How to make an arbalest bolt with your own hands?

In any hobby, there are so-called consumables. In origami, you need paper, modeling does not do without glue, but for those who are fond of different weapons, everything is much more complicated: their consumables - bullets, arrows, darts - are not as cheap as we would like. What can we do not to go bankrupt on the "shells" for our favorite weapons? That's right, to construct with your own hands. So today we will try to make an arbalest bolt on our own.

What it is?

Let's start with the theory. Crossbow bolt - this is a special shell, which is used when firing from a specific and rare weapons. From the balance of the bolt, its length, the material used in the manufacture, both the range of fire and its accuracy depend.

It is worth noting that the choice of the arrow depends not only on the model of the crossbow, but also on the arrow itself, so do not spare the time to select the right projectile. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that even with the most accurate use of bolts over time, their feathering, tip is worn, and the shaft can break down - that's why it is recommended to stop on those arrows in which one or several of the components can easily be replaced.

In addition, in no case should you try to replace bolts for the crossbow on the lighter arrows used for archery. First, the accuracy of the shots will be seriously affected, because the crossbow is adapted for more powerful projectiles, and secondly, such a misalignment will negatively affect the crossbow itself, so do not risk your weapon in an attempt to save.

Material selection

In the set with each crossbow usually comes the factory set of bolts. But at shooting arrows also are lost, and deform, and absolutely break. That is why sooner or later many gunners are faced with the issue of self-made shells - factory bolts are not always affordable for those who spend a large number of arrows.

One of the first questions is the choice of material. Before thinking about how to make a crossbow bolt from an aluminum tube, it's worth remembering that even this seemingly versatile metal is not so durable: because of its softness, the arrow quickly deforms.

As for the carbon fiber, which is much more expensive and durable, the bolt is unlikely to withstand the impact not on a special soft target, but on a solid target. Wood is a material of aesthetes, which achieve maximum closeness of modern bolts to their historical counterparts. With constant use, the tree quickly breaks down, which at a fairly high cost is not the best option, in addition, it needs special storage and transportation conditions, and special care is also needed.

Another option - plastic, probably, it is considered optimal: yes, the bolts from it wear out quickly, but the material is quite inexpensive, so replacing the shaft is not difficult.

A little more theory

What does "sports bolt bolts" and "hunting bolts" mean? The difference between them is in the material of the shaft: in the case of the hunting arrow it is heavier, whereas in the sports bolt it is hollow. As for the tip, in hunting arrows it has much more facets and notches than in sports arrows.

The plumage of sporting bolts is shorter than that of hunting: in the latter case, the arrow must be quickly stabilized, and this quality is ensured by a long plumage, which can be made both from plastic and from ordinary feathers.

Parameters of an ideal bolt

Now that we already have a certain information base, we learn how to make crossbow bolts with our own hands. Let's start with the parameters of the product: its length should be 30-40 centimeters with a diameter of 6-9 millimeters. As for plumage, its length should not exceed 7 centimeters. The finished bolt should weigh between 15 and 40 grams. Usually bolts are made small, but still in batches, for example, five shells at a time. In this case, it is important that they are the most identical - that's what guarantees the same results when shooting. It is worth remembering that the thinner the shaft and the shorter the plumage, the better the aerodynamic qualities of the bolt.

Bolt of plastic with their own hands. What is needed?

So, how to make an arbalest bolt with your own hands? Let's try to construct a simple pistol-type dart. To do this, you need a plastic tube from the balloon, the holder to it (round, put on a stick and helps to maintain the position of the ball), rivet, nail (length - 12 cm, width - 4 mm), plastic for plumage (thickness - 0.3 mm , And the length and width are 70 and 18 mm, respectively).

The tools will need a clerical and a thermo-knife (the latter is a modification of the soldering iron, the blade is attached to the tip, and heated by a soldering iron, it will perfectly serve to cut through the plumage holes), a metal hacksaw, a drill with a drill (5.5 mm in diameter), a file and a silicone glue. Required and a template, which will cut out feathers.

Instruction for manufacturing

Everything begins with the sharpening of the rivet. To do this, you need to clamp it in a drill and gradually using a file to sharpen it. After that, the stick from the ball is cut in half across, and then in the resulting tubes cuts are made for the insertion of the plumage - it is best to perform these operations with a thermo knife.

In the holder for the ball, the upper part of it is cut off, which is fixed to a stick, cut in half and reamed with a drill - this is the future of the end of the bolt shank. Naturally, the bolt must be heavier, for this, the nail is cut off from the nail, then it is cut in half, and after these manipulations one of the halves is inserted into the plastic tube (the nail should occupy 2/3 of the future bolt). After this comes the plumage of plumage: a kind of trapezium is cut out of plastic.

Now that all the parts are ready, you can collect the bolt. First, a tip is inserted into the plastic tube about 1/3 of the length, lubricated with silicone adhesive. Then, from the back side, also a nail, lubricated with glue, is introduced, it should rest on the back of the rivet. After that, plastic trapezium-blades are pasted into the plume slots, and the bolt cuts out the tip cut from the ball holder, glued to the back end of the stick.

Replacement of plastic for aluminum

Making crossbow bolts with your own hands, you can use aluminum as a material for the shaft. The properties of darts from this material have already been mentioned above - it is relatively soft, so it inevitably deforms over time.

At the same time, the use of a metal tube in the manufacture of a bolt in the same manner as described above will help to significantly strengthen the design, adding weight and strength to it.

Crossbow bolt made of wood

In conclusion, I would like to return to the classic wooden darts. The crossbow bolt, the photo of which is presented below, is made of wood. The ideal material in this case will be a birch, which though difficult to process, but the bolts from it will be very strong. Stapik, which goes to the pole, is often square, but sometimes there are so-called dowels - already rounded sticks.

In the case with the initially square shafts with the help of the plane, it is necessary to give them an octagonal form, and then with sandpaper, all the less rough, gradually polish the shaft to an ideal smoothness.

In this case, plumage is better to make of aluminum tape - it is strong enough, besides it will give a bolt so necessary for long-distance flight weight.

Aluminum scotch is cut out rectangles, which are then pasted with another, bright tape, which will help find the arrow in the grass. At the same time, on the one hand, identical feathers are cut out on the resulting structure using a template. With the same silicone adhesive they are fixed in the holes cut in the shaft.

To create a secure tip, a coin is attached to the upper end of the shaft with an insulating tape. A small amount of foam is squeezed on top of it, and then the entire structure is covered with a cloth. Such a tip does not penetrate into the target, but at the same time it does not do any harm with careless use. So, the crossbow bolt is made of wood.

Conclusion

Shooting from any kind of weapon - a hobby unusual and dangerous. When training with a crossbow or bow, it is always worth remembering that the shells in your hands represent a real danger, so observe the safety precautions.