Newbie from Wisconsin

I found the forum this afternoon and haven't been able to quit!  I have been thinking of making a crossbow for a while now and this looks like the place to be.

I have been hunting with a recurve bow for more than 30 years.  I recently came out of the trees and started hunting primarily from ground blinds... its been loads of fun but drawing a bow in close proximity to a mature whitetail is a bit of a challenge.  That, and nagging shoulder problems, got me thinking about a crossbow.  Of course, for a traditionalist I'd rather be caught dead than be seen with one of those high tech carbon fiber arrow launchers.  Not that there is anything wrong with that, its just not for me.

I am a fairly accomplished woodworker (hobby) so I think I can do this.  I'm going to spend some time browsing and planning then dive in after I get my other winter project done (entertainment center for the wife).

Wish me luck

Chuck

Welcome Chuck, I think you will find lots of info and helpful advice here so ask away! Like you I am also a traditional archer. Have not got one with the home builts yet but I have with the modern varieties.

Todd

Welcome, Chuck!  As Todd said, you'll find lots of info here, and folks willing to help in any way they can.  I'm also a traditional archer and bowyer

Welcome ChucK!

Thanks for the welcome.  

I have been browsing the site and the web for a few days and here is where I am... I don't want anything too modern looking but I would like a shoulder mounted stock with a rifle style trigger.  The crossbow will be for hunting with a little recreational target shooting.

I don't have any metalworking tools or skills but I do have a fully outfitted woodworking shop and some skill in that area.  From what I have read I don't think a solid wood prod is what I am looking for, and if I have to go all fiberglass and wood lamination I would just as soon buy one that I know will last.  As for the trigger system, without any skills in that department I would like to buy a drop in style trigger.

Questions:

I have found sites where I can buy metal prods in weights from clearly not enough to waaay too much.  I am leaning towards a fiberglass prod for durability and weight savings but all I can find are what appear to be the same 80 and 150 pound prods and lots of replacement two piece prods for modern crossbows.  Are there any good one-piece glass prods in heavier weights?

For hunting whitetail deer, do I even want something heavier than 150 lbs?

I found replacement trigger mechanisms for Janado bows and triggertech.  Are there any others out there?  Specifically, are there any drop in roller nut type triggers for sale?

Thats about it for now.

Chuck

Welcome here.  I'm of your general thoughts also. I hunt ,and I  now make the weapons I hunt with.I'm a converted crossbowman  kinda because of aging shoulders.Shot regular bow for 50 plus years. I've been working on an inswinger that I have worked up to about 150#-18" draw. I do Black powder too .I assemble them from pieces obtained here and there.This is a great forum. Oh , by the way ---finish the entertainment thing or--well you know what I mean. HEE  HEE.  Have fun