Vintage Backyard Crossbows!

archer · 25th April 2009, 12:26 AM

I think that the stone bow was correct it may be called a prod. I believe at any rate two strings were used with a pouch for bird shot or stones, like a sling shot. the style could well have been inspired by old publications like popular mechanics, etc.

katana · 25th April 2009, 11:05 AM

Hi Jake,
thank you for your input ....and welcome to the forum

. I feel that comparisons with 'modern' steel alloys is within the scope of the forum ...it allows use to appreciate the craftsmanship and skill of much earlier weapon makers whom, did not have access to it. But with their knowledge gained with constant 'trial and error' were able to create steels with differing properties ...without really understanding the metallurgy involved.

Regards David

Pukka Bundook · 25th April 2009, 03:05 PM

Hi David and all,

I tried making a prod from a buggy spring, and it's a bit of a heavy pull, (about 170 lbs,) but doesn't have very effective cast. I think Jake has it right about floors in old springs as well. (When I draw this home-made effort, I think how spectacular it would be if it broke!) It is well wrapped to prevent it wrapping 'round my head but.....

A firm in the US makes prods, and are Very reasonable and reliable all steel jobs. I think they go up to 200 pounds or so.

Atlantia,

Your crossbow is very elegant!!

It would be nice to build something similar and inlay it with little bone critters, etc!

Richard.

25th April 2009, 12:26 AM	#1
archer Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 373	response I think that the stone bow was correct it may be called a prod. I believe at any rate two strings were used with a pouch for bird shot or stones, like a sling shot. the style could well have been inspired by old publications like popular mechanics, etc.

25th April 2009, 11:05 AM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Jake, thank you for your input ....and welcome to the forum . I feel that comparisons with 'modern' steel alloys is within the scope of the forum ...it allows use to appreciate the craftsmanship and skill of much earlier weapon makers whom, did not have access to it. But with their knowledge gained with constant 'trial and error' were able to create steels with differing properties ...without really understanding the metallurgy involved. Regards David

25th April 2009, 03:05 PM	#3
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Hi David and all, I tried making a prod from a buggy spring, and it's a bit of a heavy pull, (about 170 lbs,) but doesn't have very effective cast. I think Jake has it right about floors in old springs as well. (When I draw this home-made effort, I think how spectacular it would be if it broke!) It is well wrapped to prevent it wrapping 'round my head but..... A firm in the US makes prods, and are Very reasonable and reliable all steel jobs. I think they go up to 200 pounds or so. Atlantia, Your crossbow is very elegant!! It would be nice to build something similar and inlay it with little bone critters, etc! Richard.