Designing and milling a miniature crossbow, need some advice
I would normally post this type of question in r/cnc but I think this is better.
I'm a CNC technician and my colleague suggested I try my hand at some private project. One colleague of mine made a cannon design, 20 copies. I thought I'd try making a mini crossbow.
I normally operate a 3-axis standard Doosan mill. I'm pretty good with it. I can utilize my workshop after hours for the project, I only need to pay for the material, which brings me to this post.
I need suggestions for the materials. I imagine I'll make the stock out of 2333, stainless steel. What about the string? The bow? Firing mechanism? Are there any suggestions you have?
I'm thinking an "inverted vise" thing here. Pulling the string by a screw. But this is early in my thinking process.
Any input is most welcome. I've tried searching the net but I'm short with ideas for the actual design.
Posted Dec 22, 2018, 2:20 PM UTC
To save weight I would make the stock out of aluminium (+wood for the parts one touches, but thats just how I do it), the bow could be spring steel (it will then be front heavy though) or more modern fibre glass stuff.
Some people just buy cheapo crossbows like the "Jaguar" and reuse the bow from that for their own project. I think the bow itself can even be bought separately. Just google "jaguar crossbow".
Judging by your questions though I think you should look first what others made (especially trigger mechanism etc.) and then try to come up with an own design. Then you also will be able to ask more specific questions.
I just read again and noticed you want to make a miniature crossbow. Well, that changes some of what I wrote, like weight-saving being an issue. But anyway, ask more specific questions and people will be able to help :)