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Description
Materials used:
-1x leaf spring from light truck. Got it at a scrapyard. A leaf spring will contain several leaves, usually about four. The leaves will usually have a 1/2" hole in the middle. I chose the shortest one, and then trimmed it down to size with an angle grinder. I also ground grooves into the ends to accommodate the cable.
-1x 30 in. long piece of 2x6 oak. I used hardwood because I expected the prod be quite powerful.
-1x 3ft. length of 1/4" 7x7 aircraft cable. Got it at Home Depot. 7x19 cable is probably better (more flexible), but I couldn't find it. Frankly, any string/rope/cord that can take several hundred pounds is suitable. Stretchy cord is NOT suitable; if you use that, you'll be making a slingshot instead of a crossbow. Different operating principle.
-2x aluminum sleeves. Used to secure the cable.
-3x 1/4" hex nuts, hex bolts, and washers. The third was a spare.
- Assorted scraps of metal. I cut/bent/hammered them into the appropriate shapes and sizes for use as the trigger, tumbler, "barrel," and return spring.

Tools used included a hammer, flat head screwdriver, bow saw, hacksaw, angle grinder w/ 1/16" cutting disk, 80 grit flap disk, and 1/4" grinding disk, round file, flat file, ratchet, groove-joint pliers, and an electric drill with a 1/4" bit.

A table with a vice attached was also used.

Description
Materials used:
-1x leaf spring from light truck. Got it at a scrapyard. A leaf spring will contain several leaves, usually about four. The leaves will usually have a 1/2" hole in the middle. I chose the shortest one, and then trimmed it down to size with an angle grinder. I also ground grooves into the ends to accommodate the cable.
-1x 30 in. long piece of 2x6 oak. I used hardwood because I expected the prod be quite powerful.
-1x 3ft. length of 1/4" 7x7 aircraft cable. Got it at Home Depot. 7x19 cable is probably better (more flexible), but I couldn't find it. Frankly, any string/rope/cord that can take several hundred pounds is suitable. Stretchy cord is NOT suitable; if you use that, you'll be making a slingshot instead of a crossbow. Different operating principle.
-2x aluminum sleeves. Used to secure the cable.
-3x 1/4" hex nuts, hex bolts, and washers. The third was a spare.
- Assorted scraps of metal. I cut/bent/hammered them into the appropriate shapes and sizes for use as the trigger, tumbler, "barrel," and return spring.

Tools used included a hammer, flat head screwdriver, bow saw, hacksaw, angle grinder w/ 1/16" cutting disk, 80 grit flap disk, and 1/4" grinding disk, round file, flat file, ratchet, groove-joint pliers, and an electric drill with a 1/4" bit.

A table with a vice attached was also used.