10. PVC crossbow

<Intro>

In this project, I wondered to myself what it would be like if I own a crossbow in my possession, so I did something about it by constructing it out of PVC pipes, a tube, and an elastic band with duct tape. For starters, this is a simple, medium-sized crossbow meant as a way to test out its capabilities, such as how powerful it can land a shot, and how far the projectile can travel. 

When trying it out, my choice for a projectile is slender steel sticks that are meant to discourage birds from sitting on designated spots, and at a certain close distance, they can stick to a piece of wood at full force. Of course, seeing how this is built, it doesn't achieve a far distance like any other crossbow, but even so, you should not use it against a living being for safety/legal concerns.

<Close up>

<Construction>

Construction-wise, it uses parts such as the aforementioned PVC pipes and tee, the elastic exercise band, the metal tube, duct tape, and screws to hold the band in place. Since the PVC pipes fit each other snuggly, there is no need to use PVC cement to secure the pipes together. 

The pipes act as the framework/body for the crossbow, while the metal tube acts as a guide for putting the projectile inside, ready for launching. In this case here, the PVC pipes need to connect together to form a T-shape, and the metal tube has to be taped whilst installed on top of the frame using duct tape. The band is then secured at the ends of the PVC pipes; using the screws. 

<Full view>

<Tidbit>

Another thing to note is that because it doesn't have the latch and trigger system like any other crossbow, you will still need to operate it as if it was a regular bow, and once you find the target, let the band go immediately. In conclusion, it's pretty simple to make, easy to use, and more fun to get out of this, just make sure you use common sense when using this.