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
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