the bowstring.

6. 

   Slip the stick into the one-inch-wide hole in the crossbow. Tie a thong of sturdy elastic to each end for the bowstring. Pull this and hitch the bowstring to the trigger. The crossbow is now ready to fire. You can sand down the sides and handle of the crossbow to make it more comfortable to use. You may also paint it with wood glue or stain the crossbow if you so desire.

Tips & Warnings

• Anything that shoots arrows can be dangerous. Always wear safety goggles when firing a crossbow and never fire at another person.

Resources

• More Crossbow Supplies and Accessories at Shootnhunt.com