Simple Small Crossbow Style Bead Launcher

Crossbows are really cool, but expensive and dangerous. This tutorial will show you how to launch beads over 20 feet with a small crossbow.

Supplies

popsicle sticks

a skewer

hot glue

rubber bands

Step 1: Build the Base

Start by taking 3 popsicle sticks and gluing them in an I pattern. Take two more popsicle sticks and glue them vertical so you make a track for the beads. Take 2 more popsicle sticks and glue them horizontally next to the vertical ones. Flip it over, and glue two more vertical popsicle sticks in between the "I".

Step 2: Build the Arms

Flip it upright again, and glue two more popsicle sticks to create arms. Glue two more popsicle sticks on top of the arms leaving 1/2" at each end. Glue a tiny piece of popsicle stick to each of the ends leaving a groove about the same width as a rubber band. Put rubber bands in those grooves, and glue one last popsicle over each of the grooves trapping the rubber bands in.

Step 3: Assemble

Glue 3 popsicle sticks together in a row. Glue a 1 inch piece of popsicle stick to one of the ends. Try sliding it in the bead groove. If it slides easily, you've done it right. Add a few 1 inch pieces to the top to prevent the slide from coming out. Loop the rubber bands around the slide and you're done!

To Launch:

pull back on the slide

add a bead

release!