Creating my first medieval crossbow

First topic message reminder :

Here is my first creation. I tried to keep it as faithful to a medieval reproduction, so please if any one spots something not correct please give a feedback .
I don't know if i am uploading the pictures right, please help!
thank you.

https://i.servimg.com/u/f12/14/72/92/15/willia28.jpg


https://i.servimg.com/u/f12/14/72/92/15/willia29.jpg

Inletting lockplates can be a real pain in the butt. I work on the assumption that it's better to do a good job on a simple design than a bad job on an ambitious design. So here's what I do: I make the plate, bend it to shape, then tape it in place. Then I take a Very Sharp, pointed artist's knife (an Xacto blade or scalpel will do) and cut into the stock, following the edge of the inlay precisely. Take your time and do it right. Then use a small chisel to deepen the knife-line, cutting straight down a few millimeters... I recommend using a mallet for fine chisel work rather than your hand... since a mallet struck with light blows is actually easier to control than shoving your entire are around.
When that's done, I chisel out a bit of wood using the scribed line as a stop.... this is basic chip-carving work, going from a few millimeters inside the cut, toward the periphery. When I have the border defined, I mount a flat router-bit in my moto-tool router and roughly reduce the height of all the stuff inside the scribed line to the required depth. When the area is cleared, I go back with a broad, sharp chisel and smooth down the surface to a consistent depth. Then I put the inlay into the hole and see if it fits. If it doesn't, I start trimming out bits till it does fit. Remember, if you make a mess of it, there's your chance to devise extra decorative bits to cover your mistakes... if it looks good when you finish, it ISN'T a mistake, it's a feature. Geezer

....Trip driving you nuts eh !! well that's normal my friend....

Just got back from the airport...feel completely drained of energy, but on the good side I did not come back empty handed - I'm now a certified "3D laser scanner and modeling software operator"

... by the way what do you think of the last original pictures I've sent?...

To be honest with you I'm not very big on history, I like the crossbows, but I only know what I heard from Mr SAM...If you have something to share or talk about when it comes to Medieval crossbows>>>Mr SAM is your man...he knows much much more that I do about crossbows and their effect on history and has a real passion for this weapon...I really recommend you ask him what he thinks and knows(trust me you will enjoy this)

...I am building my second crossbow. This one is of a modern design.....

Now that is something from my department ...modern materials, technologies and techniques, all together a step away from traditional view on crossbows. Looking forward to seeing this build in progress all the way to it's full and flawless completion...Good Luck!



Geezer,

Thank you for the tips...it almost seems to me I once again hear my art teacher's words when you say "it's not an error - it's a feature"

Hi Ivo,

Welcome back, How are you? I am well advanced in the construction of my second crossbow. I took some pictures and wish to post them . Can you tell me where can I post them as the show your projects etc is not there anymore. keep well buddy!




Wiiliam

Thank you, I'm doing very well.

I was also working on a few things of my own...have a little less time now so I went and bought a benchtop belt sander to make up for the lack of time...got tired of talking and having nothing to show for it so I should be posting the new stuff in a few days as well.

As for posting in the right sections...I did sort of pressure you guys with the whole organized theme, didn't I ? . ....... The forum you want would be "DIY Crossbows" ...I was thinking of a better name for it, so I'm always open for suggestions.

Looking forward to seeing what you've been up to as well as racing to show off my stuff .