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    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas.

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    Post by whiteraven Sat May 19, 2012 2:44 pm

    First topic message reminder :

    Hi everyone. I'm Ryan from Arizona. I always liked crossbows, until a friend gave me a cheap little pistol one... now I'm really curious into making my own.

    I was wondering if anyone has used an animal spine as a base for a crossbow? I want to get a unique and kinda creepy look and I happen to have one lying in my supplies.

    Anyone got any cool ideas to add?
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    Post by Ivo Mon May 28, 2012 9:06 pm

    Got something better. cyclops

    If you click the picture, it leads to the 3d warehouse where you can download the model. That's why I posted the link to the software download page for Sketchup...really nice little app and easy to use. Literally, it takes 15-20 minutes to learn the basics witch the conveniently prepared tutorial videos found here...

    VVV

    http://sketchup.google.com/training/videos.html

    Check it out. Smile
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    Post by whiteraven Mon May 28, 2012 11:27 pm

    Could this still work?
    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas. - Page 2 Mech_b10
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    Post by Ivo Tue May 29, 2012 4:26 pm

    It might...

    I just made a sketch, the actual build will differ. Build the prod assembly and see what dimensions you get out of it.

    Think best way to slim it down is use a smaller spring, or rubber....that way you can slim the gap quite a bit.

    Personally, I wouldn't remove the bottom section of the gap, but again if there is enough material provided at the top, then you might be able to get away with it. Smile

    Ivo
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    Post by whiteraven Tue May 29, 2012 5:08 pm

    So I went shopping at my local ReStore (habitat for Humanity store, like Goodwill for Home Depot).

    Got 6 1 1/2" nylon center grooved rollers, with steel center bearings.
    Some heavy duty hooks for Draw hooks.
    Some triangle brackets I "thought" would work, still good for something.
    And 2 knurled edge knobs I liked.

    Now to cut my test arms out of a more solid material then foam-core and try them out.
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    Post by jeep Wed May 30, 2012 2:05 am

    Some time ago I do a mock-up of this system it is not bulky at all if as Ivo sugest the bull pup design is used.I personaly prefer this modern design for a modern mecanic then a weird crossing between un "allien and a medieval " but of cource it is a question of taste...The measurement in the picture are in cm (1"= 2,54cm)


    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas. - Page 2 Img_0112
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    Post by jeep Wed May 30, 2012 2:27 am

    I omit to put the pulley is only for demo

    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas. - Page 2 Img_0113
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    Post by jeep Wed May 30, 2012 3:46 am

    This is the push version (more secure)

    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas. - Page 2 Img_0114
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    Post by jeep Wed May 30, 2012 4:30 am

    some measurements. Allonge mean: draw length. I omit the string . Good luck !!

    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas. - Page 2 Van_ho10
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    Post by whiteraven Wed May 30, 2012 3:53 pm

    Thanks for the help.

    I'm currently trying to decide what to use as the center of the whole thing, either a 1"x1" square tube or something else.

    Guess I'll figure it out.
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    Post by whiteraven Thu May 31, 2012 1:18 pm

    Updated my design drawing a bit more, thanks to some helpful suggestions by Ivo.

    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas. - Page 2 Mech_b11

    So now I think I can start building it. Smile
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    Post by whiteraven Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:03 pm

    Doodled around with some designs on my bow arm.

    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas. - Page 2 Mech_b12

    Preview of things to come.
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    Post by stoneagebowyer Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:08 pm

    Perhaps design a dirigible to mount this on? Or make the weapon an anti-dirigible crossbow.
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    Post by whiteraven Fri Jun 01, 2012 6:11 pm

    It is considered to be a "boarding device" as i will eventually fire a folding grappling device.

    I think getting it structurally sound and functioning is the first goal though. Details comes afterwards. Smile
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    Post by chaz Fri Jun 01, 2012 9:06 pm

    Hey, Whiteraven

    Post pictures of the assorted materials you intend to use as you start your build. After all the discussion I've been watching it will sure be interesting to see what you start with and how it develops into this wild spine tickler crossbow. As I start my first build I doubt it will be so creative, however I'll try and photo document it and if not too embarrassed by the end result there will be an attenpt to post it. I'll be watching your build with great anticipation you seem to be approaching it with great daring! Everyone seems very interested. GO MAN

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    Post by chaz Sat Jun 02, 2012 1:25 am

    Whiteraven,

    A great source for pulleys and various pins, allen head bolts, self locking nuts, and tubing extrusions is old exercize equipment such as an old Nordic Track and others, sometimes as expensive as free!

    Chaz
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    Post by whiteraven Sun Jun 03, 2012 11:58 am

    Anyone know an easier way to get something like this carved in a nice hard wood for the sides of my crossbow?

    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas. - Page 2 Violin_wood_carving_art_Victoria_and_Albert_Museum_London
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    Post by whiteraven Sun Jun 03, 2012 7:02 pm

    And another drawing update.
    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas. - Page 2 Crossb10

    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas. - Page 2 Trigge10
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    Post by whiteraven Wed Jun 06, 2012 5:12 pm

    Also looking at something like these for my bolts.
    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas. - Page 2 Ss-1
    Stainless steel "chopsticks", as I can buy in bulk packs for cheap. They are compact but have a little weight to them. I think they should work well.
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    Post by stoneagebowyer Thu Jun 07, 2012 3:11 am

    Regarding the carved violin back, there may be ways to simulate carving, and maybe someone carries pre-carved panels you an adapt to the tiller? Also, maybe haunt antique stores and flea markets and such and look for an old piece of furniture you can canibalise. Just dont eat the face

    I suspect the only way to make the carving look like carving is to actually carve. I've been thinking about scrimsaw on panels of bone that can be inletted into the tiller.

    Dane
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    Post by whiteraven Thu Jun 07, 2012 6:20 pm

    So is is just me, or is my "invention" seeming more and more like a harpoon gun on steroids?

    I really starting to like this idea...

    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas. - Page 2 Post-58-1138130663

    Less swinging arms, more linear power?
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    Post by whiteraven Thu Jun 07, 2012 10:42 pm

    Also, I was wondering if this mechanism could be modified and used for spanning the bow?
    Pantographic Knife
    Mechanical Steampunk crossbow ideas. - Page 2 Pantographic_knife
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    Post by whiteraven Thu Jun 14, 2012 2:33 pm

    Ok, so the more I ponder on the final style of the crossbow,
    the further from the “trident” idea I seem to be moving.


    I really liked Ivo’s earlier sketch of doing a more Gothic
    skull and bones kind of design, over the more aquatic based theme. Just seems
    like for fun in the creativity department. J


    First, I do realize that making it function is top priority,
    but after that I am a person that loves vintage styled decoration.





    So as for function on a crossbow, is a longer or shorter
    draw better?? That is a big determining factor of the overall design.


    Any suggestions??
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    Post by stoneagebowyer Thu Jun 14, 2012 3:18 pm

    I suppose form follows function, and all the nice dodads and decorative carving will come after you design the weapon you are envisioning.
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    Post by jeep Thu Jun 14, 2012 3:23 pm

    Yes I have a suggestion: Do something real by yourself...
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    Post by cowscankill Thu Jun 14, 2012 5:43 pm

    I actually gave this design some thought it wouldn't mind giving my own version a go, but I was wondering how you plan to attach the springs? Unless they have mounts for bolts or something, I don't really see mounting as an easy task.

    Is there a method for attaching springs (extension or compression) to things?
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