Foiled again...

[torilen]

Well, a snapped band saw blade has me stumped for the time being.
I was trying to make a crossbow (as in, crossbows and catapults)...to see if
it would work out making one. Then I could make another and attempt the
catapults if it did work. You know...because buying the game would take all
of the money my entire extended family has...and I have a bunch of spare
wood in the garage.

Oh well. Maybe we'll get back to it soon.

[Baylor_OgreBane]

... why were you using a band saw for something so small?
http://www.instructables.com/howto/crossbows+and+catapults/
Although I don't agree with everything on this site (making a usable full scale crossbow guide so easily accessible to kids is a bit irresponsible in my eyes) it is a great resource for other stuff. Are you going for an exact replica of the game?

[whitebeard]

Personally I want "heirloom" crossbows and catapults. i.e. ones that will last forever as these are the only parts in Crossbows & Catapults which actually break.

If I were back on college campus, I would just machine them from aluminium. Quite cheap actually, there is not very much essential geometry. Just a lot of time!

From a game play perspective, these would be exact copies (range, angle, etc.). From an aesthetic point of view, you would need to be willing to spend even more time on it to get it right.

[Redav]

What's the game worth these days? I was lucky to pick up one for AU$30 + postage a few years ago.

[torilen]

Redav - on either amazon or ebay, you're looking at least $80+...typically closer to $100+.
Sometimes you can find the "newer" version of the game called battleground. I wouldn't
want that, though, especially for the money, as even that is usually $50+ - it is basically
the same kind of game...completely different look, though.

As far using a band saw - it is a small one with a tiny blade. I use it for scroll-type work.
Not sure what else I would use...I'll take suggestions Baylor. Are you thinking just carve it
by hand with a knife or chisel or something? I can tell you...my skills are nowhere near
being able to do that.

I checked out that site you posted - it's okay. There are a few nice looking tiny catapults.
Not much for crossbows though - mostly just other household items wrapped or taped
together to make one. Not what I'm looking for.

[Baylor_OgreBane]

I probably would have done them with a jig saw or small hand saw, but I'm not an expert by any means!

[torilen]

Jig saw wouldn't work...to rough for such a small project. The hand saw would certain work, but I don't have one
small enough, except for a small hack saw. I was thinking about using that anyhow...for the major cutting...then
move to a chisel for the rest, or a knife. Just to see how it would work. I can make more once I replace the band saw
blade, if it works out okay.

[wolfie907]

Try a razor saw and a miter box or just get some weapons and warrior sets which are cheaper and in my opinion superior to crossbows and catapults

[mitchiemasha]

Or for those in the UK there's Horrible Histories battle game.

[Baylor_OgreBane]

Any luck or progress yet? I am intrested what you might come up with