During the Middle Ages, the crossbow was a powerful weapon, significantly superior in combat qualities to an ordinary bow. Centuries have passed, but the art of crossbow shooting has not disappeared. Today, this weapon is not only used in sports competitions, but is also in service with some special units. If you want to compete in shooting accuracy, then you can make a working model of a crossbow on your own.
It is necessary
- - birch board;
- - plane;
- - a hacksaw for wood;
- - chisel;
- - a hammer;
- - knife;
- - wire;
- - automobile spring;
- - strong thread for the bowstring (metal cable).
Instructions
Step 1
Start making the crossbow from the stock. Birch, ash or walnut are suitable for the bed. From a dry board with a thickness of about 30 mm, cut the base of the crossbow according to the template. Make a groove (tongue) on the upper plane of the future bed, which will serve as a guide for the boom. Reinforce this groove with two metal strips overlapping on either side of the groove.
Step 2
As a crossbow bow, the arcs of a used sports bow or old car springs, which will have to be given the required shape on a grindstone, are ideal. Place the bow at the front of the stock by making a notch in the wood. Strengthen the connection of the bow with the stock with a special block in the form of a metal frame.
Step 3
For the bowstring, use artificial materials that are difficult to stretch (fastflight, lavsan, etc.). If you decide to use a metal cable as a bowstring, keep in mind that it can reduce the speed of the arrow. At the ends of the string, make loops for putting on the bow. After securing the bowstring to the bow, adjust the degree of its tension, winding additional turns on the ends if necessary.
Step 4
Build a trigger. It consists of a wooden or metal lever that pushes an arrow. Install the lever on the axle at the rear of the stock, making a through groove in the wood.
Step 5
For marksmanship, you will need a sight, consisting of a front sight and a rear sight (plates with slots). In extreme cases, aiming while firing can be carried out by focusing on the chute and arrowhead. Modern sports models of crossbows in some cases are equipped with diopter or optical sights.
Step 6
Attach a stirrup to the front of the stock for the convenience of pulling the bowstring. Make a stirrup using thick wire or steel cable. When the bow is pulled, a leg will be inserted into it at the ground. If you have a very powerful bow, such an element is simply necessary.
Step 7
Cut the arrows for the crossbow out of solid wood, providing a thickening in the back for the bowstring. Find the optimal boom length empirically. Use a regular nail for the tip, screwing it to the front of the boom with thin copper or aluminum wire. For more powerful models, you can make an arrow from a metal strip or thick steel wire.
