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

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5 posters

    want to make a crossbow!

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    jake
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    Post by jake Sat Jun 25, 2011 7:29 pm

    Hi,I like hunting ive hunted with dogs,guns,compound bows,pig traps as in friendly closing door.and like small projects metal and wood,a couple of days ago decided i wanted to build my own hunting cross bow.but dont no any thing wondering if any one can help with,a simple hunting bow,tigger systems?
    what materials make the best limbs? and so how long,wide think should it be?
    Todd the archer
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    Post by Todd the archer Sat Jun 25, 2011 8:42 pm

    Welcome Jake, are you looking to build a modern style or a traditional style crossbow? I hunt as well so maybe we can help with your project.

    Todd
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    Post by Basilisk120 Sat Jun 25, 2011 8:54 pm

    Welcome.
    More than happy to help you in your quest to build a crossbow but you really asked some big questions. The simple answer to your questions really is "it depends on the situation" and deserve there own topic.

    What materials are you used to working with and your skill level? How much money do you want to spend?
    Triggers: There a few different styles floating around the site. But the simplest systems may not be the easiest or work for what you want to do.
    Limbs: The best material really depends on what you want to do, For hunting they are likely going to be either steel or some form of composite. Of those two which is the best? They both have advantages and disadvantages but it really comes down to what you need.
    Length and width comes done to material.

    Glad to help you out come up with ideas to make and even talk hunting. Once again welcome.
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    Post by jake Sat Jun 25, 2011 10:03 pm

    that would by great and thanks for the welcoming. i would prefer modern bow but if its much easier to build a traditional crossbow id prefure a easy opinion,i dont mind putting some cash into a project but it will have to be accurate (wood and steel are the material)i dont no about fibreglassing or composite.as long as there a trigger system that works well.
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    Post by Basilisk120 Sat Jun 25, 2011 10:27 pm

    No a traditional bow wouldn't necessarily be easier. I think what he was referring to was more of a medieval style crossbow.

    A modern bow might be a little easier as you don't have to follow any given pattern and do what you want.


    Wood and steel would be great.
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    Post by jake Sat Jun 25, 2011 10:49 pm

    ok modern it is,would spring steel by sutible for limbs? and would the old springs from cars be suitble?
    what strength is sutible for hunting goats and pigs?
    what would the length of the each limb would be?
    and the limbs would determin the lenght of the arrow track?
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    Post by Basilisk120 Sat Jun 25, 2011 11:44 pm

    Spring steel would work fine for the limbs. Cars springs can work but there are issues unique to old car leaf springs that would need to be addressed. I believe there is at least one thread here that covers that and there is something in the crossbow builders wiki http://crossbow.wikia.com/wiki/Crossbow_Building_Wiki has plans that list size and length. One thing to be careful of is that old springs may have stress cracks in them from use and are simply worn out.

    As for the strength needed to hunt? I would look at what ever hunting regulations cover hunting in your area. I know here there is a minimum strength (its either 140 or 160 lbs) Other than that 150 to 200 lb would likely be good.

    Limbs would determine track length, kind of. The limbs would really determine power stroke and draw length. Having a Power stroke of 8- 10 inches wouldn't be unreasonable to expect. Some prods may be able to have a longer power stroke but go with the manufacturers guidelines.
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    Post by jake Sat Jun 25, 2011 11:57 pm

    cool,thanks ok then,im going to see what i can cook up,thanks for the help/advice ima going to get som materials for the stock,bolttrack and find some spring steel Very Happy
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    Post by jake-owa Sun Jun 26, 2011 2:37 am

    Can't wait to see what you come up with.
    Todd the archer
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    Post by Todd the archer Sun Jun 26, 2011 4:36 am

    Here is one a fellow member put together:

    https://thearbalistguild.forumotion.com/t119-new-hunting-crossbow

    As for the steel bow part (the prod), it can be purchased from Alchem (they are listed on the right side of the page under supplies) if you don't want to grind out your own. I have a 205 pound prod that shoots a 428 grain bolt @ 207 fps.

    There are many different styles of triggers. Some are easy, others are more work, each have their pros and cons. Not sure if anyone make a "drop in" trigger unit that you can buy. Of course you can build your own but how easy would depend on access to metal working equipmet. I have use a couple different triggers so far: the common roller nut and the more primitive notch lock. But for hunting and best accruracy I think you would be better off with a more advanced trigger design. I am tinkering around with a different trigger now will post info as I make progress.

    Todd
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    want to make a crossbow! Empty Additional stuff you need to consider

    Post by DragonMarkLLC Sun Jun 26, 2011 8:22 am

    When checking the laws for the states you intend to shoot in, don't forget to read thru all the other requirements for your build. Certainly min and max draw weights are part of it (yes- at least one of our great states has a max draw weight- go figure). However you also need to look for things like your stock length, need for a safety device (I've always seen " integrated" associated with the requirement), minimum length for your bolt, type of tip your bolt must have to be legal (usually 7/8 wide, double edged razor- but check anyway), etc. It will be easier for you to incorporate the needed features during the build vs finding out later during discussion with your game warden. Very Happy This link should help and serve as a guide: http://www.huntersfriend.com/crossbows/crossbow-state-regulations.htm. Be certain to actually visity the states web site covering such as the links last update was 2009 and we are aware that some of the laws have changed since then.

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