You can view the instructions to build your mini crossbow here. We've got to give all of the credit to SonicDad.com! 

Here you can also find a video where someone makes a variation of this bow. Although its not necessary, I found it helpful to watch someone else do the project before I dived in. 

Now that you've got your kit its time to DIY! I want to share a few tips from my crossbow making experience. 

First things first, start with hot glue. I was tempted to make my crossbow with super glue at first, but I stuck with hot glue and I'm glad I did. The reason its good to start with hot glue is because you can take it all apart fairly easily if you need to. That being said, now that I have been using my crossbow for a few weeks I have gone back and reattached a few places using super glue. 

Use a thin bead of glue, if its too thick you will have oozing. 

Step 5: This step has you using a qtip to measure the location of the spacer (this is the little dip between the two rails where your arrow will sit). I recommend you use a match as a qtip is a little bit too small. Make sure that the match sticks out about halfway above the rails. If its too low the string won't be able to push it when you shoot, and if its too high the string will get caught under your arrow and flip it instead of shooting straight. 

Step 13: When attaching the second rail use a flat surface to make sure that the first rail aligns with the second. This will help you create a nice recessed area for your arrow to sit. 

Step 14: Sanding, sanding, sanding! It might be tempting to skip this step, but don't! If you don't smooth the top of the rails you might end up with a snagged string, maybe even a broken one. 

Step 22: When attaching the support for your crossbow arms make sure that the top of the support is aligned with, or slightly below the spacer (the stick in between the rails). If it sits above your arrow won't fly. 

Step 26: In order to make the kits under $5 we didn't include enough embroidery floss for you to wrap the handle. That's okay though, now you get to be creative! Create a leather handle, wrap it with your favorite color floss, dip it in paint, forge a solid gold handle... just be creative! 

Step 30: Cutting the notch can be a little tricky, my advice is to shave off a little at a time as to not cut too deep. 

Ta Da! You now have a mini crossbow of your very own! When you pull the string back, be sure to pinch the arms of the bow as you draw it back. This will reduce the stress put on the support making your bow last longer. The good new is that if it does break its pretty easy to fix. I've already had to reattach my limb support. This time I used supper glue so it will be a little bit stronger. 

When you shoot you will need to push the bow string up just enough so that it will slip out of the notch you cut. For me, the easiest way to do this is to hold the bow with my thumb and forefinger, just below the bowstring, putting my fingers against the bowstring. Then, squeeze gently, just enough so that the pads of your fingers puff up a bit lifting up the bowstring enough to slip out of the notch. 

Arrr you ready for the Micro Regatta?