Do I own a crossbow? No. Am I getting a crowssbow anytime soon? Also no. Will I make my own crossbow? Still no. Did I watch the whole video? Absolutely
Yes, make your own crossbow. PVC + Heat Gun works great for making the hardware. The stock is the hardest part and it's not exactly hard if you don't mind ugly. I made this one for ~$40, including the cost of the heat gun. ua-cam.com/video/qU_tc1CWIrU/v-deo.html
I lashed my homemade crossbow few months ago without any tutorials, and after watching this I can say what I did right and wrong Right: the cord goes through the hole and around the bow Wrong: Literally everything else about the process Though I'm happy to say I figured out the needle bit from the start
I'm not a native speaker and I don't know what "lashing a crossbow" means, but I looked at the thumbnail and thought to myself - I wonder how all this ropework is done. And how about that - it's exactly what the video is about. :D
"Lashing," in case you didn't pick it up from context and for anyone else with a similar knowledge gap, is either a noun or a verb. As a verb, it means to use cordage to bind or secure something. As a noun, it refers to the cordage itself. The use of the term in reference to whips or whipping someone, such as someone being given "20 lashes" in a pirate movie, is because the whips used were often improvised from the ship's supply of lashing cordage.
Watching Tod's videos for years now, and I have only just realised he is using ... metric. Now I understand why he is making so much sense all the time.
@@reggiep75 Not meant to :)). I simply stated that as a metric system user, everything Master Tod says makes sense to me. In opposition, i am also enjoying this channel too: ua-cam.com/channels/g-_lYeV8hBnDSay7nmphUA.html. Leo is using Imperial, and 99.9% of the time i just nod like an idiot because I dont know whether is is talking about a matchistick or a mountain.
At one time Tod was talking about "8 Mil" arrow shaft. That is less than hair width. I assume that in colloquidal British parlance mil means millimeter now.
The couch arrived in two boxes four days early, which was great because we'd just moved into a new house and needed places to sit. My son and I put it together pretty quickly ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxitRzxya-XugamYgLwa_2G1gxPg4MCJHa . Another reviewer suggested inserting the seat into the side and I'm glad they did as the instructions weren't clear on that matter. It's incredibly light and slides easily across the wood floor, making it easy to move. It's firm, but comfortable. It will even be great to nap on. I got the gray, which definitely has strong blue undertones, but I'm okay with that.
Two thoughts: 1) I think your channel has reached the point in a channel's life where we will watch any old thing you post because we find it all interesting, regardless of relevance to us 2) watching this, I found myself wondering how you learned such specific skills. It would be great if you made a video about how to get training in bowyery and similar crafts.
The Variable Geometry Needle is such a clever bit of work. All in all a fascinating video, even for someone like me, who is highly unlikely to ever build a crossbow.
The bow adjustment right at the end makes me think the experienced crossbowmen knew about it, and it's probably something you had to do in the field from time to time. A crossbow can get smacked on all sorts of things in a campaign. It's pretty much a medieval field windage adjustment.
I feel like this is very useful invo even if you're never going to touch a crossbow. The needle, the 'step-on-it' tightening trick,... very clever! Great video.
I don't think I'll ever build a crossbow in my entire life, but this was still really interesting to watch. Now I appreciate your craftmanship even more.
This is something that as a kid I always wanted to know how to do, as an adult I can finally say I know the process on how to do what the little kid in me wants. Thanks Todd for for fulfilling a childhood quest for knowledge.
This is such a nice illustration about how people back then were just as clever as we are, they were just working with a different set of tools. Give a person from the past a partially assembled crossbow and tell them it needs to be as tightly fitted as possible, and eventually they will find a way to do exactly that, even if they only have wood and cord to work with. Sure, it takes more time and labour than it might with modern tools and materials, but it absolutely does the job.
When you look at Tod's workshops wall in the back round you can see this moon calendar that shows the moon phases. This proves that Tod will turn into a werewolf at a night of a full moon. And that he is aware of it.
The sailor and knot enthusiast in me got me tied into watching this, and no regrets. The second layer reminds me slightly of the worming part of to worm, parcel, and serve rigging. Love the improvised needle. Kinda like a fid I've used to splice double braid rope (was a big straight needle with a hollow in the back to place end of the core/casing as it passed through the other), but you can shape it as needed for working on the lashing. Not sure of the forces required of a crossbow lashing, but one thing I've learned is that if you don't trust a line with your weight, you probably shouldn't trust it with a sail.
Thanks for making this one! Very interesting! Craftmanship videos like this really helps building a complete picture of the history of historical weapons and is something that is often overlooked. Most focus are usually on how weapons like this were used on the battlefield. But seeing how they are made realy equally as interesting and important I think! Cheers!
Thanks. I appreciate the lashing and knotwork. One of the things I dabble with from time to time. It's interesting to see what can be done with a piece of line
I made a crossbow with a pvc tube bow. Tied it on the stock in a similar way but without the 'needle' helping me out... Am I *GLAD* that i know that trick now!!! THANKS TOD!
Thank You. I made a Dark Ages Crossbow watching you but also did a single action rolling nut trigger. Got the antler from a pet shop they sell them as chew toys for dogs. I had to make a second bow the first one elbowed and try a I might I could not find how the lashing was done properly. This vid compleats the picture. Many thanks from Australia 🙂👍
To anyone who's thinking about using this style of binding, I used it on a homemade 150# fiberglass prod 8 inch power stroke rolling nut lock bow with success, though I have a few comments to make. I used a 1.5 inch thick oak "yoke" mounted directly against the front of the bow, cut down to 1.25 inches in the middle, leaving the sides high for holding the loops in place. I planned to use a gaffe lever for spanning and needed that thicker yoke to anchor a heavyweight screw eye for hooking the lever into, which seems to be working well so far. Possibly as a result, I needed a lot more tightening wraps around the main loops - 15 of the straight wraps and about 13-17 of the figure of eights (I wasn't counting, I just matched on each side). I also only did 6 of the main loops in a single layer on each side of the stock, plus a double layer of crisscrosses on the front, so that may have contributed. That double layer of crisscrosses on the front of the bow was more trouble than it was worth - I had to throw out my third attempt because the two layers had somehow twisted around each other before they got to the tightening wraps, ruining the appearance of the front of the bow. If you do crisscrosses, definitely only do a single layer, or just leave them off entirely. They don't blend well into the main loops going back through the hole either. For forming the initial loop, I found that rubbing a large amount of bowstring wax into the pseudo-splice was an easy way to hold the loop together without it pulling out on you when you put tension on it. It should be the innermost loop, so whatever you do won't be visible from the outside anyways. Supergluing it would probably work too, but waxing was easier and didn't risk gluing the cord to the stock. When working with that copper needle, file down any sharp edges on it, otherwise you'll ruin your finish. I had to re-varnish the entire front of my bow because it had gotten badly scratched up during the tightening process. A shorter needle is definitely better, and make sure to be going straight down and up against the stock. I used 4mm 4-twist jute from Amazon for my binding cord, and found that it had a disappointingly low breaking weight. I had to restart twice due to my cord breaking halfway through, and ended up having to tighten everything down by hand - not ideal, but with a lighter bow it should be strong enough. I'll try to find stronger cord in the future - plus, jute is hairy stuff and nobody likes a hairy crossbow. Lastly, this takes a lot longer than Todd makes it look like - my fourth and successful attempt took me about an hour and a half to do, though much of that was probably due to my larger number of tightening loops. Unless you wear a glove on your tensioning hand, expect to have blisters on your blisters by the end of it, especially if you use rough cordage like I did. If Todd reads this: I wouldn't have been able to do this project without your video. I've built crossbows in the past using bow irons and stirrups, but this is a lot more economical for me. Thanks, and take my sub, comment, and like - you've more than earned them.
This has been a good day so far, first a nice video on shields from Shad and now a interesting video from Tod... I Lindybeige were to upload a video as well I'd be calling it a great day :-) Best of luck to you Tod.
Not trying to start an argument and, as you also follow this channel, I assume you too values good historical sources and historical accuracy, but I have to say: Shad is more of a ... UA-cam entertainer… than a reliable source of insight on historical things. He often present an idea, backed up by few sources but, because he's very verbose, and concatenate ideas in very rapid fashion, he extrapolates way off of what you can infer from the original sources he cited, and make conclusion like it was “the” truth (take his conclusions in this very video on shield you cited, as a example). What I mean is to take what he says with a grain - or a roman soldier’s entire salarium - of salt. (And he sounds a little too arrogant in my opinion, but that is taste. Moreover, if you pay attention to drama, you know how he takes criticism)
@@danilonascimento9866 I don't mind all that, I simply like his videos accurate or not ;-) It is just like so many old History Channel programs, entertaining while sticking to a concept (if this makes sense?) that I simply enjoy it.
These videos really are great! Can't get enough of seeing things like this Tod. This is what youtube was made for. Thanks for taking the time shooting, editing and making these available for free! It's really appreciated ;)! Keep getting excited when I get a new notification of your channel :).
I don't plan on making a crossbow. (I have too many projects going.) I watched the video because I love 'em.. Much respect for a master sharing his knowledge.
Tod now we just need the 5 part series of you crafting a crossbow from stock to nut and trigger assembly to crafting the bow arms including the heat treating process!
Okay I am one of the few nerds, which had build a crossbow as a kid, later made a nut/triggercombo out of steel (and still have it) and had always dreamed to finnish someday his own "medival" crossbow... Tod this is a big help and an even bigger motivation to get back at my childhood dream. The lashing was always a bit of a worry, not knowing exactly how to do it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and passion!
I've made several crossbows, and used cordage to secure the lath on all of them, 'doing as seemed right'. I'm glad you made this video so I know the correct way, and I wasn't too far off in my guesswork. Thanks very much, sir :)
This was a super informative reference video. So many experienced people forget what it's like when someone is a novice. This could turn into a really handy reference library. Could call it "The Squire Series" . Learning a lot of the basics. Looking after weapons,leather and metal accessories etc. Can't wait to see what you get up to.ThankQ.TkEZ
Are there many surviving medieval crossbows with intact lashings that you could study to get the technique right? Clearly the way you do it works really well it's both logical and the product of a good chunk of practice. Excellent vid as always, I enjoy seeing the craftsmanship and skill.
SO LONG I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A CLEAR VIDEO ON HOW TO . FOR YEARS I BOUGHT THEM .. Just to play in my backyard...The.way Australia is Today i have to travel long distances .To find out i can not afford it. I Seriously needed website like this. I don't have all them fancy tools that you need on every other website. I can not thank you enough .This means someone with very little like myself can participate on Bow making to .💙
And why do you think you'll be able to watch the video in the case of an apocalypse? Best to transcribe the instructions into a physical induction manual... 😜
Tod, that was....surprisingly interesting! I'm unlikely ever to forge a bow steel (the tempering kind of worries me - but I might try it with a light one one day), but your crossbow videos always make me more interested in them than I am by default! I think I'll stick to axes, though.
Spring tempering is actually fairly easy. You want it to turn blue from the heat. Burning motor oil is the right temperature (about 550-600degF). Molten lead will also work, but it's easier to overheat that way, and takes a heck of a lot of power/heat to get the lead melted in the first place, and you do *NOT* want to work around that much molten lead if you can avoid it! Molten lead can be used for making smaller springs, like for a flintlock's mainspring, since a person making a flintlock is likely to have a lead pot to cast bullets with anyways. You will want a thermometer for this if you want to be consistent with it.
Weirdly fascinating and Tod has an amazing instinct for what an audience might find interesting and why. So many useful little tricks to make the work better and easier.
Thank you sir for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. It is greatly appreciated. Was talking with my brother about how this was done just yesterday. You very handily answered all our questions. Cheers!
Thank you so much for this! It´s ilegal in my country to build one without permit but I write and my protagonist were and now I have a better understanding of the process.
I've used a variation of that pipe needle in the past using a drinking straw and string for routing cables through a homemade desk rather than a lashing crossbow but it's a handy trick or "bodge" to have lurking in the recesses of the brain.
Well, I don't expect to build or own a crossbow any time soon, but this video has been most interesting! It's really nice to see how things are actually done. Thank you, Tod!
That was fascinating to watch Tod, you make it look so very easy, but I bet it was not the first time you did it lol Practice obviously make perfect in this case. I love watching you work, you are so knowledgeable, and seem very happy to share that obviously hard earned knowledge with your viewers. I looked all through your website gallery, and was stunned at the range of beautifully crafted, stunning looking items of weaponry. I really recommend that your viewers go and look on your site as it's truly stunning.
Awesome! Very good info, I have been wanting to do crossbow quite a while, I have made one for my son from saw blade it is medieval type with bone and wood inlays
Byt hte way, i have finished my own croosbow and have tried your trick. IT DOES WORK! My crossow is shooting very straight. Now, we have to work on the shooter, I guess...
Finally a good guide on how to do this! I've had a spare 200 pound prod sitting around my basement for years - I used my only set of good steel bow irons on an 80 pound prod and am not a skilled enough blacksmith to make more myself. Now I can finally make that super-heavy crossbow of my dreams. Only one issue: Said prod has a triangular shape when viewed from the front, with the flat side up and the pointed side down. Will this affect the binding in any way?
Do I own a crossbow? No. Am I getting a crowssbow anytime soon? Also no. Will I make my own crossbow? Still no.
Did I watch the whole video? Absolutely
Same XD
Yes, make your own crossbow. PVC + Heat Gun works great for making the hardware. The stock is the hardest part and it's not exactly hard if you don't mind ugly. I made this one for ~$40, including the cost of the heat gun. ua-cam.com/video/qU_tc1CWIrU/v-deo.html
¡That's my post!
Watching the complete vid, always think about ~excuses~ reason why i should need a crossbow cause now i want one ;)
@@skyvenrazgriz8226 A light pvc crossbow is perfect for plinking in your backyard, even if it's small. What more do you need?
Yep... imma watch the whole thing. Never will I ever do this but I’ve always wanted to know.
Hey, if you ever end up in a weird post-apocalyptic survival situation the half-remembered recollections of this video might just save your life.
@@Just_A_Dude True. I'm old enough to realize that you often don't know when some half forgotten bit of info might be crucial.
I lashed my homemade crossbow few months ago without any tutorials, and after watching this I can say what I did right and wrong
Right: the cord goes through the hole and around the bow
Wrong: Literally everything else about the process
Though I'm happy to say I figured out the needle bit from the start
Love it! a great chuckle
@@tods_workshop Next time I will follow instructions of the professional, I promise
bending the pipe "needle" was brilliant.
It's a vital trick to do with zip-ties too when snaking them through a tight spot or hole
That's when the experience and ingenuity of a worker comes in. And that's what you actually, rightfully, pay for.
I was wondering why he didn't use a fid; then he hammered the curve into it and I was enlightened.
I'm not a native speaker and I don't know what "lashing a crossbow" means, but I looked at the thumbnail and thought to myself - I wonder how all this ropework is done. And how about that - it's exactly what the video is about. :D
"Lashing," in case you didn't pick it up from context and for anyone else with a similar knowledge gap, is either a noun or a verb. As a verb, it means to use cordage to bind or secure something. As a noun, it refers to the cordage itself.
The use of the term in reference to whips or whipping someone, such as someone being given "20 lashes" in a pirate movie, is because the whips used were often improvised from the ship's supply of lashing cordage.
@@Just_A_Dude "As a verb, it means to use cordage to bind or secure something."
Or it means a fun time in the sex dungeon :P
@@Mewobiba Well, that IS an example of using cordage to bind or secure something, yes.
Watching Tod's videos for years now, and I have only just realised he is using ... metric. Now I understand why he is making so much sense all the time.
Nice
You gonna trigger some with this comment.. 🤣
@@reggiep75 Not meant to :)). I simply stated that as a metric system user, everything Master Tod says makes sense to me.
In opposition, i am also enjoying this channel too: ua-cam.com/channels/g-_lYeV8hBnDSay7nmphUA.html. Leo is using Imperial, and 99.9% of the time i just nod like an idiot because I dont know whether is is talking about a matchistick or a mountain.
At one time Tod was talking about "8 Mil" arrow shaft. That is less than hair width. I assume that in colloquidal British parlance mil means millimeter now.
@@TimoNoko what else does it mean?? (Apart from millilitre, which is clearly not applicable.)
The couch arrived in two boxes four days early, which was great because we'd just moved into a new house and needed places to sit. My son and I put it together pretty quickly ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxitRzxya-XugamYgLwa_2G1gxPg4MCJHa . Another reviewer suggested inserting the seat into the side and I'm glad they did as the instructions weren't clear on that matter. It's incredibly light and slides easily across the wood floor, making it easy to move. It's firm, but comfortable. It will even be great to nap on. I got the gray, which definitely has strong blue undertones, but I'm okay with that.
It is so satisfying to see a master craftsman trade secrets.
A whole series on how to make different parts of crossbows would be amazing
What did it do wrong to deserve a lashing?
Nothing, thats just its kink 😈
@@hello7533 was about to say the same. You start with crossbow fetishes and end up going full perv
@@Batmack
*gets hit by quarrel
Victim: harder
The bow and stirrup did not want to play nice with the other parts. Lash em!
Being cross, obviously.
Two thoughts:
1) I think your channel has reached the point in a channel's life where we will watch any old thing you post because we find it all interesting, regardless of relevance to us
2) watching this, I found myself wondering how you learned such specific skills. It would be great if you made a video about how to get training in bowyery and similar crafts.
The Variable Geometry Needle is such a clever bit of work. All in all a fascinating video, even for someone like me, who is highly unlikely to ever build a crossbow.
I always thought of it as a bit of pipe on a string, but a "variable geometry needle" is a far better name - thank you!
The bow adjustment right at the end makes me think the experienced crossbowmen knew about it, and it's probably something you had to do in the field from time to time. A crossbow can get smacked on all sorts of things in a campaign. It's pretty much a medieval field windage adjustment.
It is exactly that
Yes, how did Tod learn how to lash?
Big pot of coffee and a 20 minute tod cutler video. Can't think of a better way to start a long cold 16 hr night shift.
I feel like this is very useful invo even if you're never going to touch a crossbow. The needle, the 'step-on-it' tightening trick,... very clever! Great video.
I have no idea why I'm watching this, but I'm glad that I am.
The bit with the pipe-needle was brilliant, by the way.
I don't think I'll ever build a crossbow in my entire life, but this was still really interesting to watch. Now I appreciate your craftmanship even more.
If I ever step in a time machine set for the medieval period I want Todd with me otherwise I'm a dead man.
You would want a medieval linguist with you as well, trust me. :)
In a medievel castle Tod would have been the roof sniper.
You're like a proper medieval master and we are your apprentices and journeyman
That knock bit could also work on the archer. If he shoots off, give him a good knock... ;P
This is something that as a kid I always wanted to know how to do, as an adult I can finally say I know the process on how to do what the little kid in me wants.
Thanks Todd for for fulfilling a childhood quest for knowledge.
This is such a nice illustration about how people back then were just as clever as we are, they were just working with a different set of tools. Give a person from the past a partially assembled crossbow and tell them it needs to be as tightly fitted as possible, and eventually they will find a way to do exactly that, even if they only have wood and cord to work with. Sure, it takes more time and labour than it might with modern tools and materials, but it absolutely does the job.
When you look at Tod's workshops wall in the back round you can see this moon calendar that shows the moon phases.
This proves that Tod will turn into a werewolf at a night of a full moon.
And that he is aware of it.
No the best night hunting is the full moon. The neighbors never heard anything.
Crossbow wielding werewolf. I suddenly feel very lucky that I don't live in the UK.
"Fool moon"
@@ElliWoelfin Lol thanks for making me aware of it XD
@@Schlachti10 The crossbows are for vampires. Against humans claws will suffice.
The type and depth of practical information casually dropped on youtube (and many other parts of the internet) never ceases to amaze me.
The sailor and knot enthusiast in me got me tied into watching this, and no regrets.
The second layer reminds me slightly of the worming part of to worm, parcel, and serve rigging. Love the improvised needle. Kinda like a fid I've used to splice double braid rope (was a big straight needle with a hollow in the back to place end of the core/casing as it passed through the other), but you can shape it as needed for working on the lashing.
Not sure of the forces required of a crossbow lashing, but one thing I've learned is that if you don't trust a line with your weight, you probably shouldn't trust it with a sail.
Thanks for making this one! Very interesting! Craftmanship videos like this really helps building a complete picture of the history of historical weapons and is something that is often overlooked. Most focus are usually on how weapons like this were used on the battlefield. But seeing how they are made realy equally as interesting and important I think! Cheers!
Thanks.
I appreciate the lashing and knotwork. One of the things I dabble with from time to time. It's interesting to see what can be done with a piece of line
Posted 6 minutes ago!? Have the gods finally blessed me with a sign of a good year! Love your work! Thanks for posting Tod!
I made a crossbow with a pvc tube bow. Tied it on the stock in a similar way but without the 'needle' helping me out... Am I *GLAD* that i know that trick now!!! THANKS TOD!
a pleasure
Thank You. I made a Dark Ages Crossbow watching you but also did a single action rolling nut trigger. Got the antler from a pet shop they sell them as chew toys for dogs. I had to make a second bow the first one elbowed and try a I might I could not find how the lashing was done properly. This vid compleats the picture. Many thanks from Australia 🙂👍
I'm never going to lash a crossbow, but these techniques really helped me with my wife.
To anyone who's thinking about using this style of binding, I used it on a homemade 150# fiberglass prod 8 inch power stroke rolling nut lock bow with success, though I have a few comments to make.
I used a 1.5 inch thick oak "yoke" mounted directly against the front of the bow, cut down to 1.25 inches in the middle, leaving the sides high for holding the loops in place. I planned to use a gaffe lever for spanning and needed that thicker yoke to anchor a heavyweight screw eye for hooking the lever into, which seems to be working well so far. Possibly as a result, I needed a lot more tightening wraps around the main loops - 15 of the straight wraps and about 13-17 of the figure of eights (I wasn't counting, I just matched on each side). I also only did 6 of the main loops in a single layer on each side of the stock, plus a double layer of crisscrosses on the front, so that may have contributed.
That double layer of crisscrosses on the front of the bow was more trouble than it was worth - I had to throw out my third attempt because the two layers had somehow twisted around each other before they got to the tightening wraps, ruining the appearance of the front of the bow. If you do crisscrosses, definitely only do a single layer, or just leave them off entirely. They don't blend well into the main loops going back through the hole either.
For forming the initial loop, I found that rubbing a large amount of bowstring wax into the pseudo-splice was an easy way to hold the loop together without it pulling out on you when you put tension on it. It should be the innermost loop, so whatever you do won't be visible from the outside anyways. Supergluing it would probably work too, but waxing was easier and didn't risk gluing the cord to the stock.
When working with that copper needle, file down any sharp edges on it, otherwise you'll ruin your finish. I had to re-varnish the entire front of my bow because it had gotten badly scratched up during the tightening process. A shorter needle is definitely better, and make sure to be going straight down and up against the stock.
I used 4mm 4-twist jute from Amazon for my binding cord, and found that it had a disappointingly low breaking weight. I had to restart twice due to my cord breaking halfway through, and ended up having to tighten everything down by hand - not ideal, but with a lighter bow it should be strong enough. I'll try to find stronger cord in the future - plus, jute is hairy stuff and nobody likes a hairy crossbow.
Lastly, this takes a lot longer than Todd makes it look like - my fourth and successful attempt took me about an hour and a half to do, though much of that was probably due to my larger number of tightening loops. Unless you wear a glove on your tensioning hand, expect to have blisters on your blisters by the end of it, especially if you use rough cordage like I did.
If Todd reads this: I wouldn't have been able to do this project without your video. I've built crossbows in the past using bow irons and stirrups, but this is a lot more economical for me. Thanks, and take my sub, comment, and like - you've more than earned them.
This has been a good day so far, first a nice video on shields from Shad and now a interesting video from Tod... I Lindybeige were to upload a video as well I'd be calling it a great day :-)
Best of luck to you Tod.
Not trying to start an argument and, as you also follow this channel, I assume you too values good historical sources and historical accuracy, but I have to say: Shad is more of a ... UA-cam entertainer… than a reliable source of insight on historical things. He often present an idea, backed up by few sources but, because he's very verbose, and concatenate ideas in very rapid fashion, he extrapolates way off of what you can infer from the original sources he cited, and make conclusion like it was “the” truth (take his conclusions in this very video on shield you cited, as a example). What I mean is to take what he says with a grain - or a roman soldier’s entire salarium - of salt.
(And he sounds a little too arrogant in my opinion, but that is taste. Moreover, if you pay attention to drama, you know how he takes criticism)
@@danilonascimento9866 I don't mind all that, I simply like his videos accurate or not ;-)
It is just like so many old History Channel programs, entertaining while sticking to a concept (if this makes sense?) that I simply enjoy it.
The beauty of simplicity. Also, the headache of not knowing the proper technique. Great vid as usual
I didn't know this was how you put tension on it. Quite interesting.
These videos really are great! Can't get enough of seeing things like this Tod. This is what youtube was made for. Thanks for taking the time shooting, editing and making these available for free! It's really appreciated ;)! Keep getting excited when I get a new notification of your channel :).
Thanks a lot for this tutorial, I can now lash my 17 crossbows that were waiting in the kitchen !
I don't plan on making a crossbow. (I have too many projects going.) I watched the video because I love 'em.. Much respect for a master sharing his knowledge.
This is great to know for the future American Civil War II. Thanks for info, always enjoy your videos.
Thanks Tod. It was really good to see you in the workshop making something.
I always wondered how that was done, not nearly as complicated as I initially thought. And this is definitely worth sharing.
Takes some time and practice to make it neat, though. You may want a wood wedge to push the cord around.
Now the video on making historically correct hemp or linen cords is a must :)
Make a bow string and double it.
I think this was my first look inside the workshop. I love it!
History comes alive. Completely fascinating. Love it. Tshirt come payday
i bought a knife of tod and it arrived yesterday. its bleedin amazing. such great work. its a thing of beauty!
First time on your channel and just wanted to say your intro clip of the circle is really cool
Tod now we just need the 5 part series of you crafting a crossbow from stock to nut and trigger assembly to crafting the bow arms including the heat treating process!
Okay I am one of the few nerds, which had build a crossbow as a kid, later made a nut/triggercombo out of steel (and still have it) and had always dreamed to finnish someday his own "medival" crossbow...
Tod this is a big help and an even bigger motivation to get back at my childhood dream. The lashing was always a bit of a worry, not knowing exactly how to do it.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and passion!
I've made several crossbows, and used cordage to secure the lath on all of them, 'doing as seemed right'. I'm glad you made this video so I know the correct way, and I wasn't too far off in my guesswork. Thanks very much, sir :)
You're right it doesn't get any better than this. Thanks Tod, A+.
While I will likely never have any cause to do this, I found this fascinating, and informative. thank you
Perfect! this was the next thing on my "need to learn" list got my first crossbow last year and this is one of the things i did not know how to do.
This was a super informative reference video. So many experienced people forget what it's like when someone is a novice. This could turn into a really handy reference library. Could call it "The Squire Series" . Learning a lot of the basics. Looking after weapons,leather and metal accessories etc. Can't wait to see what you get up to.ThankQ.TkEZ
Todd - "if tying things together with cord doesnt interest you leave now"
Me - "You mad lad, I am in! Show me some awesome cord tying!"
I have a pile of components for this in my living room, great timing Tod!
Are there many surviving medieval crossbows with intact lashings that you could study to get the technique right? Clearly the way you do it works really well it's both logical and the product of a good chunk of practice. Excellent vid as always, I enjoy seeing the craftsmanship and skill.
I also want to know.
Precious knowledge being passed through. You're the man Tod. Thank you.
Glad we get some historical maker content again, love it!
This was good, relaxing therapy. Thank you Tod!
Awesome video! You should show the whole process of making a crossbow!
SO LONG I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A CLEAR VIDEO ON HOW TO . FOR YEARS I BOUGHT THEM .. Just to play in my backyard...The.way Australia is Today i have to travel long distances .To find out i can not afford it. I Seriously needed website like this. I don't have all them fancy tools that you need on every other website. I can not thank you enough .This means someone with very little like myself can participate on Bow making to .💙
the way you ues your work shop reminds me of how my dad taught me
Thank you Todd for your generosity sharing this secrets of the trade.
I think you make some of the best videos out there. Thank you for sharing!
You know I should probably download this video in case apocalypse actually happens and I need to start making my own crossbows.
And why do you think you'll be able to watch the video in the case of an apocalypse? Best to transcribe the instructions into a physical induction manual... 😜
One of the best crossbow videos!
i was looking for how to craft crossbows in RuneScape (a video game) and found this... watched the whole thing and loved it!
Yes it was useful indeed, always wondered how the lashings were tied. Thank you for the demo sir!
Cool video! Even if it wasn't the most "exciting" I still learned something.
Thanks and it was never going to be a 'nail biter'
Now I know how to finish my crossbow. Thanks, Tod!
Making a crossbow now. This is very helpful.
Why is this so captivating? I was mesmerized the whole video through, it's just so satisfying to watch.
I need this for an SCA combat archery crossbow I am re-building. Great Video
Always wondered how this was secured firmly in place. I found this both entertaining and educational. Just love it!
Tod, that was....surprisingly interesting! I'm unlikely ever to forge a bow steel (the tempering kind of worries me - but I might try it with a light one one day), but your crossbow videos always make me more interested in them than I am by default!
I think I'll stick to axes, though.
Spring tempering is actually fairly easy. You want it to turn blue from the heat.
Burning motor oil is the right temperature (about 550-600degF).
Molten lead will also work, but it's easier to overheat that way, and takes a heck of a lot of power/heat to get the lead melted in the first place, and you do *NOT* want to work around that much molten lead if you can avoid it! Molten lead can be used for making smaller springs, like for a flintlock's mainspring, since a person making a flintlock is likely to have a lead pot to cast bullets with anyways.
You will want a thermometer for this if you want to be consistent with it.
Weirdly fascinating and Tod has an amazing instinct for what an audience might find interesting and why. So many useful little tricks to make the work better and easier.
Meanwhile in Germany:
Joerg: "and today we are going to lash the crossbow with "Theraband Gold"
(followed by Joerg's deep laugh)
Enjoyed seeing some of your craft. Would love to see more things like this.
Really interesting! I truly love to se expert craftsmen at work. Thanks
Thank you sir for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. It is greatly appreciated. Was talking with my brother about how this was done just yesterday. You very handily answered all our questions. Cheers!
Thank you so much for this!
It´s ilegal in my country to build one without permit but I write and my protagonist were and now I have a better understanding of the process.
Cheers Tod. I'm just making one. Great advice. Thanks.
I've used a variation of that pipe needle in the past using a drinking straw and string for routing cables through a homemade desk rather than a lashing crossbow but it's a handy trick or "bodge" to have lurking in the recesses of the brain.
Todd, you smooth talker you. How could I turn off after an intro like that 😂
Very interesting lesson. Your lashing looks Strong, capable of picking few tons.
beautiful craftmanship
That was verry interesting, never seen it done before, and the tuning sounds so easy when you do it! Nice one Tod, keep em coming! 😀
Well, I don't expect to build or own a crossbow any time soon, but this video has been most interesting! It's really nice to see how things are actually done. Thank you, Tod!
Fascinating as always.👍
Thank you so much! A super great gide! I tried to do that thing without a needle trick for a few times. And it is a real pain in the...
Not planning to lash a crossbow anytime soon... still watched the entire video!!
That was fascinating to watch Tod, you make it look so very easy, but I bet it was not the first time you did it lol Practice obviously make perfect in this case. I love watching you work, you are so knowledgeable, and seem very happy to share that obviously hard earned knowledge with your viewers. I looked all through your website gallery, and was stunned at the range of beautifully crafted, stunning looking items of weaponry. I really recommend that your viewers go and look on your site as it's truly stunning.
Fascinating! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Awesome video!!! Tod can you do a workshop tour? I and i think lots of people would love to see the rest of your workshop.
Good content. Thanks, Tod.
Parphrasing Merry, from LOTR movies - "It comes as crossbow!? I'm going to make one!" Love this channel. Thanks
Tod!
Awesome! Very good info, I have been wanting to do crossbow quite a while, I have made one for my son from saw blade it is medieval type with bone and wood inlays
Byt hte way, i have finished my own croosbow and have tried your trick. IT DOES WORK! My crossow is shooting very straight. Now, we have to work on the shooter, I guess...
Finally a good guide on how to do this! I've had a spare 200 pound prod sitting around my basement for years - I used my only set of good steel bow irons on an 80 pound prod and am not a skilled enough blacksmith to make more myself. Now I can finally make that super-heavy crossbow of my dreams. Only one issue: Said prod has a triangular shape when viewed from the front, with the flat side up and the pointed side down. Will this affect the binding in any way?
Wouldn't think so - try it and fine out
Many thanks, that was just the part I was missing for building my bow!