Crossbow blueprint

Think that a hardwood bow is too hard to make? Want to make a bow that is simple, durable, and is almost as accurate as a store bought bow? Well heres an easy way to make one with common garden tools that will last a long time.

1. Find a tree with a branch that is 1- 1/12 inches thick. Be sure that it is reasonably straight, without any major bends besides a slight curve in one direction. Preferably Pine wood.
2. Cut down the branch with plant cutters, a hatchet, or saw.
3. Use the cutters, or other tool, to cut off the small branches, and the very thin end of the stick.
4. Take the bark off the branch using the multi-tool. If you are using pine, do not take it off because it will dry out and snap at the handle. The less sap the branch has, the faster you need to work. A good point of reference: if it starts to turn brown like an apple, stop taking off the bark , move on to step 5, and then get rid of the rest of the bark. If the wood dries out before it is strung, then it cannot be used. Also, always start at the point where you plan to line you arrow up at, because the smoother the wood by the arrow, the better the shot.
5. Make a slipknot on the end of the string, and put it around the thickest end, wrapping the excess string around the knot to ensure it stays on. Make a slipknot about 1 to 11/2 inches from the top of the bow, and bend the branch until the knot is over the end. VOILA! Your done!

Tips

• For wood that has a lot of sap, use heavy duty soap, or an SOS pad to get rid of the stickiness.


• Cut the bark off the branch in long strokes. Attempting to slap at the bark too quickly will cause the bow to snap when drawn.


• Make sure the wood isn't too thick for the intended user to hold and shoot.


• Pine is an excellent wood to start with, though Yew, if you can find it, has the best flex.


• If you use real arrows (store bought), remove the tips, or simply don't buy any, as they are usually sold separately.