+bow, Homemade lvl4 Crossbow Options

[CaptainSlug]

I have been working on this in secret since August. Not being completely satisfied with the options available I decided to make a reliable and tranportable primary
The +Bow (PlusBow).

Main Project Aim: Develop a homemade version of the Crossbow that has performance comparable to one modified to level 4. Due to increasing rarity and cost of obtaining them in decent condition, I will be making full construction plans available.

Secondary Project Aim: Integrate a rail attachment system to allow integrations to be mounted on the gun using adapter brackets and quick-release pins making the base weapon adaptable to the needs of different play types. Also work to reduce part count, simplify construction, reduce build cost, and make the gun as easy to service and repair as possible.

The prototype is mostly finished. I just have to cut out the remaining rod pieces using the table saw. And then probably make some adjustments to the trigger design. The ergonomics of the homemade are based directly off of the original Crossbow. (Thanks to Dark Shrimp for lending me a shell to measure)

The core of the grip will be fine cell polyethylene foam to reduce weight and improve comfort. The parts for the stock should be finished tomorrow.
The end of the plunger chamber is capped with a 1" to 1/2" hex bushing adapter so that the end user can decide what barrel they want to use.


Once the prototype is finished and working I will work on the write-up while making the second one.

Video

Rev. 2 Construction write-up
Rev. 1 Construction write-up
Mirror version at Instructables

Finished +bow


This post has been edited by CaptainSlug: Mar 8 2009, 12:37 PM

[bobafan]

Awesome!
Those pictures are without a barrel, right?
I don't see any sights. Are they hidden or are there not any in the CAD?
What is the function of the U-shaped piece with a hole in it at the muzzle?
The foam handle is a nice idea. It sounds comfortable.
What is the diameter of the plunger tube?

Even at $90, it is cheaper than a x-bow and I would be willing to pay it.

Nice job.

[DarkInfection]

A kit would be nice, if the price was lower than $90.

[rokor]

Damn, finally a cheap way of geting out of the X-Bow. Cant wait for the write-up, but I do agree with DarkInfection, if you made a kit, non assembled, it would be awesome for those who cant find the materials around their area.

[CaptainSlug]

I did forget to mention in the initial post that another primary feature of this design is that the gun can be broken down easily for shipping or transporting it to wars. When broken down the gun should fit in a standard size USPS Priority box, or the smaller size boxes I get from mcmaster when I order something.

1. Those pictures are without a barrel, right?
2. I don't see any sights. Are they hidden or are there not any in the CAD?
3. What is the function of the U-shaped piece with a hole in it at the muzzle?
4. What is the diameter of the plunger tube?

1. Correct
2. There are rear sights on the frame piece that line up with the tip of the barrel. I decided against front sights because I wasn't sure what elevation difference to add between them to get accurate results. I'll have to figure that out while testing, but the sights now should work.
3. That's an example adapter bracket for integrating a secondary weapon to attach using the rail system. I'll short more detail on that next week.
4. ID of the plunger tube is 1-3/8". Plunger travel is set to 6 inches, but could be changed by cutting the notch in the plunger rod at a different spot. I may try adding one or two extra notches to the plunger rod to give multiple draw strength options.

A kit would be nice, if the price was lower than $90.

The price will primarily be determined by how much time it takes to make each one.

This post has been edited by CaptainSlug: Dec 21 2007, 05:40 PM

[Maeric]

Is there any chance you could make templates for it, like the Longshot shotgun grip?

[Z-man12]

Most impressive as always. I look forward to seeing how it comes out once it all come to compleation.

This post has been edited by Z-man12: Dec 21 2007, 06:26 PM

[sputnik]

Damn.

[Blasphemy]

Wow, just awesome. No Crossbow rerelease, but who needs one when you can get one CaptainSlug style!

[Ro-Sham-Bo]

This looks absolutely awesome. If the kits are cheap enough, I'll probably buy one or two.

[CaptainSlug]

Is there any chance you could make templates for it, like the Longshot shotgun grip?

I will be releasing full plans that include printable machining templates with notations on holes sizes and tapping requirements. You shouldn't have to do any measuring, you just print the template onto label paper then stick them to the protective film of the plastic sheets. I'll also get an itemized materials list done eventually.

Tools to be required for making your own
+ Scrollsaw
+ PowerDrill or Drillpress
+ Mitre Box & Mitre Saw
+ #6-32 Tapping Bit
+ Screwdriver
+ Hobby Knife (to clean the edges of the sheets once cut)

No other tools expressly needed. All tools listed are not easily substitutable and I don't recommend attempting to make this gun with anything other than a scrollsaw due to the size of the parts you will be making.

This post has been edited by CaptainSlug: Dec 21 2007, 07:30 PM

[General Cole]

Wow, one more thing for us Alibre users. Could you post up an Alibre Download?

[CaptainSlug]

Maybe. Once the design is finalized.

[CROW]

Like always, your work looks perfect and I have little doubt that it will function prefect too. And I know theres no way to test ranges as of yet, but could you make an estimate?

[southpaw]

This is really quite amazing. Is the handle comfy? It looks a little square-ish and awkward.