Another Newbie

Hello everyone. I just signed on and hope this goes to the right forum.
My name is David Watson. I've been making inexpensive reproduction Medieval crossbows as 'New World Arbalest,' since @ 1983. That comes to about 2000 crossbows in all. I'm very pleased to see this forum taking shape and look forward to seeing everybody's work. Geezer

Hi! It's nice to see here someone who really have an experience! I've done just one crossbow, now I'm making second, but.. 2000 is a colossal number,
my respects.

Hello Geezer,

I'm a little late on the welcomes, but I'm very glad to finally meet you(even thou it's happening online and not in person). I haven't built any medieval crossbows yet, but certainly admire those who do and looking forward to putting the materials and tools I've been putting together to work. I agree with Regerald...2000 is indeed a colossal number...if not more.

Welcome to The Arbalist Guild Geezer!

Indeed, I have built many crossbows over many years, but that may not be as significant as it seems. For the first twenty years, my goal was to make very affordable medieval-type crossbows for use in American medieval clubs, many of which do not maintain a very high standard of authenticity. Many of them had hardwood roller-nuts or later, Delrin-plastic rollers, rather than ivory. Many early bows used aluminum-alloy laths, rather than steel or wood, and when I capped a bow with 'bone' it was usually 'Delrin', a phenolic plastic similar to Bakkelite.
So much of my work has looked and operated like the ancient bows, but many details have been compromised. Over the last few years, I've been getting many more orders for high-end crossbows that are closer to the original pieces, so the quality of my work has steadily improved.
Even so, I have a lot of experience making and repairing medieval bows and I know a lot about what goes wrong and why. Maybe I can share some of my knowledge here. We'll see how it goes. Geezer.

Good Day Geezer,

I understand today's market for crossbows and hear many people interested in owning, shooting, and even hunting with medieval styled crossbows. I agree that many details are compromised due to modern materials and technologies being more available (and actually preferred by most customers). I'm very happy for you and your students that you have each other and are able to practice your craft.

Your knowledge and experience is welcome here and I'm looking forward to learning new things as well as sharing what I know about crossbow making.

Ivo

Hello guys: My name is Mike and I just took ownership of a crossbow that Mr Watson designed and built for me. That what brings me to your web site. When I was a kid age around 10-12 years of age I went head over heels for a crossbow! That was the start and it never ended. I hope I can learn something from all of guys and in re-turn I hope can bring something to the table. Again Mr. Watson "that is one heck of a beautiful crossbow. Signing off guys. Mike

Dear Mike! I am so very glad that you like your bow! If you check on this forum, you will see references to the "Fancy Walnut Bow" wherein, I posted links to photos of it in progress, and updates as they occurred. I had so much fun with that bow, that I wanted to share it with the folks on this website.

You may enjoy seeing photos of your bow in progress.

Best and good luck!

Lightly, Apprentice to Master Iolo.