Q&A for How to Make a Crossbow

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Question

How do I make arrows for my crossbow?

Anthony Porter
Outdoorsman and Survival Expert
Anthony Porter is a nature educator, archer, and outdoorsman based in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is an Outdoor Survival expert, and educates millions around the world through his social media presence as “Outdoor Anthony”. His videos have turned him into a viral sensation on TikTok & Instagram, where he has over 400k followers. He is the current Communications Director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, promoting wildlife stewardship and preservation on print media, TV, and radio. Anthony has also showcased his outdoor prowess as a recurring yearly TV athlete as NBC's the Archery Ninja on American Ninja Warrior. He is also the producer, editor and Host of the Orangutan Podcast, discussing rainforest conservation initiatives with Dr. Gary Shapiro, famous for teaching orangutans symbolic sign language. As a professional educator for the better part of a decade, Anthony has explored 20 countries, and has taught people of all ages across the United States. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University, and earned an MBA from Cal Poly Pomona with a concentration in sustainable Marketing, and is always looking to dive right into the next adventure.

Anthony Porter

Outdoorsman and Survival Expert

Expert Answer

For precision and reliability, you’re usually better off buying professionally made arrows. Carbon fiber arrows are especially popular because of their strength, longevity, and cost-effectiveness compared to aluminum ones. These arrows are crafted with specialized tools that ensure perfect balance and consistent quality—something hard to achieve with DIY methods. But if you do choose to make your own, cutting carbon arrows at home can be very tricky. Don't use household tools like knives or basic saws, as they can create uneven cuts and damage the material. Professionals use fine-toothed circular saws specifically designed for this task. If you’re determined to make your own, use the finest-toothed saw you can find and measure carefully to make precise cuts. Also, your arrows should be the right length for your draw. When fully drawn, the arrow should extend about an inch past the end of the crossbow's shelf. As a general guide, someone shooting 27½-inch arrows may be around 5'8", but you should refer to charts that match height and draw length to arrow size. The arrow's diameter is also crucial: thicker arrows are built for stronger crossbows, while thinner ones are better for less powerful models. Remember, thinner arrows are less sturdy, much like uncooked spaghetti noodles that they can break more easily under high force.

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Question

How much should this project cost?

Elias Alaoui

Community Answer

It depends if you already have some materials, but to buy the wood, saws and equipment I would say no more than $30.

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Question

Can I change the power of the bow?

Community Answer

You can put another piece of PVC inside it, which might make it more powerful.

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Question

How long will it take to make this?

Community Answer

This all could be done in a matter of a few hours, but if you want to be extremely accurate and want your crossbow to be top-notch quality, it could take a day or two (working less than 7 hours each day).

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Question

What is the channel for in the L shaped trigger?

Antp2103

Community Answer

The channel helps hold the string so that when you pull the trigger, the string lifts off of the channel, causing the crossbow to fire.

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Question

Where can I find the string for the crossbow?

Community Answer

Anyplace that sells paracord, such as a hardware or sporting goods store.

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Question

Can I modify it to fold up?

Community Answer

Probably not, as do do that you would need to hinge the bow to bend, when which would take the tension off it.

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Question

Can I use some rubber bands for the string?

Community Answer

No. You should use twine or something similar. The bow should be the stretchy part, not the string.

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Question

Do crossbows take the same arrows as a bow?

Community Answer

Not all the time. Some crossbows use normal arrows, but most of the time you need bolts, which are an entirely different type of ammo.

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Question

Will this work as a hunting crossbow?

Community Answer

No. It does not have the required power to be used for hunting. It is best for target shooting.

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Question

Is it possible to use this when hunting?

Community Answer

No. It does not fire with enough power for most hunting applications.

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Question

Is this a dangerous weapon?

Community Answer

Yes, a crossbow is a dangerous weapon.

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Question

How long does it take to make a crossbow?

Community Answer

This all could be done in a matter of a few hours, but if you want to be extremely accurate and want your crossbow to be top-notch quality, it could take a day or two (working less than 7 hours each day).

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Question

Can I change the power of the crossbow so that I can hunt?

Community Answer

Depends on the make. With PVC, you can add denser materials inside, such as multiple fiberglass rods. If naturally-made wood or horn, "backing" is an option.

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Question

Can I modify it to have enough power to kill small game animals?

Community Answer

Only if you tradition the PVC to stronger material. Add bow wood or good fiberglass rod through the PVC to increase its draw weight.

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Question

Would it be better to use catapult elastic than regular string for a crossbow?

Community Answer

Use artificial or natural bow-grade string, such as Spiderline, artificial sinew, real sinew or Dacron.

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Question

What type of string is used?

Community Answer

I use artificial sinew and Flemish twist braid it to length. Wax it to keep it conditioned.

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Question

How do I reload the crossbow?

Community Answer

You just set in another bolt into the groove and caulk back the string.

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Question

Can I use cardboard to make a crossbow?

Community Answer

No; cardboard isn't sturdy enough.

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Question

Can I use bolts in crossbows?

Community Answer

Bolts are specifically made to be used with crossbows. However, check the bolts you have to make sure they are the right size for the crossbow.

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