Dimensions

Hi Guy's. Now that I have my Taipan's steel cable sorted out, I thought it would be nice to have a real crossbow and one that I have made for myself. I wonder if anyone could give me the actual dimensions for a piece of wood,from which to make it.

The figures that came to my mine were ....3"wide and 4-5 inch deep and the length......? It does seem massive, but obviously a lot of the wood will be carved or milled away in the making process. Oh and it would be a full length shoulder stock.

If anyone has any thoughts on this, maybe they could chip in and get me started. Much appreciated. Regards to all Walt.

Walt,

Go to: alcheminc.com and checkout the free crossbow plans

Chaz

Walt, good to see you are planning to build a crossbow.

My way of thinking is that you find your critical dimensions first, and the rest will follow. For me, that is brace length, then draw length based on the prod you select, and then you have the length of the tiller from the prod to the rolling nut or other system (clap lock, etc.). For instance, a prod with a 3.5" brace length, and an 8" draw length would have 11.5" from prod to total draw length. Width when using a rolling nut I determine by the width of the nut, say 1.25" and you add extra material to each side, say 2" total width or whatever you like. Total length for a crossbow you would span using a stirrup should be long enough or short enough so when you lean down to span it, you can reach the string at brace, and not have the tiller punching into your gut

I myself like lots of extra wood, so I like using a tiller blank about 4" x 3" by, say, 38" or so long. You can always take away, but you can never put back. 40" is even better. Factor in the prod socket depth too, so you have enough wood on the nose of the tiller.

Dane

Hi Chaz and Dane. Many thanks for the input. Yikes! I have a load of info now to chew on. Going to go through what you have both told me and see what I come up with when I get it all together. Really excited now to get started and see what comes out of it all. Guess I aint never going to regret joining up and meeting guy's like you. Thanks again. Regards Walt.

Before building any crossbow I like to follow this basic sequence:



-First decide what prod you are planning to use.

This determines the draw length like Dane explained.



-Then decide on the lock mechanism and trigger.

Different trigger styles and location of trigger relative to the string catch vary among the diiferent types of crossbow.



-This in turn will dictate the shape of the stock/tiller of the crossbow.



-Then add the final elements such stirrups, sights, and/or other alternate cocking aids like a pin to use a goats foot lever.



Todd

Walt,

You should look on the right side of this page at New Member and Useful links and go to the crossbow building wiki link. It is full of useful info. such as wood working techniques etc.You really only limited by your imagination. You'll soon know this as you explore this site.

Chhaz

Hi Guy's, just overwhelmed with the response to my query. You guy's really are the best and I appreciate your help and advice so much. I am chasing up all the links you put forward and tell you now, I am blown away by what I am finding out. I shall be in touch again when I get moving and let you in on what I have achieved. Many thanks to all and regards. Walt.