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Chapter XXIII
The Construction of the Crossbow (Continued)
How to Fix the Bow to the Stock
First secure the stock of the crossbow perpendicularly in a vice, its
fore-end upwards.
Take the stirrup and bow-irons together, as shown in fig. 61, next page,
and pass the bow through the irons, the centre of the back of the bow being
against the base of the stirrup. Place the base of the stirrup and the
bow in the opening (A, fig. 46, p. 92), in the fore-end of the stock, with
a bow-iron on each side of the stock.
Insert the short guard, A, into the oblong hole in the stock, at the
end of the hole next the bow, figs. 62, 63, next page.
The angled ends of this short guard fit over the wood of the stock between
the sides of the bow-irons.
Next insert the long guard, B, through the bow-irons, against their
narrow ends, and through the oblong hole in the stock, figs. 62, 63, next
page. The angled ends of B, turn back over the top of the solid part of
the narrow ends of the bow-irons, and in this way they hold the latter
close against the stock. Now push in between the guards, A, B, the two
wedges, C, D, from opposite sides of the stock, figs. 62, 63, next page.
By hammering in these wedges, the bow-irons will gradually draw the base
of the stirrup, and hence the centre of the bow beneath it, with great
force tight against the stock.
The empty 1/2 in. space (E, fig. 63, next page) of the oblong hole in
the stock, is left in case further tightening up of the bow is ever necessary.
This tightening can easily be done by fitting a thin metal strip, to act
as a washer, at the back of one of the guards.
Before finally fixing the bow to the stock, make certain that its position
is correct. If the bow is to shoot accurately and with its full power,
three matters require careful attention. |
