First time making a crossbow

duresce · 10-01-2010, 04:08 PM

My google fu fails me in finding discussion related to these particularies so i will ask generally here to get some idea maybe of what i am doing.
Windlass - "english" windlass seems to be very complicated. Why is it necessary to have 3 pairs of rollers and two hooks? (because the hook would be impractical to put on the crossbow stock is my best guess).
I am trying to make something as simple as possible that works and doesnt fail of draw weight 200-500. Are the rollers necessary at all? would it suffice to attach them directly onto the rotating handle part?
And secondly do you think trigger parts made of 1cm diameter steel rods will withstand this draw weight pull?

ScottTheEngineer · 10-03-2010, 02:14 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File

aVinci_Crossbow.JPG

here you go. I think this shoots telephone poles though. This might actually make it cooler than my ten point.