PVC is a great material for bows, being flexible and able to hold tension well. In addition, it is readily available and inexpensive. With these simple instructions and just a couple of tools, you can build a PVC bow and arrow in no time!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Basic arch
Step 1. Take a long PVC tube, and cut a piece of about 120cm for a small arch, or 180cm for a longer one
Step 2. Make a small notch in the ends (to hold the rope) with a hacksaw
Step 3. Take the rope (preferably the masonry cable) and knot it at one end
Then take the other end and pull it through the other notch.
Step 4. Pull tight, then trim excess string and leave room for a knot
Step 5. Knot at the end to hold the string in place - then you're ready to shoot your bow
Method 2 of 3: Professional bow
Step 1. Cut a line along one side of a 1.2cm thick, 150cm long PVC pipe
With a saw, try to cut the line as straight as possible.
Step 2. Spray the PVC pipes with lubricant
Spray the inside of a piece of PVC pipe 2cm thick and 150cm long, and the outside of the piece just cut.
Step 3. Put the first tube inside the thicker one
They will be righteous just; you may need to lean on the ground to help you. Be careful not to break the tube.
Step 4. Calculate and mark 2cm from each end of the tube
Step 5. With the drill (0.3cm bit), drill a hole on each mark
Make sure the holes are aligned and in the same place on both sides.
Step 6. Using a hacksaw, cut both ends of the pipe down to the holes you just cut
Step 7. Smooth out the cut parts with a file
You can also use thick sandpaper for even better smoothing.
Step 8. Clean the arch to remove any excess dust
You can paint the bow at this point, and attach some insulation with electrical tape to the handle.
Step 9. Wrap a fiberglass stick (1cm thick and 132cm long) with masking tape, and then with electrical tape
Step 10. Insert the fiberglass stick into the PVC pipes
Step 11. Insert the string following steps 3-4-5 in the previous section, and you are ready to use your bow
Method 3 of 3: The arrow
Step 1. Get another suitable PVC pipe
Step 2. Take a wooden pin and with the hacksaw cut a notch in the back for the string
Step 3. Attach the feathers, if you have any
Otherwise, attach a nail to the end with adhesive tape to give a weight - stabilize the arrow.
Step 4. Now you can shoot your bow
Advice
- Find a good point to stretch the arch, with also a support for bending the PVC.
- You can also use nails to build an arrow guide. 2 nails are enough in the central part of the arch on which to rest the arrow.
Warnings
- Do not aim at people - this bow can be very powerful (based on the PVC).
- Do not shoot any living thing (as above).
