Customizable DragonflY Assault Crossbow

 by Wicky
Here it is, a new design aimed at portability, but still packs more than a punch.
It uses a trigger previously seen on the Blockhead, which has never misfired(and believe me,that is important when playing with so much power).
This Instructable features 4 bows, one Y-shaped two normally-shaped and one odd block; all a personal choice. The stock is optional, however it makes it a lot easier to aim and makes it a lot more comfortable. The DragonflY is also very piece efficient and provides excellent firepower for 6 rubberbands.

Facts:
1. Lightweight
2. Comfortable
3. Easily fires 150 feet*
4. Modular: Instructable will be updated with different bow types, scopes and stocks.
5. Wide opening: The front bow is very wide, which means it can fire all sorts of ammo.**
6. Easy loading/Low friction: The trigger has been improved, which makes it easier to load, reduces friction.
7. Powerful: Shoots clean through cardboard.

Review:
http://www.instructables.com/community/Customizable-Dragonfly-Assault-Crossbow-Review/

Like it said, I will update the Instructable with new things for it.
If you happen to have made a good bow,stock or scope, you could always post a picture of it, I will build, make instructions for it in here and of course give you credit or the design.
Ammo will get a special section soon!

Don't forget to rate eh? =d

Updated: 1 time

*Depends on length of handle and number of rubberbands.
**Depends on what type of bow used.
 
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Step 1: Minimal Pieces Needed

This is not 100% accurate, but should give a good indication:

Without Optional Parts, basic Y-bow crossbow (Counted from pictures)

Rods:
Grey:0
Red:18
Yellow:2
Blue:68
White:89
Green:117
Bendy grey:0
Bendy red:0
Bendy yellow:0
Bendy blue:0
Bendy white:0

Connectors:
Gray:
Lightgray:6
Red:16
Green:3
Yellow:86
Purple:0
Blue:9
White:30
Blueclip:2
Hinge:1

Misc.:
Small Wheel:4
Medium Wheel:0
Gray spacer:10
Blue spacer:4
gooldnoofgrin says: Oct 25, 2011. 4:08 AM
Amazing! Outstanding! With the right rubber bands (#64's) and the right ammo (red rod with blue ball and blue rod) it managed to puch a hole through a 3 layer cardboard box. Thank you!

Will post a better parts list soon for a more accurate list ;)
shieldsam says: Jun 24, 2011. 9:38 AM
could you try and make an angled handle, that one looks quite uncomfortable
Wicky (author) in reply to shieldsamJun 24, 2011. 12:12 PM
Yeah, it wasn't the best handle ^^
I was more focussed on making a solid trigger mechanism.


Not anywhere near my k'nex currently, but I do know that this trigger is obsolete.

The first/second picture contains a single-shot trigger, which will fit, but will require readjusting of the wheels on the bow. Might be even worse in terms of comfort ;x

If you really want to get creative, try the 3-shot trigger on picture 3-4, but it might be hard making the bow hold 3 strings. See topic for more info on this one.
Foto0228 (Large).jpgFoto0236 (Large).jpgPhoto0021 (Custom).jpgPhoto0023 (Custom).jpg
shieldsam in reply to WickySep 30, 2011. 7:51 AM
thanks!
shieldsam says: Jul 14, 2011. 5:43 AM
what do you mean by flings arrows very late?
Wicky (author) in reply to shieldsamJul 14, 2011. 9:39 AM
Good one, I have no clue what I said two years ago =s

Its just a normal bow, nothing special on this one, so dunno =d
danbaha says: Aug 31, 2010. 1:26 PM
Awesome
cokeman says: Nov 28, 2009. 5:17 AM
the ammo flung back and hit me in the face why ?
tjdtjd1 in reply to cokemanApr 14, 2010. 10:02 AM
this may sound cruel but....
roflcopter
cerj in reply to cokemanFeb 9, 2010. 5:25 AM
 I'm sorry but i laughed so hard to that. i can just imagining the rod go up your nose XD
ub3rc00k13 says: Mar 19, 2010. 12:08 PM
do we actuly need to make this?
Wicky (author) in reply to ub3rc00k13Mar 19, 2010. 1:47 PM
These are the basic pieces required to build the y-bow
wehe-tehe says: Mar 8, 2010. 9:44 AM
I built this about a week ago. just got a pic and I love it ! :-) P.S I modded it alot so yay
wickybow.jpg
imthatguy1125 says: Oct 19, 2009. 4:03 PM
 is the piece count including the stock
Wicky (author) in reply to imthatguy1125Oct 19, 2009. 4:41 PM
Piece count is without stock, as it is optional.
Blackbird17 says: Aug 28, 2009. 11:02 PM
is there anyway around the hinge jount?
Wicky (author) in reply to Blackbird17Aug 29, 2009. 6:41 AM
Uhm I don't think so, you can try using a trigger like this one(don't build the casing):
http://www.instructables.com/id/S1DC0ZCFEXKLWZR/

or,

Just building the part until pic8 will work, just use a separate rod to hook the arrow onto and fire.

I will try and use a different trigger on my next bow, because a lot of people don't seem to have the hinges.

Sorry if I couldn't be of help =/
TehPotato says: Aug 19, 2009. 5:13 AM
outa the reaper, block head and this crossbow, which one would you say had the best balance between, power, accuracy, and reliability, tho its mostly power that interests me.
Wicky (author) in reply to TehPotatoAug 19, 2009. 12:08 PM
The blockhead has the same trigger and is the most powerful one.
razzlekunai says: Apr 9, 2009. 3:15 PM
I'm gonna build this as soon as you answer this: Which bow has the best balance of power and accuracy?
Wicky (author) in reply to razzlekunaiApr 9, 2009. 11:30 PM
I think it would be the Y-bow as they are all accurate, but that one is the strongest.
razzlekunai in reply to WickyApr 11, 2009. 5:33 PM
Hmm... which bow would wear down rubberbands the quickest? I bet it's the Y-bow...
Wicky (author) in reply to razzlekunaiApr 12, 2009. 3:57 AM
Yes it is the Y-bow, as the rubberbands hit the rod pretty hard every time.
razzlekunai in reply to WickyApr 17, 2009. 4:01 PM
I'm asking you too many questions aren't I? :P Here's another one (as I haven't built it as I said I would lol) How reliable is the trigger? Can it handle #64s tied up?
Wicky (author) in reply to razzlekunaiApr 18, 2009. 2:15 AM
Well the trigger will hold it easily, the red connector on the arrow must be ductaped. (the one in the Ammo Types section) But bows are not made to handle those... One could try though =P
imthatguy1125 in reply to WickyJun 23, 2009. 9:31 AM
i tried on the quick bow and it bent and became unstable
Wicky (author) in reply to imthatguy1125Jun 23, 2009. 10:38 AM
The rubberbands could be too strong or you have too many on. I never saw it become unstable..but it could be possible as the bow is not made to be as sturdy as possible.
imthatguy1125 in reply to WickyJun 23, 2009. 12:35 PM
this was with 2 strings of 3 64s it works fine with 32s and i tried a ammo of a red rod with a tan clip and a grey clip it has great puncture
Wicky (author) in reply to imthatguy1125Jun 23, 2009. 3:28 PM
Yeah 64's are a bit too thick for a small bow, I did make a cannon using four strings of six 64's though =d
imthatguy1125 in reply to WickyJun 24, 2009. 8:35 AM
was it one of i am canadians
Wicky (author) in reply to imthatguy1125Jun 24, 2009. 11:29 AM
Nah, this one was rectangular and had to be put against the wall to load it lol
razzlekunai in reply to WickyApr 18, 2009. 9:49 AM
OK :D Speaking of which, I need to get more duct tape....
Hiyadudez says: Jun 20, 2009. 12:03 PM
Attached to each set of wheels are there 2 rubberbands tied together?
Wicky (author) in reply to HiyadudezJun 20, 2009. 3:37 PM
There are two strings of three rubberbands tied together. See the last picture if you want to know how to attach them.
Killer~SafeCracker says: Jun 13, 2009. 4:28 PM
Do you want me to make a review?? I was planning on building it and do not mind.
Wicky (author) in reply to Killer~SafeCrackerJun 14, 2009. 1:13 AM
If you want to, I don't mind at all =d
Killer~SafeCracker in reply to WickyJun 14, 2009. 10:02 AM
Killer~SafeCracker in reply to WickyJun 14, 2009. 9:26 AM
Should be up later today. Will you put a link on the instructable??
Wicky (author) in reply to Killer~SafeCrackerJun 14, 2009. 11:28 AM
Yeah I'll do that, thanks for the review.
Killer~SafeCracker in reply to WickyJun 14, 2009. 12:09 PM
No problem.
builder968 says: May 19, 2009. 1:39 PM
Whoa. Mesa gotta BUILD!!!!
builder968 in reply to builder968May 19, 2009. 2:57 PM
Actually, I'm gonna build my own. The trigger system will be almost exactly the same, though, probably.
Dirtyboyy says: May 10, 2009. 9:15 AM
tank you ;) i realy like it ! 5* < 1000 times :D
rururupert says: Apr 17, 2009. 6:17 AM
hmm... i dont know which of your crossbows to build-reaper, blockhead, or this one? Which is the most reliable, still keeping good power? 5* on all 3 already
rururupert in reply to rururupertApr 17, 2009. 6:22 AM
also, which is easiest to build?
Wicky (author) in reply to rururupertApr 17, 2009. 1:07 PM
Well this has every new improvement I have found till now, the others don't have these improvements.
The Blockhead should be the most powerful as it has the most rubberbands.
This one just aims at making the power portable, yet at the cost of some of that power.

At the moment I have everything taken apart, I am going to make something massive lol =d
rururupert in reply to WickyApr 18, 2009. 8:15 AM
thanks alot i think ill make this one-with y bow. now ive just got to get some of those rubber bands lol
knexguy says: Apr 17, 2009. 7:19 AM
I haven't built anything in a while so I think I'm gonna do this and the VSS.
knex_builder_freak says: Apr 14, 2009. 1:14 PM
Can someone please post a picture with the Block Bow on it!?
Wicky (author) in reply to knex_builder_freakApr 14, 2009. 2:55 PM
3rd Picture on front page:
100_4939 (Large).JPG
knex_builder_freak in reply to WickyApr 14, 2009. 6:14 PM
WoW I just finished and now I see your picture! Thanks for the fast reply anyway! PS. This is probably the MOST POWERFUL KNEX GUN IN HISTORY!
Wicky (author) in reply to knex_builder_freakApr 14, 2009. 11:06 PM
Well technically it can look like a gun, but crossbow-wise I did make more powerful things ;p
knex_builder_freak in reply to WickyApr 16, 2009. 9:48 AM
LoL okay
Killer~SafeCracker says: Apr 9, 2009. 5:31 PM
This looks great. What bullet has the best distance?? By the way I like the version in the second picture best.
Wicky (author) in reply to Killer~SafeCrackerApr 9, 2009. 11:31 PM
From what I heard it would be one with a white connector on the top.
Killer~SafeCracker in reply to WickyApr 11, 2009. 4:12 PM
Okay thanks
apples!!!!! says: Apr 10, 2009. 8:09 PM
Oooooooooooooooo...... .......yays
DJ Radio says: Apr 7, 2009. 5:43 PM
Nice crossbow, 5*, but remember what I said about making something that is not a crossbow. (ps, I think your the crossbow king)
grevious in reply to DJ RadioApr 8, 2009. 8:05 AM
id have to agree, your number 1 in crossbows wicky :)
DJ Radio in reply to greviousApr 8, 2009. 2:59 PM
lol
Wicky (author) in reply to DJ RadioApr 7, 2009. 10:53 PM
I could always post a slingshot-sniper like thing for this ;P
knex mad says: Apr 8, 2009. 12:04 AM
hi I've made the cross bow and its excellent like all the rest of your work 5* and faved but step 6 is more barrel / fore grip not handle because step 7 is the trigger and handle
Wicky (author) in reply to knex madApr 8, 2009. 3:10 AM
Yeah I know, but I've grown into using that for the parts =d
agent harmsy says: Apr 8, 2009. 1:13 AM
AAH! I built this with the BlockBow head, and shot it in my backyard, and it hit the fence DEAD ON, and the fence is 16m away! I've never actually have a gun shoot that far before! :D:D:D
Wicky (author) in reply to agent harmsyApr 8, 2009. 3:08 AM
Great to know that that bow actually works ;p

I didn't fire this weapon outside though =/
Oblivitus says: Apr 7, 2009. 1:17 PM
I like it.* Good job.** What is your favorite color?*** **** *If it actually fires 150 feet. **Still subject to possible epic failure. ***I ran out of comments. ****I like making stars. :)
Wicky (author) in reply to OblivitusApr 7, 2009. 1:46 PM
Yeah makes for some easy side notes without destroying lay-out =D
Oblivitus in reply to WickyApr 7, 2009. 3:50 PM
Convenient. :)
Wicky (author) says: Apr 7, 2009. 3:15 PM
First Update:
Ammo Types added.
BlockBow added.
Quick,Effective,Bow added.
VeryShortStock added.
Some variations added to the intro.
Wicky (author) says: Apr 7, 2009. 3:04 AM
Yupz, me and a friend of mine are already making different bows..got some nice ideas already ;P
Oblivitus in reply to WickyApr 7, 2009. 1:18 PM
Seems like some pretty cool stuff.
Wicky (author) in reply to OblivitusApr 7, 2009. 1:47 PM
Gonna add 2 more bows right now and a part to cover the place the stock attaches if you don't connect one.
knex_builder_freak says: Apr 7, 2009. 12:38 PM
AWESOME!!!! I will probably build! Fived and Faved.
The Jamalam says: Apr 7, 2009. 1:12 AM
:O you posted! yay
smilee says: Apr 6, 2009. 5:36 PM
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Jamalam in reply to smileeApr 7, 2009. 1:12 AM
awesomezzz???
benboy207 says: Apr 6, 2009. 7:30 PM
Hmmm..... Should I build the "Y" Bow or the Normal Bow?
Wicky (author) in reply to benboy207Apr 6, 2009. 10:39 PM
Is your own choice, the Y-bow may be a bit more powerful with a shorter handle.
shadowninja31 says: Apr 6, 2009. 3:52 PM
1. nice 2. i told you to post both ways forward and back so COOL 3. 5*
I_am_Canadian says: Apr 6, 2009. 2:07 PM
Kewel!
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