How to Make a Miniature Da Vinci Crossbow (Without the Wheels)

In this instructable I will teach you how to make a miniature crossbow like Da Vinci's, but without the wheels. The materials you will need are
- Two wooden skewers
- Rubber bands (about 20)
- Four circular (or rectangular) chopsticks that are 5- 5 in a half inches long
- Hot Glue (optional)
- One clothes pin
- String
Tools I used: Stove (optional) and Glue Gun (optional)

Step 1: Boiling the Two Skewers

This is an optional step (half of it) and just gives the bow part of your crossbow a little more "bend". Boil water over your stove and put the two skewers in the water. Let it boil for a few hours and then take them out. They should now be able to bend more. I did not follow this step and my crossbow still worked very well. After you get your skewers out, bend them so they make a sort of crescent, but not that much curve. Let the two skewers stay like this and now the bow part of your crossbow is finished. Also, a better way to keep it in shape is to tape it to a piece of cardboard (or anything) while it is bent for about half an hour.

Step 2: Time to Make the Base

To make the base you will need the four cylindrical (or rectangular), chopsticks, the rubber bands, and the clothes pin. Take the four chopsticks and stack two on top of two. Tie then together with rubber bands at the bottom, middle, and top points (you can add more if you want too).The top and bottom points should be at least an inch and a fourth away from the edge. Finally, tie the clothes pin on the rubber band that you placed at the top of the base.

Step 3: Tying the Bow Part to the Base

Take the bow part of your crossbow you made before and tie it almost at the very top of the base.

Step 4: Time to Use the String

Now this is probably the hardest part (next to tying the bow to the base). Use one piece of string to tie both ends of the bow part of the crossbow. I had some leftover string and didn't want to waste it so I just used it to make a double "shooting string", but either way, double or single, it still has the same amount if power.

Step 5: Ammo

For ammo I used the wooden skewers in the beginning of this instructable. Just cut off a piece that fits with wherever you placed your clothes pin.

Step 6: How to Shoot

To shoot the ammo, pull back the string and load it into the clothes pin. Then place your "arrow" in front of the loaded string (the arrow will not fit in tightly and stay in so you will have to keep it straight when you shoot). When the arrow is correctly loaded, release the string by placing pressure on the bottom end of the clothes pin so the string releases and watch that baby fly! Be VERY careful! The arrows i have told you how to make are sharp and I do not take responsibility for any damage done by this crossbow.

Step 7: Hot Glue

This is an optional step which requires hot glue and a hot glue gun. Just put hot glue between the four cylindrical chopsticks, on/near where the string is tied, etc.

Step 8: Conclusion

You have now finished your Da Vinci style miniature crossbow! Congratulations! If any part was too confusing or you didn't understand something, just put it on comments and I will try to reply as soon as possible. I hope your finished product turned out as good as mine. Thank you for reading this instructable.