PVC Bows and Arrows Build-along

Intro: PVC Bows and Arrows Build-along

This is one of my longer videos, but I hope you don't get too bored!

Here is a sort of build along video of two (technically three) PVC bows and some arrows I made with my friend Sean. All credit goes to Nick, the Backyard Bowyer for inspiration and tutorials. Check out his channel if you like archery, making weapons, or are short on cash and like DIY.

http://www.youtube.com/user/BackyardBowyer

Comments

[fatehbehnam32]

Hi. Your note is completely true, im very very interested to diy field, and have done alot of tbem. But ive been so lazy at producing contents at this site.
So you have my word, ill increase my activity at here.
Best wishes, behnam

[indestructable00]

whats the draw weight?, it looks great.

[bakdrft]

do you know the FPS of the arrows? is this a "Fun" project or a serious survival project? Id like to know the poundage and arrow speed?

[armourer]

Greetings from across the Pond,
I have built one of your bows,looks great but i cant find any schedule 40 pipe
over here, can you suggest an alternative. i have asked all the plumbers over
here but to no avail. HELP
armourer

[claudg1950]

Schedule 40 is the most common type of PVC (or galvanized) pipe; it's the garden variety thickness. "Schedule 80" (extra strong, with thicker walls) it's more rare, so most probably you are already using Schedule 40 PVC, only under a different name.

[GDADZGSONS]

also...What is the draw weight?

[GDADZGSONS]

can you try to submit the video as a second ible in quicktime or vimeo format?

[Givver112]

Can you paint the pvc? I know someone who painted heir wooden bow and it dried/ snapped. But pvc...

[Kaiven]

Yeah, I used spray paint. I don't get why it would crack on a wooden bow if you used the right paint...?

[Givver112]

Are there any substitutes for the heat gun? Would a hair blower work?

[Kaiven]

You can use a stove top, just be careful. Hair dryer gets nowhere near hot enough.

[Givver112]

Thanks. I'll try the stove. Hey, I saw in a movie that a kid wrapped something in Saran Wrap with a hair drier. But I trust you more that a movie. Talk to you later.

[LiftAndLove]

Hmm, I remember that movie. And be careful because the 'C' in PVC is chloride, so if you melt it, it will release an extremely poisonous carcinogen. Just get it soft and pliable.

[Givver112]

I thought it'd crack because the paint would dry the bow in a shape and when you bent it, the paint would break out of its forn

[MakarovII]

I appreciate this stuff but by the way what is the shape of the pvc your using..

[Kaiven]

I think I used 3/4" Sch 40 PVC

[Sarthex]

looks pretty cool ;)
just a suggestion though: you should try to make the bowstring a little bit shorter, as you'll probably end up whacking your hand (holding the bow) when shooting it. Shortening the string increases the brace height a little bit, without risking to break the bow because you still pull back the same length from the handle..

[Kaiven]

I did end up shortening the bowstring [easily] by tying one knot in it. Gives plenty of room for my wrist :D

[El Chucko Norris]

I just built one today out of a 61.5 in piece of 3/4 in PVC, 20 pound draw, and I believe the problem with your bow shooting was that your arrows were too light.

My first arrow which worked wonderfully was half of a real arrow with the ti cut off and that about a foot of thin bamboo fused the front of it by melting duct tape with the heat gun. The arrow flew straight and I could should it about 100 yards with decent accuracy.

[EmcySquare]

Good Build !!
BackyardBowyer is THE Sensei