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Crossbows - Everything about Building, Modding, and Using your Crossbow Gear

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4 posters

    tools and techniques advice neede

    backgardenbowyer
    backgardenbowyer
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    tools and techniques advice neede Empty tools and techniques advice neede

    Post by backgardenbowyer Sun Jan 20, 2013 10:03 am

    I've just finished my first build (a wooden prod with push pin lock) and am starting to plan to build a more serious bow next. I have, however, limited workshops facilities and there are few crossbow components available here in UK. I rely mainly on hand tools and ingenuity for my bowyery. I'd like to build a rolling nut lock - probably using one of replacement fibreglass prods from the less expensive commercial bows, which are fairly cheaply available here. I can cover the prod with some leather for a more authentic look and this will give me 150lbs - plenty for a little field archery.

    Delrin is quite easily available for the nut, but making the tickler looks problematic as I have no facilities for forging, heat treating or machining steel

    So advice please! If I get some mild steel square bar will I be able to bend it cold without over stressing the metal, and will the face be hard enough without heat treatment if it has been work hardened by a good beating in the bending process? If I do work out a way to get the steel hot enough (BBQ and bellows?) can you harden mild steel sufficiently by quenching or do you have to case harden it, or maybe get some 01 carbon steel stock instead?

    Finally I don't have a drill press - will I get away with drilling the nut socket with a hand held power drill or is this certain to lead to poor alignment and disaster?

    Thanks for your help guys.

    Stan
    Todd the archer
    Todd the archer
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    Post by Todd the archer Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:54 pm

    I have made tickler levers just from cold bending 5/16" rod in a vise with a little help from a hammer. Didn't temper but so far holding up okay.

    Remember back in medieval times tools were simple but still got the job done. With patience you can do fairly good work.

    Todd
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    chaz
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    Post by chaz Sun Jan 20, 2013 4:58 pm

    You might check for local cabinet shops or machinist shop, they should have a drillpress, they may charge a fee to drill the nut center hole, but maybe worth it so it is accurate. Along with checking these shops you may find new source for materials and learn somethings that maybe useful as well.

    Cheers Chaz
    Taxus
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    Fresh Blood

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    Post by Taxus Mon Jan 21, 2013 5:23 am

    Square mild steel bar should serve well enough, though if you want a harder steel try Key Steel. I have used 10mm square bar Key steel for trigger levers and it bends fine cold, and is quite easy to drill and file.

    Your best bet with a hand drill is to use one of the stands clamped to a bench to try a get an accurate socket hole.
    backgardenbowyer
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    I'm new to crossbows


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    Post by backgardenbowyer Mon Jan 21, 2013 12:26 pm

    Thanks guys - I knew I'd get some helpful advice here!

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