Introduction: Duct Tape measure &ere; PVC Crossbow

There are lots of PVC crossbow how-to tutorials, just I found no that were satisfyingly brawny, simple to build, and constructed in the first place out of PVC. This crossbow is all of that, and stylishly designed! All you need are common household tools and materials (and perhaps a wagerer right smart to film your crossbow in action).

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Step 1: Tools and Materials

Step 2: Build the Stock

Prepare the pieces

  • Cut three 20" pieces of 1/2" PVC for the stock
  • Cut one 24" piece of 1/2" PVC for the bow

Forgather the stock

  1. Bundle the three 20" pieces of PVC, then wrap the ends in duct tape.
  2. Press the tape into the grooves as you wrap up the tape around. This testament ensure that at least single side bequeath have a grooved communication channel to avail guide the crossbow bolt.
  3. Apply three 20" pieces of duct magnetic tape on each three grooves in the stock. Again, press the tape into the grooves A shown.

Step 3: Attach the Bow

Tie the bow

    1. Top the 24" piece of PVC entirely with duct videotape. This will help prevent the pipe from releasing shrapnel if information technology breaks.
    2. Measure and pock the halfway of the curtain call, then line IT up with one end of the blood line. Tightly wrap a assemble of duct tape approximately the front of the stock, securing the bow in place. Again, press the tape into the groove.
    3. Wrap a second piece of mag tape around the number 1 piece of videotape and the stock. The image above depicts this step victimisation white canal tape. And yes, press it into the groove.
    4. Repeat steps 1-2 again to form a strong joint. This part of the crossbow will be under stress, and 2 layers of tape recording will help prevent IT from ripping over metre.

    Step 4: String the Bow

    The following technique keeps the bowstring pressed against the tipto of the stock, which volition help ensure that the crossbow fires consistently. It's likewise an comfy way to create a very secure attachment that won't come ruined over meter.

    String the bow

      1. Victimization the drill bit that is slightly wider than your paracord, drill a cakehole into each end of the bow.
      2. Insert combined end of the paracord into the hole and push IT toward the front of the bow, then pull it through. You may use a bit of wire to help push the paracord through if it's a skinny fit.
      3. Loop the paracord around itself as shown in the first picture.
      4. Make sure the bowstring is pulled toward the underside of the bend. Wrap the paracord tightly around the ste several times, simply do non roll it close to the bowstring. On the last wrap, apply hot glue onto the bow and adhere the paracord to it.
      5. Hold back for the glue to dry, then replicate on the other side while pulling the bowstring taut. It is much easier to do this step with a champion: Have one person keep the bowstring tense while the some other attaches it to the bow.

      Step 5: Create and Test the Trigger Groove

      Sawing PVC is untidy. Make predestined you work o'er an area that is easy to cleaned, and suffer a vacuum on hired hand.

      Create the trigger groove

      1. Measure 14" from the identical front of the obeisance and mark a spot on big top of the stock.
      2. Cut outside well-nig 1/2" of duct taping betwixt 14 and 14.5" around the top of the stock with the service program knife. This will aid forestall the magnetic tape from mumbling up your saw.
      3. Adage straight down about 1/2" into the stock at the 14" mark.
      4. Saw diagonally at the 14.5" mark toward the first slice as shown in the best image.
      5. Clean up the PVC debris.

      Test the trigger groove

      1. Assume safety goggles for this step. The PVC may bankrupt and release precise sharp pieces of shrapnel toward you.
      2. Bid the back of the stock into the terra firma, and range the bowstring in both work force.
      3. Slowly push the bowstring down as shown until information technology slips into the trigger groove.
      4. Forget the bowstring in the trigger groove for 5 minutes. This volition helper the PVC bend into it's rude resting state, making it easier to lade in the tense.

      It will require upwards of 40lbs of violence to string the give i the kickoff time, and information technology may feel a little unnerving to see the PVC Bend much. Lay out happening your goggles and push unenviable!

      Step 6: Build the Trigger and Bolt Clip

      Build the trigger

      1. Cut away the tape where the trigger hole leave be drilled every bit shown.
      2. Using the 1/2" drill flake, drill a hole in the center of the stock before of the spark rut. This stone's throw may be challenging; the drill bite may slip inapposite. To prevent this, use one paw to tightly grip the stock to prevent the pipe up from being pushed apart by the force of the drill. Lic slowly and diligently
      3. Record a handle of the metier binder cut short just in arrears the trigger groove.
      4. Magnetic tape a spoonful onto the unusual binder clip handle such that the spoon handle rests just below the trip hole.
      5. Test it: Push on the spoon and take in dependable that the spoon handle lifts out through the trigger fix.
      6. If desired, bend the spoon into a more comfortable locating as shown.

      Build the bolt snip off

      1. Issue an 8" piece of wire and tape both ends on either slope of the binder clip.
      2. Curve the wire thusly it presses onto the center of the stock. This will keep bolts in place while you train.

      Step 7: Hit Crossbow Bolts

      Make crossbow bolts

      1. Shredded a 1/4" dowel to roughly 13" and sharpen one end with a pencil sharpener.
      2. Split the early stop with a utility knife, and so cautiously put in a wee piece of wood or pebble as shown.
      3. Tightly enwrap duct tape around the split, leaving about 1" of schism Wood. This nock is where the bowstring will catch onto the bolt.
      4. Tightly wrap about 5" of wire around the backsheesh of the bolt. This unneeded burden will help "pull" the bolt through the air with its impulse.
      5. Cut two triangular fins out of an index card, and then tape them to the back of the bolt.
      6. Make a point the fins are aligned with the mark as shown. It's also important that they are opposite of each other and perfectly straight. Cover the fins in tape to add seniority.

      Step 8: Load and Fire!

      How to load and fire

      1. Press the back of the stock against your hip and pull the bowstring into the trigger as shown in the video.
      2. Position the bolt under the bolt cartridge holder, directly in front of the trigger cakehole. From this step forrader, suffice not intent the crossbow at anyone.
      3. Squeeze the spoon trigger to secrete the bowstring and fire the bolt!

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