@@jacobstaten2366 Saber saw isn´t a tier 1 home gamer tool. At least where i live. With a little luck they got a jig saw. Maybe a circular saw. Saber saw is scary, scary stuff. Only surpassed by the dreaded chain saw...
@@martialme84 then a jig saw. Unless you're in a dorm or exclusively live I apartments, it would make sense to pick up something along the line out of necessity.
I have to say I think that Drawing straight lines freehand like that is really impressive. That line is almost straighter than what I accomplish using a ruler.
@@iSometimesPissRed Not me xD Even with ruler is still a struggle. As it is said in my place of birth "two left hands" - no offence to all the lefties... Cheers! I.
I love that this is a DIY project that doesn't save you $1,000, by having you use your $15,000 worth of equipment. Just a handsaw and box cutter. This is amazing, great work Tod!
Use the spoon to pack tuna around a board, in the shape of a crossbow. Stop otherwise feeding the cat. Eventually, the cat will find the spoon, and stab you with it, resolving the problem.
I started watching this, thinking you were making a cheap toy ,but as it went on I realized this is actually a bonafide miniature version of what some dude made hundreds of years ago. So now I have to make one. Well done sir.
He has a video on ho to haft a mace head where he shows you how to turn square stock into round stock as well as how to make and use wedges for hafting something properly
Agreed in general, but the file cabinets behind me are too close to get a proper swing. If they're going to call me "essential" then I have to maintain proper defenses, don't I?
What i love about you is how you teach how to make stuff, you don't go and give directions you have to follow, you explain why you do every step and the purpose, making it easy to learn how and why the design is why it is. This makes it very easy to learn and modify the design after your own design needs, limitations and materials, more people should teach like you
Genuine story coming. When I was about 10, I had a thing for making crossbows and used to make them using garden cane and strong fishing nylon for the string. As nylon is slippy you have to make lots of multiple knots and pull them tight. My dad was a very practical guy and was happy for me to make these sorts of things, but also perhaps liked to know a lesson had been learned....One day I was making a crossbow and was pulling the nylon tight with my teeth, knot after knot. And then I caught a little bit of my tongue in the knot. Pretty sure my dad could have just cut the nylon and taken me off to ER, but instead I remember sitting for many hours in ER with my tongue sticking out with a crossbow tied to it. - great Dad, but he did have some moments.
Great work! Really nice seeing someone demonstrate a project using tools people will actually have. So frustrating flowing a link to "make x" video, promising easy, anyone can do project, where the presenter spends the whole video using machines only a professional carpenter would have.
Well said, and high praise to Tod as well, for focusing on that simple approach. When I worked on my three home-made crossbow reproductions during the last nine months, the only power tool I ever used was a small electric drill. That's it. The rest of my toolset consisted of a small ordinary knife that was good for wood carving, a drawknife (highly useful), a thinner and broader wood chisel, hammer, two small handsaws, a pencil and measuring tape, a vice to hold the crossbow parts... And that was it. No power tools, other than the drill, and no complicated carpentry tools. I like to keep it simple, and even if the crossbows are occassionaly a bit rough around the edges (I'm learning the skills), they look and work fine, and you're proud you've really built them entirely by hand. :-)
@@ZemplinTemplar i can not highlight this enough: "drawknife (highly useful)", if it comes to woodworking in general and especially for any kind bow making. IF the blade is sharp enough, you dont even need sandpaper and have a perfectly smooth surface! I like to see, that there are other people out there, that prefer to use their hands instead of power tools for this kind of projects. It IS a hell of a lot more work, but it is so worth it when you can proudly say: "100% my work". But i have to add that power tools indeed are time saving. Truth is: even with the best set of power tools, you still should know how to do it with handtools. if you got it right once with regular handtools, go ahead and use powertools. The advantage of saving time will vanish when you cut too deep, grind to much etc. and have to start over a few times. This does cost a lot of time, material and not least nerves.
I love this! For some reason, I find it fascinating to see you building things. It's really noticable that you have just the right combination of accuracy and "just doing the damn thing" needed to accomplish what you are trying to do. Really, not much to optimize on either end. Really cool!
Few days considering the only time I get access to wood is thursdays and fridays on a school day, if we don't go to do powerpoint presentations om the computers or do some technical drawings. Could be done in 2 days really, but could take me up to barely over a week
@@cmayotte9431 It's called a "finger gauge". Hold your pencil between your thumb index and middle fingers. Put your ring finger on the top of the board with your little finger against the edge. Then, set your hand and draw down board using the edge as a guide and and your fingers as a gauge. (Simple! 😎👍) You may want to change your grip to find what works for you but once you get the hang of it, it will become second nature. Good luck!
@@cmayotte9431 you put the pencil in the position you need, than put one finger on the edge of the board and DON'T MOVE THE HAND. Slide the board along the pencil-finger 'jig' using the other hand.
I made a little crossbow based on the Skåne design as a teenager! Only I used bamboo cane for the bow, trigger and dart clamp. It didn't require any sewing, just drilling two holes in a piece of 3cm x 4cm wood, some carving out with a chisel or knife and a staple gun to fix the bamboo on. It worked great! I've still got it somewhere in my parent's house.
A few notes from someone who built the large version of the bow: -while you can build the small one with a simple hand saw and some softwood the large one requires harder more durable wood. -Technically you could use just a hand saw for the big one but it will take you weeks, I strongly recommend a Skill saw as that is what I used and it got the job done quite efficiently. -Once its constructed, especially if you are using PVC or a large wooden dowel, the front end will crack after 10 or 15 shots so definitely reinforce the front area with something. -You can build this without the schematics but if you plan on constructing the large version then I would strongly recommend you buy the schematics it makes life a lot easier (also they're pretty good) -Other than those three it's amazing and while it does require some tweaking once it works it works incredibly well this thing is an absolute fucking laser.
The front end of the pvc at least you can either just get a solid piece of wood like a 2x4 with the bungee or use pvc and fiberglass rods(or driveway markers) inside. It’ll make it strong and help it from cracking. Just watch some ZNA Productions vids so you know what I’m talking about
I remember my Dad and I made crossbows when I was about eight. His used a metal flexible curtain rail as the bow. After the first shot, he decided that I was not allowed anywhere near that one, as it flew the bolt 100 feet up the garden...
Your ability to draw 2 perfectly parallel straight lines on an object that you're free holding in your off hand is so impressive to me. Surely no one can doubt your craftsman skills after seeing that!
Crossbows may not be as practical as modern firearms. But they definitely have a coolness factor to them that is timeless. Plus they're fun, good for hunting, shooting in your own backyard (no range required)- and since they were used in warfare for such a long time, you might be able to use it for self defense in a pinch. Great video my friend. God bless👍
Thank you, this will now be the cabin fever challenge for one of my long distance buddys to be decided by a shoot of when we can meet up again. Brilliantly, thoughtfully simple & potentially great fun !
We used to make something like this in elementary school. Essentially a slingshot with a guide rod, made out of a rubber band, a ruler and a pencil, held together with a piece of tape. The sophisticated part on this video is the trigger mechanism.
I would love to see full episode about the bigger one. Very interesting and simple and the accuracy without sights from about 8 meters? Nice! I must be fun. Need to make one.
I don't know how I even got here but with only a handsaw, utility knife and a piece of crap wood this man made a little crossbow. He got my sub! Can't wait to watch more... :)
Hey Tod! Just wanted to leave you a comment saying thank you! I built a somewhat janky version of your crossbow just to see if I could do it. The process was fun to do and damn was it satisfying to actually see it working afterwards, after just a couple of hours (making the bow from scratch took most of the time). I'll revisit this project and try it again in a more polished version, too. So thanks for the idea and instructions, and also thanks for all the entertaining videos! Big fan!
A lovely little thing indeed, I love how you made it almost in Jörg Sprave fashion. Though I have to say, this simplest crossbow seems to have a lot more parts than the dark ages crossbow! Speaking of, I am now making my own, sadly the first stock split when I was fitting the bow in, underestimated the wedging power of the bow itself, hah! But now I am making a much sturdier stock made of a fallen oak I split in quarters and hauled home last summer, the bow is some 85cm/33inch ish hazel that has a peculiar dip right in the middle of it. So I figured I might as well use a fault in the lumber to my advantage and started carving it so that the stringline sits on the upper edge of the of the centre of the bow instead of the middle, I think that'll decrease the friction of the string on the stock, since it physically sits higher. That's the hope anyways! It's almost tillered now, just leaving it to dry completely while I rough out the stock (with merely an axe and a plane), but it pulls some 70lbs at 10" draw, which I think is fairly decent! Snapped a string I used for my hazel bow twice, hah! And finally for the trigger I think I am going to use a bit of applewood branch. I hope it works out this time! Cheers for another pleasant video, Tod. Always looking forward to more!
American woodworkers: Today we're going to build a complicated jig so we can cut mortise and tenon joints on our thousand dollar table saw. Tod: Hold my beer.
Probably the best episode I have watched! I have a commercial hunting crossbow but now feel the need to build one of these! And I have all of the "rubbish" I need to do it.
Thanks Tod. Very entertaining. I may have to try this with the kids. I think I speak for many when I say I appreciate you and other RUclipsrs coming up with interesting content when so many are staying at home.
That's a perfect project for the current quarantine! My son and I made a rubber band crossbow just the other day, and now (well, on the 6th) we have plans for a much better "real" crossbow. I appreciate you sharing your experience, and look forward to more great videos to come.
Really Nice! Simple effective design, clear simple instructions, just enough opportunity for splinters and nicks and scratches to be interesting and rewarding without being tragic. Great Job!
Whe I was young, me and my friend were making crossbows from lego, shooting lego blocks and making trench wars. We stopped after one of us got hit right in between the eyes.
Me and my bro did the same we stopped when we saw a Lego brick hit the wall and smash into a million pieces that and we hit our sister in the ear and was banned from lego
@@hanelyp1 The point was to hit each other. But then we realized the possible consequences. Much like @Tim Marshall. Lesson learned. We were lucky it did not end up in tragedy.
Thank you for this video. I have just finished the crossbow and at the moment I'm waiting for the glue to dry and watching 'how to make arrows?' videos. It's a nice weekend thanks to your video.
Excellent tutorial, Tod! And an extra thank you for reminding us to be careful around sharp tools. It only takes a moment of carelessness to make a lifetime of injury. Love your work!
Subscribed. Not only is your channel interesting and cool in general, you took the time to make a video that allows others to enjoy your hobby. Even with some hand tools and basic skills, one could put this together and have some fun. Very generous of you. Thank you!
UK crossbow law is actually unbelievably relaxed (perhaps even lax) - controls on buying and shooting crossbows are about as strict as buying and drinking alcohol. You can't hunt with them, which is probably the biggest difference to other places. (In case anyone gets any ideas, I'm obviously not a legal adviser, or offering legal advice here; you're responsible for ensuring the legality of your own actions).
@@SmevMev Laws are typically written to address a particular problem someone perceives. So until someone uses a crossbow or similar in a way seen as a problem, a law is unlikely to be drafted restricting crossbows. Whether a law is a good solution, or the problem address is even real, is anther point to be debated.
Cheers, Tod. I got inspired and bought your plans. Apart from dropping the Stanley knife into my thigh and breaking the first bow that I spent hours perfecting , I really enjoyed making this.
Love the way you work and your carpentry skills are amazing. Reminds me of how my dad used to work and teach me how to use hand tools and craft things out of wood. God bless his soul. Thanks so much for the beautiful video😊
I made myself a crude little version of this, making sure it's weak enough to feasibly count as a toy, and it is magnificent. I had to make myself a few bolts too.
"You can make them small, or you can make them big. This one is great for shooting little cardboard men off a cardboard castle at your kitchen table. This one is great for shooting real men off a real castle." Or at least that's what I hoped he was going to say.
If it's any consolation, there are lots of places (States) in the USA where hunting with an M4 (and a 5rd magazine) is fine, but XBows are forbidden. There's a lot of myth about XBows that informs law. Just like guns.
@@molochi And then you have Canada - where you can get a firearm license to purchase a AR-15 or .50 cal BMG rifle, but you'll go to jail if they catch you with a taser or blow dart gun.
OMG! When I was 14 or so I made one almost like this one!! A friend of mine offered himself as a target and put on a leather jacket and a helmet and drove by me with a moped... when my pencil hit between the jacket and the helmet it wasn't fun anymore... it did hurt more than what we thought it would.....
@@Jack-Noch - There's no such thing as zombies. I'm sorry but you must learn the truth: movies are not real, it's all makeup and tomato sauce. Also Santa is daddy.
@@LuisAldamiz if China doesn't shut down their wet markets I think that eventually we could get a virus who is going to affect not only the lungs but also the brains of peoples, and then who knows??!! Maybe we get zombies.
@@Jack-Noch - Most recent research strongly suggests that the virus came from industrial farms but still unclear. Also there's a persistent healthcare sector rumor about a lot of "anomalous pneumonias" since October or November also in Europe. Blaming China is just scapegoating.
That's actually a really nice one. Way more effort than I'd put into making a cheap crossbow. But it's far better quality. I also like how you made your own dowels
Hi mate! I like your attitude and your easy going, lay back style. No prestige or defending of whatnot. Your way of learning others is brilliant. Keep it up!
Alas, Crossbows and Maces are Illegal were I live (Western Australia)... And those are two of the main things that you are reknowned for... :( You've got some damn fine knives, swords and daggers for sale though!
@@jessejohnson9871 Hell if I know... Exemptions are in place if you have a religious purpose for the mace. That means I'm gonna become a Seikh so I can get my bronze mace! :P
Good to hear Poland isn't only one with stupid laws as licensed weapons we have guns (except black powder separate loading guns made before 1885 and it's replica they are non license guns), crossbows, nunchakus, weapons hidden in ordinary objects (like spades in walking canes), bats with tips made from hard materials (there where cases where self defence batons where counted as weapons when prosecutor was out for blood), knuckle dusters and baseball bats (seriously in 90ties we had gang members using wooden bats shaped similarly to baseball bats it was so prevalent the law was made and now baseball clubs give you license to own bat criminals started using golf clubs and axe handled lol).
@@WolfKenneth When I bought a cutlery set the shop owner had to check my ID due to the length of the blades. He then said that the weird thing is they don't have to check ID if a child wants to buy a chainsaw because it doesn't have a blade.
for those a bit intimidated by using a large saw for some parts you can easily use a file or a pocket knife for the finer bits. It will take much longer but for those less experienced with controlling a hand saw it may be a good idea. Also, you're not making a video out of it so time is really not a factor. Whittling is very satisfying as well ;)
Make the parts and be ready to put it together if you decide the benefits outweigh the risks. This would obviously not be useful immediately, but if you know things are starting to get hairy in your neighbourhood, it might be an option. Or you could just make one and to hell with it. Just don't tell anyone who doesn't need to know.
@@Polleej you wold need to hit someone in the eye to cause damage with the power this crossbow puts out. Swap a few materials tho and you could make it more powerful.
@@anthonyh4745Correct. The full-sized version intrigues me a bit though.. I wonder what the poundage is. Admittedly the bolt is light. Maybe he could do a tutorial on the full-sized version.
@@drsnooker1776It's better than most places but you're still required to show a utility bill or something else that shows residency in NT for 6 months or more. It's still not like until 2012 when you could buy a crossbow otc no questions asked.
Hey Tod, there is a big argument going around between NUSensei and Shadiversity about opposite meditarian draw (shooting from the right side or outside with meditarian draw). There are people supporting either one of those and making argument. Why don't you look up on this thing with experts? This argument needs to end.
@Sungindra Setiawan Shad've posted a new video about this and pointed out that everything Nu said was wrong and Shad was also very aggressive throughout the video.
Nusensei just slap muh study. When there are far from enough study to really support anything. I did some research about this topic for different stuff and there are basically no good data. Shad just slap muh experience. When muh experience is probably the worst form of evidence. Reality is we don't know. People probably did it both way, just like now days. But why do we care? When war is happening, thry need to field as much archer as possible. If they can launch 100 pound arrow accurately at 20m, who care if you are using what kind of draw from what side of the bow.
@Sungindra Setiawan Very much stubborn. He is not even a well trained archer. He just wanna win the argument anyway. That's why I am looking forward to what experts like Tod and Joe have to say. I would like to email Tod but I don't know his email address. I don't know if he is gonna read our comments or not.
You just made it super apparent to me why crossbowmen were so common, it's not just ease of use, though that's certainly part of it. It's the fact you can just make these things with ease, and in a scenario where you have numbers, they don't even need to be super well made accurate or powerful beasts, since volume of bolts down range will do most of the job for you.
I know what I'm doing this weekend! Well done on using hand tools that anyone could have on hand. So many "DIY" videos start with "And I cut this out on my CNC mill". Didn't even use nails or store bought dowels, the absolute madman.
Honestly do be careful of knives, imagine a wedge coming from the edge at at a 45 on both sides and keep your hand out of that area. Your arm *WILL* act as a spring and send your knife right into a finger and if it's dull you'll probably have more force behind it making it worse for you. I have cut myself bad enough I managed to get 7 stitches in my index finger on my left hand. Please don't hurt yourself as I nearly cut the tendon that makes my finger move and would have disabled myself if I were 5 mm over. I could see the bone and actually cut a small portion of my knuckle off. *PLEASE* make sure to be careful with any cutting tool.
I've always been told either "Cut towards your buddy, not your body" or "cut toward your chum and not your thumb". Sage advice given to me with my first pocket knife as a lad
@@classicbandgeek I was complacent as I'd just been trying to be fast. Funny part was that the stitches hurt more than the knife because it was sharp. I'd been so unaware of the injury that I made a can of beans immediately after and didn't go to urgent care for an hour and a half.
Joiner of nearly 40 years here. Many of my compatriots are missing bits of fingers and thumbs. It only takes a moments inattention. Absolutely agree that developing good working habits where the blade never moves towards your body parts, but you still maintain control is essential. I still have all my fingers and thumbs, but scars make the backs of my hands look like roadmaps.
Hey Todd I love it! I made the small one yesterday using one of my exercise resistance bands that had broken. Super powerful even with the pens! Im going to make two big ones today. What I want is any advice on making a simple bolt out of wood? What length and diameter would be good to fit this? Thanks!
great stuff. I used 12mm dowel, but really just use or shape whatever you have and make your crossbow suit that that. make the bolt about 30cm long and put a bit of weight up front
@@tods_workshop sadly no dowels here to use as I'm house sitting and we are in lock down here in New Zealand. Just a bunch of palettes I broke down for wood! Still has been fun though having made both the big and small. I carved some bolts out of the scraps of wood I could find. Not bad but I look forward to making some out of dowel once the shops are open again!
I like how you used a handsaw.I hate when people say "you can make this yourself at home" and proceed to use a bloody band saw or something.
The worst are the ones that say "diy" and "make it at home" then use a CNC machine or a 3d printer and I'm left sat there looking like this 🤨
Yeah. CNC router, plasma cutter, giant lathe, whatever....
Seen it too many times.
You don't have at least a saber saw?
@@jacobstaten2366 Saber saw isn´t a tier 1 home gamer tool. At least where i live. With a little luck they got a jig saw. Maybe a circular saw. Saber saw is scary, scary stuff. Only surpassed by the dreaded chain saw...
@@martialme84 then a jig saw. Unless you're in a dorm or exclusively live I apartments, it would make sense to pick up something along the line out of necessity.
I have to say I think that Drawing straight lines freehand like that is really impressive.
That line is almost straighter than what I accomplish using a ruler.
If you rest one finger against the edge of the wood you can use it as a guide to follow and it's a straight line
Got it!
@@iSometimesPissRed
Not me xD Even with ruler is still a struggle.
As it is said in my place of birth "two left hands" - no offence to all the lefties...
Cheers!
I.
Almost?
Not gonna lie, this freehand straight line kinda blew me away. Especially that I actually try to do such things in my free time
I love that this is a DIY project that doesn't save you $1,000, by having you use your $15,000 worth of equipment. Just a handsaw and box cutter. This is amazing, great work Tod!
20:33 - casually shots a bullseye. "So you can see, it's accurate enough."
Ikr, he's fantastic, i was astonished
Classic british understating.
11:12 casually draws to perfeclty straight parallel lines by hand. "Just draw 2 parallel lines..."
@@jellolon8435 exactly
I was thinking the exact same thing!
Now we just need Jörg to show us how to add a magazine on top...
I second this
Todd needs to wear his safety t shirt if he does that.
*Maniac German laughing*
I was just thinking some Theraband Black would probably do just as well as bungee. I spend too much time around my favorite German.
@@blackguard5883 i known where i have Prime elastic wood:
In My Bed under the mattres.
Can you make this any easier? My only tools are a spoon and a cat.
Give the cat a pair of boots
@@sambakich7494 And a rakish hat with a feather.
Use the spoon to pack tuna around a board, in the shape of a crossbow. Stop otherwise feeding the cat. Eventually, the cat will find the spoon, and stab you with it, resolving the problem.
If the spoon is big enough, you could make a cat-a-pult.
This guy, @@knightshousegames , found the definitive answer
I started watching this, thinking you were making a cheap toy ,but as it went on I realized this is actually a bonafide miniature version of what some dude made hundreds of years ago. So now I have to make one. Well done sir.
Instructions unclear, accidentally build a 25' tortion ballista... On the plus side, now I am ready for the roaming bands of Gallic Raiders.
Crazy Roman.
*Joerg Sprave wants to know youre location*
I'm thinking leaf spring...
Lol...
Lmao
enlistment into the 14th free corps regiment of crossbows will now begin
Sign me up!
@Weghweh Hwewehwhe people weren't enlisted at all. Kingdoms back then couldn't afford large standing armies
@@meisterproper8304 This, armies just aren't worth having if you aren't fighting someone
hey i think this is the first video i've seen of yours where you build something instead of just showing what you've built, i like what I see!
I would definitely watch build videos of the higher quality stuff!
There's one of him building a proper crossbow, it's pretty fun
with the stuff he sells i believe it best not to show how its made
He has a video on ho to haft a mace head where he shows you how to turn square stock into round stock as well as how to make and use wedges for hafting something properly
Here's the video I was talking abou
ruclips.net/video/wWiZpenRGx8/видео.html
You new fanged technologists. I’ll stick with my sling, thank you very much.
🧐
Agreed in general, but the file cabinets behind me are too close to get a proper swing. If they're going to call me "essential" then I have to maintain proper defenses, don't I?
Rock in a sock
@@matthewcheung7888 Only legally allowed if you're a woman fighting a man inside a hole in the ground!
@@matthewcheung7888 Unironically, if you're in prison then the best tool is a lock in a sock
Ha. Nothing can beat my stick and my rock.
What i love about you is how you teach how to make stuff, you don't go and give directions you have to follow, you explain why you do every step and the purpose, making it easy to learn how and why the design is why it is.
This makes it very easy to learn and modify the design after your own design needs, limitations and materials, more people should teach like you
Really appreciate you showing the actual steps of building using simple tools. Great video as always.
"put the butt against your hip and just slide back with both thumbs until it's in the notch"
You have been hanging out with Matt Easton too much.
A perfect advice for achieving deep penetration
Or you’re just a perv
"Now we're going to drill another hole and put the peg in"
So many good out of context quotes in this one
I wasn't careful with my hands... buuut I got to bring my brand new crossbow to the ER!
Genuine story coming. When I was about 10, I had a thing for making crossbows and used to make them using garden cane and strong fishing nylon for the string. As nylon is slippy you have to make lots of multiple knots and pull them tight. My dad was a very practical guy and was happy for me to make these sorts of things, but also perhaps liked to know a lesson had been learned....One day I was making a crossbow and was pulling the nylon tight with my teeth, knot after knot. And then I caught a little bit of my tongue in the knot. Pretty sure my dad could have just cut the nylon and taken me off to ER, but instead I remember sitting for many hours in ER with my tongue sticking out with a crossbow tied to it. - great Dad, but he did have some moments.
@@tods_workshop Now it makes sense why you haven't made a crossbow with a fishing reel on it, bad memories ;)
@@tods_workshop ive always thought you seem a little tongue tied
@@tods_workshop Better than sitting in A&E with a spitfire glued to your nose.
@@tods_workshop He was just making sure you got prompt attention. =)
Great work! Really nice seeing someone demonstrate a project using tools people will actually have. So frustrating flowing a link to "make x" video, promising easy, anyone can do project, where the presenter spends the whole video using machines only a professional carpenter would have.
The plan was to make it using a few everyday tools
Well said, and high praise to Tod as well, for focusing on that simple approach.
When I worked on my three home-made crossbow reproductions during the last nine months, the only power tool I ever used was a small electric drill. That's it. The rest of my toolset consisted of a small ordinary knife that was good for wood carving, a drawknife (highly useful), a thinner and broader wood chisel, hammer, two small handsaws, a pencil and measuring tape, a vice to hold the crossbow parts... And that was it. No power tools, other than the drill, and no complicated carpentry tools. I like to keep it simple, and even if the crossbows are occassionaly a bit rough around the edges (I'm learning the skills), they look and work fine, and you're proud you've really built them entirely by hand. :-)
Its also heartening to watch you just climb up onto the workbench and use your knee for a vise like the rest of us amateurs. :)
I don't even have a handsaw anymore :(
But I DO have a drill LMAO
@@ZemplinTemplar i can not highlight this enough: "drawknife (highly useful)", if it comes to woodworking in general and especially for any kind bow making. IF the blade is sharp enough, you dont even need sandpaper and have a perfectly smooth surface! I like to see, that there are other people out there, that prefer to use their hands instead of power tools for this kind of projects. It IS a hell of a lot more work, but it is so worth it when you can proudly say: "100% my work". But i have to add that power tools indeed are time saving. Truth is: even with the best set of power tools, you still should know how to do it with handtools. if you got it right once with regular handtools, go ahead and use powertools. The advantage of saving time will vanish when you cut too deep, grind to much etc. and have to start over a few times. This does cost a lot of time, material and not least nerves.
I love this! For some reason, I find it fascinating to see you building things. It's really noticable that you have just the right combination of accuracy and "just doing the damn thing" needed to accomplish what you are trying to do. Really, not much to optimize on either end. Really cool!
Thanks
Im really impressed by how good you are at freehanding straight lines with the marker!
He's using his ring finger as a ruler against the board, that's the secret.
@@TheZapan99 Well that's you ejected from the Magic Circle then...
Tod has done this in twenty minutes. Let's see your times, please. I expect to have mine finished in 10-12 years.
Only 9 years to go. u got this my guy
@@miningthesilverlining4947 i can do it
You can do this
20 mins x my procrastination + wife projects = 3.5 years +/- any vacations or work emergencies
Few days considering the only time I get access to wood is thursdays and fridays on a school day, if we don't go to do powerpoint presentations om the computers or do some technical drawings. Could be done in 2 days really, but could take me up to barely over a week
I'm always impressed by Todd's ability to draw straight lines without a ruler
i know but like HOW
@@cmayotte9431 It's called a "finger gauge".
Hold your pencil between your thumb index and middle fingers. Put your ring finger on the top of the board with your little finger against the edge. Then, set your hand and draw down board using the edge as a guide and and your fingers as a gauge. (Simple! 😎👍)
You may want to change your grip to find what works for you but once you get the hang of it, it will become second nature. Good luck!
@@cmayotte9431 you put the pencil in the position you need, than put one finger on the edge of the board and DON'T MOVE THE HAND. Slide the board along the pencil-finger 'jig' using the other hand.
I find it awesome, that you encourage people to make their own stuff. Well done.
I made a little crossbow based on the Skåne design as a teenager! Only I used bamboo cane for the bow, trigger and dart clamp. It didn't require any sewing, just drilling two holes in a piece of 3cm x 4cm wood, some carving out with a chisel or knife and a staple gun to fix the bamboo on. It worked great! I've still got it somewhere in my parent's house.
A few notes from someone who built the large version of the bow:
-while you can build the small one with a simple hand saw and some softwood the large one requires harder more durable wood.
-Technically you could use just a hand saw for the big one but it will take you weeks, I strongly recommend a Skill saw as that is what I used and it got the job done quite efficiently.
-Once its constructed, especially if you are using PVC or a large wooden dowel, the front end will crack after 10 or 15 shots so definitely reinforce the front area with something.
-You can build this without the schematics but if you plan on constructing the large version then I would strongly recommend you buy the schematics it makes life a lot easier (also they're pretty good)
-Other than those three it's amazing and while it does require some tweaking once it works it works incredibly well this thing is an absolute fucking laser.
What would you reinforce the front area with?
Thank you sir!
Which type of wood would you advice?
The front end? A skill saw?
The front end of the pvc at least you can either just get a solid piece of wood like a 2x4 with the bungee or use pvc and fiberglass rods(or driveway markers) inside. It’ll make it strong and help it from cracking. Just watch some ZNA Productions vids so you know what I’m talking about
Yo Tod's lines are so straight I can watch it over and over again
I remember my Dad and I made crossbows when I was about eight. His used a metal flexible curtain rail as the bow. After the first shot, he decided that I was not allowed anywhere near that one, as it flew the bolt 100 feet up the garden...
You have a 100 foot garden?
Ian Sumallo: I think British people call lawns gardens
@@googlepissoff5776 Both front and back are gardens. You've got your front garden, and you've got a back garden. You could have a lawn on either one.
I also used aluminum curtain rails for my 2 home made crossbow rails..(not to the bow part).
In this quarantine i want things to do and this crossbow is exactly what i need
Your ability to draw 2 perfectly parallel straight lines on an object that you're free holding in your off hand is so impressive to me. Surely no one can doubt your craftsman skills after seeing that!
Crossbows may not be as practical as modern firearms. But they definitely have a coolness factor to them that is timeless. Plus they're fun, good for hunting, shooting in your own backyard (no range required)- and since they were used in warfare for such a long time, you might be able to use it for self defense in a pinch. Great video my friend. God bless👍
It may be way down of the list of what "god" would bless....
@@ericswenson322 come ooooon, dont be mean to Tod! lol
Thank you, this will now be the cabin fever challenge for one of my long distance buddys to be decided by a shoot of when we can meet up again. Brilliantly, thoughtfully simple & potentially great fun !
We used to make something like this in elementary school. Essentially a slingshot with a guide rod, made out of a rubber band, a ruler and a pencil, held together with a piece of tape. The sophisticated part on this video is the trigger mechanism.
Add rubber bands, kept expecting him to say " LET ME SHOW YOU ITS FEATURES"!
yes
Hahahaha. Good one!
Now to make one with a magazine.
I would love to see full episode about the bigger one. Very interesting and simple and the accuracy without sights from about 8 meters? Nice! I must be fun. Need to make one.
Just one suggestion, every one has a flat blade screwdriver somewhere, and every flat blade screwdriver is a chisel! ;-)
Nice project and a welcome relief to see hand tools being used instead of every power tool available. Well done Todd!
I'm enlisting in Tod's camp during the apocalypse 🙂
I don't know how I even got here but with only a handsaw, utility knife and a piece of crap wood this man made a little crossbow. He got my sub! Can't wait to watch more... :)
Hey Tod! Just wanted to leave you a comment saying thank you! I built a somewhat janky version of your crossbow just to see if I could do it. The process was fun to do and damn was it satisfying to actually see it working afterwards, after just a couple of hours (making the bow from scratch took most of the time). I'll revisit this project and try it again in a more polished version, too. So thanks for the idea and instructions, and also thanks for all the entertaining videos! Big fan!
Thanks and glad you enjoyed it
those straight lines you drew were so insanely satisfying. Like it's magic
A lovely little thing indeed, I love how you made it almost in Jörg Sprave fashion. Though I have to say, this simplest crossbow seems to have a lot more parts than the dark ages crossbow! Speaking of, I am now making my own, sadly the first stock split when I was fitting the bow in, underestimated the wedging power of the bow itself, hah! But now I am making a much sturdier stock made of a fallen oak I split in quarters and hauled home last summer, the bow is some 85cm/33inch ish hazel that has a peculiar dip right in the middle of it. So I figured I might as well use a fault in the lumber to my advantage and started carving it so that the stringline sits on the upper edge of the of the centre of the bow instead of the middle, I think that'll decrease the friction of the string on the stock, since it physically sits higher. That's the hope anyways! It's almost tillered now, just leaving it to dry completely while I rough out the stock (with merely an axe and a plane), but it pulls some 70lbs at 10" draw, which I think is fairly decent! Snapped a string I used for my hazel bow twice, hah! And finally for the trigger I think I am going to use a bit of applewood branch. I hope it works out this time!
Cheers for another pleasant video, Tod. Always looking forward to more!
It is obvious that you, sir, are an artist and historian. I appreciate both.
This felt so much like an episode of art attak
This is the best instructional video I've ever found
American woodworkers:
Today we're going to build a complicated jig so we can cut mortise and tenon joints on our thousand dollar table saw.
Tod: Hold my beer.
Probably the best episode I have watched! I have a commercial hunting crossbow but now feel the need to build one of these! And I have all of the "rubbish" I need to do it.
Guess next time the local Saxon army comes to my gates trying to steal my toilet paper I'll be ready.
@Khaki Shorts lol
Watch out for those roving bands of Danes, as well.
Thanks Tod.
Very entertaining. I may have to try this with the kids.
I think I speak for many when I say I appreciate you and other RUclipsrs coming up with interesting content when so many are staying at home.
I shall avenge my cat, darn coyotes…
Cmon👍👍👍 you can do it
That's a perfect project for the current quarantine! My son and I made a rubber band crossbow just the other day, and now (well, on the 6th) we have plans for a much better "real" crossbow. I appreciate you sharing your experience, and look forward to more great videos to come.
Next, we need a short course in fletching.
Thanks for a no nonsense video showing just basic tools. Am encouraged to try one out.
1:18 Do you smell that? That's the inevitable Slingshot Channel collaboration coming up.
Really Nice! Simple effective design, clear simple instructions, just enough opportunity for splinters and nicks and scratches to be interesting and rewarding without being tragic. Great Job!
Welcome to the Slingshot Channel.
🤣🤣🤣
... let me show you its features, mwahahahaha!
I came here looking for this comment. Was not dissapointed
Just built my first ever crossbow thanks to you! Mini down, next up, full size! Thank you Tod!
Whe I was young, me and my friend were making crossbows from lego, shooting lego blocks and making trench wars.
We stopped after one of us got hit right in between the eyes.
Me and my bro did the same we stopped when we saw a Lego brick hit the wall and smash into a million pieces that and we hit our sister in the ear and was banned from lego
Never aim your throwing device at anything you'd be upset to hit.
Be aware of what is behind and around your target.
@@hanelyp1 The point was to hit each other. But then we realized the possible consequences. Much like @Tim Marshall. Lesson learned. We were lucky it did not end up in tragedy.
at least it was between the eyes, and not into one or the other...
@@Volcarion Yep, the lesson was pretty cheap considering. It could have easily been one or the other though.
Thank you for this video. I have just finished the crossbow and at the moment I'm waiting for the glue to dry and watching 'how to make arrows?' videos. It's a nice weekend thanks to your video.
Jesus Christ, you would think this guy had been drawing straight lines his entire life!
Probably the most impressive part of this video
I admire the steadiness of your hands.Enviable straight lines without a ruler.
1:54 - Casually draws a perfect straight line in a single attempt with permanent marker.
*"just do this"*
Check how his fingers are placed along the edge of the piece of wood. Even you can do this almost first try.
@@tatumergo3931 Pffft. Everyone and their mother can do this if you know the trick.
@@Nardypants Yup. My Mother's a crossbow building machine, she is!
@@tatumergo3931 It really isn't difficult. You can figure out the knack yourself if you experiment and have a think about it. You got this champ!
Practice. And holding your hand in the same position. Works surprisingly easily.
Thanks Tod. I was half way through a build using an unsafe "catch" for the trigger.
Great design..simple n safe.
Thanks again.
Excellent tutorial, Tod! And an extra thank you for reminding us to be careful around sharp tools. It only takes a moment of carelessness to make a lifetime of injury. Love your work!
Subscribed. Not only is your channel interesting and cool in general, you took the time to make a video that allows others to enjoy your hobby. Even with some hand tools and basic skills, one could put this together and have some fun. Very generous of you. Thank you!
between Joerg and Tod, we would be fully ready for the Zombies to come
yeah but what about government goons in body armor coming to take your rights, freedom and property away? i couldnt care less about zombies.
@@Killatomate85
We stop governments with weapons anyway.
@@Killatomate85 your paranoia is showing...
@@Killatomate85 if you install the pedals from an old broken bicycle to wind up your crossbow for a solid 3min,it should be good enough
Tod: *shots bolts*
Joerg: *shots potatoes*
Tod: ...
Joerg: AHAHAHAHAA
I'm most amazed by your ability to draw straight lines while working up in the air
british police: *oi, you got a loicense for that here historical video?*
Original
@@alec4025 Oi! You got a loicense for that snark?
@@TebbieBear yes
UK crossbow law is actually unbelievably relaxed (perhaps even lax) - controls on buying and shooting crossbows are about as strict as buying and drinking alcohol. You can't hunt with them, which is probably the biggest difference to other places.
(In case anyone gets any ideas, I'm obviously not a legal adviser, or offering legal advice here; you're responsible for ensuring the legality of your own actions).
@@SmevMev Laws are typically written to address a particular problem someone perceives. So until someone uses a crossbow or similar in a way seen as a problem, a law is unlikely to be drafted restricting crossbows.
Whether a law is a good solution, or the problem address is even real, is anther point to be debated.
Cheers, Tod. I got inspired and bought your plans. Apart from dropping the Stanley knife into my thigh and breaking the first bow that I spent hours perfecting , I really enjoyed making this.
How did you get on? I've been making one aswell, actually I have been making three so I can repeat the steps and try and master it!
1:53 Sweet Jesus, that was indeed a straight line 😍
Thank you so much. I’ve been trying to build a crossbow for about a year and can never get it quite right. This is marvelous.
"Good for messing about in the living room." It's ... it's like he KNOWS me! LOL. :D
Love the way you work and your carpentry skills are amazing. Reminds me of how my dad used to work and teach me how to use hand tools and craft things out of wood. God bless his soul. Thanks so much for the beautiful video😊
just waiting for a video about how are the bolts made I'm curious about the fletching of these bolts and the other ones from your other videos
I made myself a crude little version of this, making sure it's weak enough to feasibly count as a toy, and it is magnificent. I had to make myself a few bolts too.
*_Joerg Sprave has logged into chat_*
The fact that you did this with a rip saw, blows my mind.
Super cool project! My son and I will be following your example!
"You can make them small, or you can make them big. This one is great for shooting little cardboard men off a cardboard castle at your kitchen table. This one is great for shooting real men off a real castle."
Or at least that's what I hoped he was going to say.
Funny but how far are you gonna travel to find an unabandoned castle
I appreciate you using a full-sized saw instead of something more finesseable, just to show how simple this is.
Thanks and that was the plan
Damn shame that crossbows are illegal in my state of Australia, otherwise I'd definitely make one of these to fit my old 50lb ELB 😓
I think it's hysterical that I own several rifles but a crossbow is far too dangerous for me to possess
If it's any consolation, there are lots of places (States) in the USA where hunting with an M4 (and a 5rd magazine) is fine, but XBows are forbidden. There's a lot of myth about XBows that informs law. Just like guns.
@@molochi And then you have Canada - where you can get a firearm license to purchase a AR-15 or .50 cal BMG rifle, but you'll go to jail if they catch you with a taser or blow dart gun.
And I live in America were you can legally own a mini gun but not a gen5 glock
You know what? The man makes his own everything, gotta give him credit for that.
OMG! When I was 14 or so I made one almost like this one!! A friend of mine offered himself as a target and put on a leather jacket and a helmet and drove by me with a moped... when my pencil hit between the jacket and the helmet it wasn't fun anymore... it did hurt more than what we thought it would.....
Don't shoot your friends. Seriously!
@@LuisAldamizunless they have turned into zombies, right?
@@Jack-Noch - There's no such thing as zombies. I'm sorry but you must learn the truth: movies are not real, it's all makeup and tomato sauce. Also Santa is daddy.
@@LuisAldamiz if China doesn't shut down their wet markets I think that eventually we could get a virus who is going to affect not only the lungs but also the brains of peoples, and then who knows??!! Maybe we get zombies.
@@Jack-Noch - Most recent research strongly suggests that the virus came from industrial farms but still unclear. Also there's a persistent healthcare sector rumor about a lot of "anomalous pneumonias" since October or November also in Europe. Blaming China is just scapegoating.
Thank you for this video! I am going to make one with my youngest son. Great work keep it up!
Have fun!
Post-quarantine apocalipsis self defense weapons building tutorial.
That's actually a really nice one. Way more effort than I'd put into making a cheap crossbow. But it's far better quality. I also like how you made your own dowels
he speaks english and uses centimeters, this is a man of culture
Hi mate! I like your attitude and your easy going, lay back style. No prestige or defending of whatnot. Your way of learning others is brilliant. Keep it up!
based.
Full marks on the drawing of parallel lines. Godlike skills demonstrated.
Alas, Crossbows and Maces are Illegal were I live (Western Australia)...
And those are two of the main things that you are reknowned for... :(
You've got some damn fine knives, swords and daggers for sale though!
a mace is a fancy stick. how does one make that illegal?
@@jessejohnson9871 Hell if I know...
Exemptions are in place if you have a religious purpose for the mace. That means I'm gonna become a Seikh so I can get my bronze mace! :P
Good to hear Poland isn't only one with stupid laws as licensed weapons we have guns (except black powder separate loading guns made before 1885 and it's replica they are non license guns), crossbows, nunchakus, weapons hidden in ordinary objects (like spades in walking canes), bats with tips made from hard materials (there where cases where self defence batons where counted as weapons when prosecutor was out for blood), knuckle dusters and baseball bats (seriously in 90ties we had gang members using wooden bats shaped similarly to baseball bats it was so prevalent the law was made and now baseball clubs give you license to own bat criminals started using golf clubs and axe handled lol).
Praise the Sun I live in Texas...none of that nonsense is present
@@WolfKenneth When I bought a cutlery set the shop owner had to check my ID due to the length of the blades. He then said that the weird thing is they don't have to check ID if a child wants to buy a chainsaw because it doesn't have a blade.
for those a bit intimidated by using a large saw for some parts you can easily use a file or a pocket knife for the finer bits. It will take much longer but for those less experienced with controlling a hand saw it may be a good idea. Also, you're not making a video out of it so time is really not a factor. Whittling is very satisfying as well ;)
Step 1: Build homemade crossbow
Step 2: Realise you're in the nanny state of Victoria Australia
Step 3: Go to prison for 14 years
Make the parts and be ready to put it together if you decide the benefits outweigh the risks.
This would obviously not be useful immediately, but if you know things are starting to get hairy in your neighbourhood, it might be an option.
Or you could just make one and to hell with it.
Just don't tell anyone who doesn't need to know.
@@Polleej you wold need to hit someone in the eye to cause damage with the power this crossbow puts out. Swap a few materials tho and you could make it more powerful.
@@anthonyh4745Correct. The full-sized version intrigues me a bit though.. I wonder what the poundage is. Admittedly the bolt is light.
Maybe he could do a tutorial on the full-sized version.
Move to the Northern Territory crossbows are legal there
@@drsnooker1776It's better than most places but you're still required to show a utility bill or something else that shows residency in NT for 6 months or more.
It's still not like until 2012 when you could buy a crossbow otc no questions asked.
Those casual extremely straight freehand lines are damn impressive, a sign of experienced hands
Hey Tod, there is a big argument going around between NUSensei and Shadiversity about opposite meditarian draw (shooting from the right side or outside with meditarian draw). There are people supporting either one of those and making argument. Why don't you look up on this thing with experts? This argument needs to end.
@Sungindra Setiawan Shad've posted a new video about this and pointed out that everything Nu said was wrong and Shad was also very aggressive throughout the video.
Nusensei just slap muh study. When there are far from enough study to really support anything. I did some research about this topic for different stuff and there are basically no good data.
Shad just slap muh experience. When muh experience is probably the worst form of evidence.
Reality is we don't know. People probably did it both way, just like now days. But why do we care?
When war is happening, thry need to field as much archer as possible. If they can launch 100 pound arrow accurately at 20m, who care if you are using what kind of draw from what side of the bow.
@Sungindra Setiawan Very much stubborn. He is not even a well trained archer. He just wanna win the argument anyway. That's why I am looking forward to what experts like Tod and Joe have to say. I would like to email Tod but I don't know his email address. I don't know if he is gonna read our comments or not.
It's such a weirdass situation both of them are in with their disagreements getting so publicly displayed.
Not worth it. It's just drama for views.
You just made it super apparent to me why crossbowmen were so common, it's not just ease of use, though that's certainly part of it. It's the fact you can just make these things with ease, and in a scenario where you have numbers, they don't even need to be super well made accurate or powerful beasts, since volume of bolts down range will do most of the job for you.
In my country this "terrible assault weapon" is forbidden, I might just build one like the one video until I manage to get hold of a true crossbow.
Try not to go to jail
Where's that?
I know what I'm doing this weekend!
Well done on using hand tools that anyone could have on hand. So many "DIY" videos start with "And I cut this out on my CNC mill". Didn't even use nails or store bought dowels, the absolute madman.
Thanks 👍
Honestly do be careful of knives, imagine a wedge coming from the edge at at a 45 on both sides and keep your hand out of that area. Your arm *WILL* act as a spring and send your knife right into a finger and if it's dull you'll probably have more force behind it making it worse for you. I have cut myself bad enough I managed to get 7 stitches in my index finger on my left hand. Please don't hurt yourself as I nearly cut the tendon that makes my finger move and would have disabled myself if I were 5 mm over. I could see the bone and actually cut a small portion of my knuckle off. *PLEASE* make sure to be careful with any cutting tool.
I've always been told either "Cut towards your buddy, not your body" or "cut toward your chum and not your thumb". Sage advice given to me with my first pocket knife as a lad
@@classicbandgeek I was complacent as I'd just been trying to be fast. Funny part was that the stitches hurt more than the knife because it was sharp. I'd been so unaware of the injury that I made a can of beans immediately after and didn't go to urgent care for an hour and a half.
Joiner of nearly 40 years here. Many of my compatriots are missing bits of fingers and thumbs. It only takes a moments inattention. Absolutely agree that developing good working habits where the blade never moves towards your body parts, but you still maintain control is essential. I still have all my fingers and thumbs, but scars make the backs of my hands look like roadmaps.
I love your videos. Thank you for keeping this alive. What a great minimalist trade. Champion!
Hey Todd I love it! I made the small one yesterday using one of my exercise resistance bands that had broken. Super powerful even with the pens!
Im going to make two big ones today. What I want is any advice on making a simple bolt out of wood? What length and diameter would be good to fit this? Thanks!
great stuff. I used 12mm dowel, but really just use or shape whatever you have and make your crossbow suit that that. make the bolt about 30cm long and put a bit of weight up front
@@tods_workshop sadly no dowels here to use as I'm house sitting and we are in lock down here in New Zealand. Just a bunch of palettes I broke down for wood! Still has been fun though having made both the big and small. I carved some bolts out of the scraps of wood I could find. Not bad but I look forward to making some out of dowel once the shops are open again!
@@tods_workshop so I could use standard hot glue sticks with that
Your way of teaching is fantastic.
Hate to be a downer, but if the elasticity is in the string, its a slingshot, not a bow. See Jeorg Sprave for details (features)
The little one he shows making is bow powered.
This is one of the best channels!
My ancestors were from England and its neat to learn all this stuff.
Thx, again and
HAPPY TRAILS 🍀✌