22 replies to this topic

[deerjohn]

I have been stealing my wifes throw pillows each fall to use as supports under my crossbow when I'm tuning and shooting. Everytime I took a shot I'd have to readjust the pillows. She said thats gotta stop. I recently saw a photo of Apples Crossbow cradle and decided I could come up with something similar out of wood. My project was to make the cradle to fit my Wicked Ridge Warrior. I had all the materials laying around in my workshop, including threaded rod and large knobs to use for adjusting the front and rear supports. I fitted the front support block so that it goes up inside the crossbow stirup. To accomodate a different brand, you would need only to make a new stirup block. After bending a 3/16th diameter rod into a "U" to fit the stock, I welded it to a piece of 5/16 threaded rod. I slid clear tubing over the bent rod to protect the stock, and glued the tubing in place. As the knobs are turned, they raise and lower the front and rear supports. I have a shop stool that is just the right height for the stock to my shoulder. A few years ago I built a rolling project bench that I move into the center of my shop for special projects. When I purchased my crossbow a few years ago, I found the bench ideal for rolling out into my driveway to marked distances of 20,30 and 40 yards. In order to get that distance, I shoot thru my shop and into my shop restroom!! I make my own bag targets out of feed sacks stuffed with my old jeans that the wife keep shrinking! The targets work great for both field tips and broadheads. This project turned out better than I could have hoped for. Now my buddies are providing me with patterns for their stirup blocks!!

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[Sherman7057]

Thats a great design.I'M gonna build one for my Parker

[quadkiller]

very nice set-up. now when you go to the field your confidence in your equipment will be at an all time high. only problem with that is, there will be no excuses if you miss. what was the yardage of your robbin hood?

Edited by quadkiller, 02 September 2011 - 11:22 AM.

[HunterMan]

Great Idea and  Great Job!!

[soshock1]

I just emailed your photos to my father who has retired from his real job to work his passion which is making furniture. I told him it would be a great Christmas present!  I hope he gets the hint. My dad would rather make me something than buy it and it means more to me as well.

[Thunderbolt]

sweet setup and a great idea!!!!Thunderbolt

[deerjohn]

quadkiller, on 02 September 2011 - 11:20 AM, said:

very nice set-up. now when you go to the field your confidence in your equipment will be at an all time high. only problem with that is, there will be no excuses if you miss. what was the yardage of your robbin hood?

The robbin hood was shot at 40 yards off the pillows!!  It happened on the first day I shot my Wicked Ridge!!  You learn real quick!!!

[Jcalloway]

Can you take a close up of the back. I wanted to make one, and could not really see it. Nice setup!

[ynot]

is the purpose for cradle to site in or work on? all of mine are hold sensitive, cant take cradle in to tree. nice job though.

[Lrodshy]

hiyaSoshock1,
I feel same as you dad, always preferd to make my own "IF" I thot I could make it myself
Is reasom , I shall ,ake my own boes both metal and wood
Gonna copy said cradle

Lrodshy

[Jack Pine]

Lrodshy, that's a great idea, I think I'm going to make one myself, the only thing I think I might do different is add a hold-down for the stirrup to keep it from jumping up.

Jack ><>

[Corky]

Great job!!! Very nice work. Wish I was mechanically inclined... are you gonna mount it on a tri-pod?

Corky

[Old Longhair]

All is good, as long as you realize that shooting from a hard rest will yield a different POI from offhand. You'll still have to shoot it offhand to sight in for hunting, unless you cart that thing into your stand.

Just for tuning purposes, it should be good. Proving repeatability is important.

[HDMann292]

Great Idea and looks good.

[FuzzyFultz]

Sherman7057, on 02 September 2011 - 11:18 AM, said:

Thats a great design.I'M gonna build one for my Parker

Yep, me too. Thank you Sir.

[Jetster]

Old Longhair, on 06 February 2012 - 11:03 AM, said:

All is good, as long as you realize that shooting from a hard rest will yield a different POI from offhand. You'll still have to shoot it offhand to sight in for hunting, unless you cart that thing into your stand.

Just for tuning purposes, it should be good. Proving repeatability is important.

I was thinking the same thing.sorta like not having your gun barrel leaning directly on your rest......

[retired05]

Why would poi change from hand held to hard rest.  Thank You in advance.

[dropzone]

Nice job

[Old Longhair]

retired05, on 07 February 2012 - 03:36 PM, said:

Why would poi change from hand held to hard rest.  Thank You in advance.

Mostly because you have sacrificed contact, and you don't tend to snug into it the same. This allows the bow to jump more. POI is almost always higher shooting from a hard rest.

[XBOWED]

Great job, You could put that on the market,and retire !!!