This bow can be made in under 10 minutes for under $10 but can lead to hours of fun. David Hughes taught me this so all credit goes to him.

Step 1: Materials

4-5 ft. 1/2 in. pvc
100 lb. parachute cord
1/2 in. pipe insulation
Two 1/2 in. pvc end caps
duct tape

Step 2: Tools

Hack Saw
Knife
Lighter (for cutting frayed ends of para cord to keep them from fraying)

Step 3:

Cut a 1/2 in notch in one end of the pvc

Step 4:

Knot one end of the parachute cord (burn the end if it is frayed)

Step 5:

Place the knotted end of the cord into the notch you just cut

Step 6:

Stretch the cord to the other end of the pvc to make a straight line. This is so your notches will line up.

Step 7:

Cut a 1/2 in. notch at the other end of the pvc

Step 8:

Place the end of the pvc which has the knotted parachute cord in it on the ground, using the side of your foot to hold it steady. Press down on the top end of the pipe and bend the pipe to the desired length. Cord should be about 6-7 inches from the bow in the center for proper draw length and weight for most youth.

Step 9:

Use your hand to measure a length of pipe insulation and cut it for the grip with a knife.

Step 10:

Balance the pvc on the end of your index finger to find the middle. You can also use a tape measure if it is easier.

Step 11:

Slide the insulation onto the open end of the pipe. The top of the insulation should be right at the center of the pipe with the grip being fully on the bottom half of the bow. This is so the arrow will shoot from the center of the bow.

Step 12:

Tape the insulation (grip) with duct tape. Start at the end where the arrow will rest but leave the very top surface exposed so the arrow has a ledge to rest on. Tape it tightly, spiralling downward, taping the bottom portion to the pvc itself.

Step 13:

Knot the other end of the cord, bend the bow, and insert the cord into the notch.

Step 14:

Shove the end caps onto both ends of the pvc to secure the parachute cord. I suggest placing the cap on and then put the tip on the ground and use your wight to make sure it is secure. You can even pound it on the floor if necessary just to be sure it is on tight.