Making a crossbow is simple, but requires some skills and tools. For this reason, I suggest to start with the simplest version that you can find.
The easiest way to make a crossbow is by using the plans found on the internet. Basically, all you need to do is follow the instructions given in these plans and buy all the necessary materials from your local store. However, if you do not have access to these plans, here are some basic steps that you can follow:
Determine the size of your crossbow and how much draw weight you would like.
The size of the crossbow refers to both its length and its width. A longer crossbow will have more power, but it will be harder to carry around. On the other hand, a shorter crossbow will be easier to carry, but it may not be as powerful.
Once you have determined the size of your crossbow, then you can move on to determining draw weight. The draw weight is how much force is needed to pull back the string and fire an arrow from your bow. If you want to shoot small game or birds, then you will probably want a lower draw weight than if you want to hunt large game such as deer or elk.
Cut the main piece of wood using a jigsaw or circular saw to make sure it is square and straight.
Use a drill press to drill holes for the bowstring and crossbow bolt.
Place the wooden block on top of the main piece of wood. Use a pencil to mark where you want to put your slot in the block. The slot should be large enough for the bowstring and arrow but small enough so that it does not break through both pieces of wood when you draw your crossbow back.
Drill a hole in each end of the block that is slightly smaller than one end of the bowstring. Then, cut out this part with tin snips or a sawzall, making sure you keep track of which side was facing up when you were marking where to put your slots (or mark one side with an “X”).
Cut the arrow track on a table saw.
Use a cross-cut blade to cut the arrow track. The saw must be at least 10 inches away from the end of the track, so hold it in place with clamps. Make sure that the outside edge of the blade is aligned with your penciled line and then cut through both sides of the wood at once.
Cut notches in each end of the bow arms to act as guides for your strings. The notch should be 1/4 inch deep and wide enough to fit around your arrows but not too wide that they can fall out or get stuck in them.
Drill holes in the bottom side of each bow arm where they meet at 90 degrees so that you can string your bow together later on. Drill these holes with a drill bit that’s slightly smaller than a shoelace so that they don’t split when you string them up.
Assemble the wooden parts of the crossbow around the cable.
Using a screwdriver, attach the pulley to the end of the cable and then attach it to the saw blade. Attach a bolt and nut on each side of this connection. This will allow you to control the speed and tension of your crossbow.
Attach another pulley to the other end of your cable. Attach another bolt and nut on each side of this connection as well. This will act as your trigger and allow you to release your arrow when ready.
Assemble all remaining parts of your crossbow using screws, bolts and nuts wherever necessary.
Buy adequate bow string that’s long enough for your crossbow.
The bow string must be the right length or the crossbow won’t fire properly and could be damaged. The correct length is usually stamped on the bowstring near where it attaches to the stock of your crossbow, but if not, measure from where the string attaches to the stock, then stretch it out to see how much is left when it’s fully stretched out.
If you don’t know what size bowstring you need, check with a local sporting goods store or check with the manufacturer of your crossbow for specifications. Most manufacturers have websites where you can find parts and accessories like replacement strings for their bows.
Drill holes in both ends of the stock to fit bolts on one side and screws on the other.
To make a crossbow, use a hacksaw to cut the stock so it is 5-1/2 inches long. Drill holes in both ends of the stock to fit bolts on one side and screws on the other. Use a file to smooth any rough edges left by the saw.
Drill holes in both ends of your arrow shafts, then insert wood screws into each end of the shafts. Use pliers to tighten the screws into place. Put six inches of duct tape at one end of each arrow shaft. Wrap your arrows with aluminum foil and masking tape until they are completely covered from end to end with foil and tape.
Use hot glue gun glue to attach the head of a screwdriver or any other flat object that will fit through your arrow shafts onto each end of your arrow shafts where you drilled holes for your screws or bolts. Place two rubber bands around each arrow shaft behind its head so that it stays in place when shooting arrows from your crossbow.
Hammer the bolts through each end of the stock and into to the limb pieces.
You’ll want to make sure that your bolts are long enough to go from one end of your stock to the other. If you’re using metal bolts, you’ll want them as long as possible (10-12 inches). If you’re using wooden crossbow bolts, then make sure that they are at least 6 inches long so that they can fit inside your sleeve when assembled.
Once this is done, attach your bowstring to one end of the stock and tie it off securely with a knot or hitch so that it won’t come undone while shooting your crossbow.
Drill holes for the bowstring mounts through both sides of your bow at an angle.
Use a clamp to hold the bow in place and drill two holes through both sides of your bow. The holes should be drilled at an angle, one side pointing up and the other pointing down. This will allow you to attach a string on both ends of your crossbow.
Cut off excess wood from the bottom of each hole with a saw or a chisel.
Place pieces of wood over both ends of your bow and place screws into each hole to secure them in place. You may need to use clamps again to hold everything together while you attach these pieces of wood to keep your crossbow sturdy and stable when shooting.
Wood, string and a small piece of metal are all you need to make a working crossbow. The arrow is a piece of wood with an arrowhead on the front side. Take note that not all the components need to be wood, you can use other things as long as it works consistently.