PVC Pipe Bow and Arrows

I guess just the bow is made of PVC pipe- not the arrows! (those are dowels!)
Okay, so last summer I was down in St George, playing at a park with my kids. They found a pvcp pipe bow and I thought -"how easy is that!? I can make that!" So I have made a couple for friends and family for birthday and Christmas gifts, and this past week I made 10 for a family reunion. They were such a hit, the kids loved them! And now all the neighbor kids are having a ball playing with them.

They are super easy and pretty cheap to put together.

Supplies you will need:
*1/2" pvc pipe (at my lowes they cost $1.22 for 10 feet (enough for 2) or $2.40 for 20 feet (enough for 5)
*1/2" pvc pipe caps (the rounded ones) they cost about $ .25 each. (optional - I just like the finished look it gives)
*1/2" pipe insulator $ .99 for a 4 or 5 foot section
*nylon string (I don't remember the thickness, but I bought mine at Walmart for 2 or 3 dollars, and it will last for years!) I think it was like 500 yards or something.
*colored duct tape (about $3 a roll at Walmart- you can do about 10 with one roll)
*or spray paint
*electrical tape
*Dowels (I buy mine at Home Depot) they are about $ .80 each (you get two arrows out of each)

Okay, Here's how you make them:
1. Cut your pvc pipe to 42" (3 1/2 feet) I used my chop saw (aka miter saw) to do this, but if you are super nice you can get the guys at Lowes to do it for you.

2. Wrap your pipe with tape, or spray paint it (this step is optional, but I like a cute bow instead of a plain white one with black words printed on it! :)


3. (this is the hardest part) Stand in the middle of the pipe and grab one end upwards to slightly bend it into a "watermellon slice" shape! (sorry - that's the best way I could think to describe it!)


4. With a little hand saw or a scroll saw(what I used) cut a 1" slit on the end of the inside of the curved. Make sense? Just think of the finished product, and that will help you visualize. This is where your string will go.


5. Cut a 4 1/2" length of pipe insulation and center it on the pipe.

6. Use electrical tape (because you can stretch it) and tightly wrap it around the center to make and indent for the grips.


Repeat it centering the tape between the center tape and the edge. You should now have 3 ridges. The tighter you pull the tape, the better your ridge will be, I wrap mine about 2 times around.

7. Using the same electrical tape, start at one end and slowly wrap it around to the other end. Do not pull it tight as you do this - just wrap covering all the insulation.

8. Cut your string to 38". Tie a square knot on each end. (right over left, left over right) You want your finished string (the part between the knots) to measure 34" To secure your knots, you will either want to melt it a bit with a match, or put a dab of super glue on the know (I prefer super glue)
9. Slide the string into the slit so the knot ends up inside the tube. You will have to bend your bow to get the second knot in place. Once you have both knots in the slits, your bow should be nice and tight.


10. Put your end caps on to cover the slit and knot.


Your bow is now complete!


Now for the arrow.
1. Cut your dowels 22"- you should be able to get 2 with about 3 inches left over. I also spray painted mine bright camo so that we could find them in the woods

2. I used my scroll saw for this part, cut a little notch (about 1/4" long) in one end of dowel (this is where you put it on the string)


3. If you want to make them safer, add a small piece of foam, or nerf arrows to the ends of the dowels.

WARNING: These really work! The first time I made one, I tested it in my garage and put a dent in my garage door! These should NOT be used indoors! And instruct the kids to never point them at anyone, pets, or cars! So far my kids can't really launch them far, so we haven't had any problems. knock on wood! :)


Thanks Michelle!

Thanks a ton Ashlee!