Need some input.

by prodedone Sat Feb 04, 2012 11:04 am

prodedone: Fresh Blood
Doesn't mean
I'm new to crossbows; Posts : 5
Join date : 2011-11-15
Age : 49
Location : Ft, Collins Colorado

Post n°1

Need some input.

by prodedone Sat Feb 04, 2012 11:04 am

I am new to crossbows, and at this time I am ready to commit to buying parts. I was offered the opportunity to buy a Barnett Panzer MKV for $75.00. I was thinking this would be a good bow to get the feel of how crossbows work and shoot, as well as give me something to play with while I build something a bit more medieval. The next question is about Kits. Im wondering if one can be recommended ? All the kits I have found have fiberglass prods, could I substitute a metal one ? The last question is on tools. I will be working in a corner of the living room. I would like to stick with hand tools as much as possible, so what would you recommend as a bare minimum set up set up for building tools? You probubly get this question asked a billion times so I ask you for forgiveness, and thank you for your patience and input in advance.

by Todd the archer Sat Feb 04, 2012 12:53 pm

Todd the archer

Todd the archer: Crossbow Junkie
I live here!; Posts : 581
Join date : 2010-02-25
Age : 61
Location : sellersville,pa.

Post n°2

Re: Need some input.

by Todd the archer Sat Feb 04, 2012 12:53 pm

I have made some kits for people. I tried to make them all roughed in except final shaping. I put fiberglass prods in them because they are cost effective although it would not be a problem to use a steel prod.

If you are building a medieval style crossbow you have to decide what release to use. A simple notch can be made using hand tools and maybe a drill. The roller nut stlye needs a large hole bored which with out a drill press could be quite a challenge. I have made a clap lock version as well which is considerably more work.

Outside the release mechanism the rest can be done using basic files, rasp, and sandpaper.

I should mention how you plan on fastening the prod to the tiller/stock. You could use "bow irons" or tie it in although that can be a challenge as well. I have used a method using wood wedges and the stirrup to hold the prod in place.

You could build the whole thing from scratch using plans from Alchem, depends on how much work you want to do yourself.

Any other questions please ask.

Todd

by prodedone Sat Feb 04, 2012 1:02 pm

prodedone

prodedone: Fresh Blood
Doesn't mean
I'm new to crossbows; Posts : 5
Join date : 2011-11-15
Age : 49
Location : Ft, Collins Colorado

Post n°3

Re: Need some input.

by prodedone Sat Feb 04, 2012 1:02 pm

Thanks, I will have access to a drill press when needed. For the first crossbow, I would like to stay away from tying the prod in. I know it would not be period correct, but I was thinking of bolting it in ? Im trying to keep it as stupid proof as possible. If you market kits, I would be interested for sure.

by Todd the archer Sun Feb 05, 2012 4:03 am

Todd the archer

Todd the archer: Crossbow Junkie
I live here!; Posts : 581
Join date : 2010-02-25
Age : 61
Location : sellersville,pa.

Post n°4

Re: Need some input.

by Todd the archer Sun Feb 05, 2012 4:03 am

While I have made some kits, I am not at this time prepared to market them. I have to work out some production details (find easier ways of doing some of the tasks for example jigs, machinery etc.).

As to how to mount the prod, here is a way I have done mine. Mortise a hole through the tiller that is as wide as the prod is but made longer front to back. Insert the prod then put in two wood wedges from each side of the hole in front of the prod. Tap them in snug and trim flush. Align the stirrup over the end of the trimmed wedges but not against the prod leave a little gap. Mark, drill, and then bolt on the stirrup. The ends of the stirrup will hold the wedges captive. While not quite an authentic way for a 15th century prod to be mounted, I have found it to be a simple and secure way to fasten one in. This method can be seen on later period crossbows however.

Need some input. Crossbowkit030

Here is an older one that uses a simular method.

Need some input. Classiccrossbow36X29

Todd

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