RecycloBeast – the Bolt Bow “ Crafted From Scraps. Powered Like a Pro.”

What it Means:

RecycloBeast – It’s a powerful creation built from recycled cardboard and everyday items. "Beast" shows that it’s not just a weak craft—it’s a strong, working crossbow!

The Bolt Bow – A sleek, catchy subtitle that highlights the firing action of bolts (arrows) and the bow design.

Why I Made a Crossbow

I decided to make a crossbow because I enjoy building cool and creative things using simple materials like cardboard. A crossbow is a fun project that combines design, mechanics, and imagination. It also helped me learn how tension and triggers work, and how to build something that can actually launch an arrow! I liked the challenge of making two different styles—the gun-style body and the bow-handle body—and seeing which one works better. It was exciting to test different designs and improve them step by step.

Materials Needed

1. Corrugated cardboard​
2. Wooden skewers or sticks​
3. Rubber bands​
4. Hot glue gun and glue sticks
5. Craft knife or scissors​
6. Ruler and pencil
7. Clothespin (for trigger mechanism)​
8. Tape (optional, for reinforcement)​

Step 1: Constructing the Crossbow Body

1. Design the Body:
2. Draw and cut out two identical rectangular pieces of cardboard for the main body.​
3. The size can vary, but a typical dimension is approximately 30cm in length and 5cm in width.​
4. Reinforce the Structure:
5. Glue the two pieces together to create a sturdier base.​
6. Ensure the edges align perfectly for a uniform structure.​
7. Create the Bolt Channel:
8. Cut a narrow groove along the top center of the body where the bolt (arrow) will rest and slide.​

What to do:

1. Cuts a small rectangular piece of cardboard with a notch.
2. Adds a mini trigger mechanism using layered cardboard and a moving lever.

Explanation: This part acts as the core trigger system, where the lever holds the rubber band in place and releases it when pressed.

Materials:

1. Small rectangle of cardboard
2. Thin strips for lever
3. Toothpick or skewer for the pivot

Tips:

1. Make sure the pivot moves smoothly.
2. Reinforce the trigger so it doesn’t tear under tension.

What to do:

1. Places the trigger base onto the body.
2. Aligns it so the moving part is at the back of the arrow track.

Explanation: You need to glue the trigger where it can catch and release the rubber band easily when fired.

Tips:

1. Test the trigger before gluing to be sure it works.
2. Keep the path for the rubber band smooth.

Purpose: Acts as the main base of your crossbow.

Materials:

1. Cardboard (preferably thick)
2. Pencil & ruler
3. Scissors or craft knife

Steps:

1. Draw a bow-handle shape: like a slim rectangle with curves near the grip.
2. Make it about 25–30 cm long and 3–4 cm wide in the middle.
3. Cut two identical layers and glue them together for strength.
4. Mark spots:
5. Back for trigger
6. Front for limbs
7. Middle for arrow groove

Tip: Reinforce the middle grip section with extra cardboard.

What to do:

1. Cuts two long, slightly flexible limbs.
2. Glues them at the front of the crossbow body.

Explanation: These arms are where the rubber band will stretch across. They provide the tension needed to launch the arrow.

Materials:

1. Cardboard or wooden skewers
2. Hot glue or tape

Tips:

1. Make sure the limbs are even in length.
2. Glue at a slight angle forward for best power.

What to do:

1. Ties a strong rubber band between the tips of the limbs.
2. Loads the rubber band into the trigger.

Explanation: This is the main firing system. The tension from the band launches the bolt when the trigger releases it.

Materials:

1. Rubber band or string
2. Toothpick/skewer arrow

Tips:

1. Stronger bands = more power (but don’t break the limbs).
2. Keep the rubber band centered for better aim.

What to do:

1. Pulls back the rubber band and places the arrow.
2. Presses the trigger to fire.

Explanation: This is the final test! Your crossbow should shoot straight and cleanly.

Tip: Use small sticks or skewers as bolts. You can even add paper fletching (wings) for fun.