227 replies to this topic

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

Finished +bow

Edited by CaptainSlug, 07 August 2016 - 02:32 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.

[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.

Edited by CaptainSlug, 21 December 2007 - 08:40 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.

Edited by Z-man12, 21 December 2007 - 09:26 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.

Edited by CaptainSlug, 21 December 2007 - 10:30 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.

[CaptainSlug]

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

Assembly really doesn't take anywhere near as much time as prepping and machining the parts. It takes less than one hour to assemble the gun.

And I know theres no way to test ranges as of yet, but could you make an estimate?

Just based on the strength of the spring and the plunger dimensions it should be able to atleast has performance comparable to a maxshot (100 foot average range). The only way to find out is to just test it.

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

Feels pretty good now. Should feel even better with the foam added. If anyone finds it not to their liking it wouldn't involve very much effort to alter the grip by cutting new pieces based on the existing one.

Edited by CaptainSlug, 22 December 2007 - 09:27 AM.

[Cannonball]

That is amazing. Personally, I'd take one of yours over an xbow. The adaptability you put into it is one of the best parts. Another ridiculously awesome idea brought to life. Keep up the good work.

[sn1per]

When do you plan to sell them?

[CaptainSlug]

When do you plan to sell them?

Unknown at present. It's a very likely eventuality, but I'm not sure when I will have the time needed to make more than two of these.

[shadowkid33]

Sweet. You hinted my toward the fact you were going to do this at the Summer DCNO, when I asked what you were bidding on a crossbow on Ebay for. You said something about trying to recreate one yourself. I gotta say, it looks pretty sweet. I'm glad the idea of a homeade crossbow finally came to fruitation. I'd definatelly buy one if you start selling them.

I still want a real one though...

Edited by shadowkid33, 22 December 2007 - 10:53 AM.

[CaptainSlug]

Prototype is ready for testing. Some minor dimensional revisions to the trigger are needed to remove dead space.

[sourskttles772]

you should only make and sell 50 of them. Then they will be as rare as the xbow. Then you can keep 20 to yourself. And sell them on ebay in 10 years. Haha.

[CaptainSlug]

Preliminary ranges using streamlines and a 12-inch CPVC barrel are averaging between 110 to 140 feet when firing level. I managed to shoot my 12-year-old neighbor in the helmet at 80 feet while he was riding by on his bike, so I'm happy to say the sights work.
The only things I need to work on are fixing the trigger to make it deeper, and cutting the hole for the plunger rod in the frame piece behind the plunger tube smaller so that the rod doesn't shift around quite so much.

Edited by CaptainSlug, 22 December 2007 - 01:16 PM.

[TED]

Put me down for one from the first batch.

[sam]

I would also be down for one from the first batch. How is the rail/integrating part going?