Mini Crossbow

MiniCrossbow TP1.07

🎬Watch the video to get a first impression of how it works!🎬

Mini Crossbow TP1.07

Please note:

❌ Not suitable for children or careless individuals
❌ Never aim at people or animals
❌ Never look into the barrel after cocking
⚠️ Even a single hit can cause permanent eye damage
⚠️ High risk of ricochet → always wear safety glasses when testing

Use only with common sense.



 

Behind the Design

I had been planning to design my own mini crossbow for quite some time, but I kept putting the project off. A few weeks ago, I came across the crossbow design by DIY Park and it inspired me so much that I finally decided to bring my idea to life.
 

Thanks to his groundwork, I was able to save myself a lot of thinking and instead put that energy into safety improvements. While working on it, I noticed a couple of weaknesses in the original design... the grip piece couldn’t be locked in the rear position, and the limbs, due to the slotted construction, could slip out when cocking the bow.
 

Since safety is my top priority, I modified my design to include at least a semi-safety. After cocking, the grip rests against the logo, which reduces the force significantly in case of an accidental release. It’s not a full safety, but it does act as an effective brake.

Overall, my version is more compact, provides improved safety, and also comes with a few extra features.

Features

• Safety Mechanism: The grip is locked when cocked, preventing accidental firing.
• Logo Mechanism: The crossbow is only ready to fire once the grip is pushed forward again.
• RIS Rail System: Modular and expandable, e.g. with the included mini scope.
• Stand Base: For displaying the crossbow.
• Toothpick Cutter: Cuts the ammo to the correct length and can also be used as a target stand.
• Magazine: Holds up to 4 shots, loaded via a pump-action system.

Technical Data

• Range: Dangerous 6–7 m, but only 20–30 cm effectively accurate
• Ammo: Toothpicks (not ideal, lose stability quickly)
• Penetration: Sticks into cardboard, vegetables, fruit and definitely eyes!!!

• Hazard: Ricochets are possible → always wear safety glasses ⚠️
  
  
  
   

  Experience Report

• Choosing toothpicks as ammo turned out not to be the best idea. After just a few centimeters, they lose stability and fly uncontrollably. At 20–30 cm they can be fun and will stick, but precision = zero.

• The crossbow itself is almost flawless… the only real issue is the ammunition.

  Conclusion

• A project that was a lot of fun to build… despite the "toothpick problem." The crossbow is safe to handle, cool in design, and a real eye-catcher with its stand.

• The next model will be an update with better ammunition… stay tuned!

   

  
  Print Recommendations

• Limbs & Mechanics → PETG HF or PLA Basic (stable & durable)
• Other Parts → PLA Matt or PLA Basic
• String → Use nylon wire, not braided nylon (slides better and keeps tension cleanly)
   

Safety warning

This model is a low-power mechanical toy launcher.

Do not aim or shoot at people, animals, faces, eyes, windows, vehicles, or fragile objects. Even if the impact may seem minor, a small projectile can still cause injury, especially if it hits the eye. Wearing eye protection is strongly recommended.

Safety Measures

This model includes constructive safety limitations. The mechanism, tolerances, and material strength are designed for the intended low-power toy function at the original scale.

Scaling, reinforcing, or modifying the model may cause malfunctions, breakage, or unsafe behavior and is not supported.

This model is not a firearm, not a firearm part, and is not compatible with real firearms or real ammunition.
 

Assembly Guide

At the moment, you can find a video assembly guide in the linked video 🎬 or simply scroll down from here to follow the step-by-step pictures.
 

! The yellow pins are not printed parts ! they’re simply pieces of filament cut from the spool.

If you have any questions, please write to me 👍😄

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