Homemade cardboard archery target. Prior to building this target I looked on RU-vid for some ideas. Found a few but nothing exactly like what I wanted, Hope this video helps anyone planning to build a similar style target.
I used to make a smaller version by stacking strips of cardboard (box interior partitions) sandwiched between slightly longer 2x4's with all thread rod through the ends to compress the cardboard. My target face would be about 36" square, but only 8" thick. They were somewhat portable but very heavy and I had to rearrange the cardboard periodically. I also needed to attach outboard legs so that it would stand on it's own. I see you have casters on yours to roll it around. Good Idea. Obviously not to be left out in the weather. I've also made them with cut strips of insulation board which is more weather resistant, but left residue on the arrows. I may make one like yours, but with larger "all terrain" tires to roll it around on the lawn. Nice Job !!
I built several of these targets back in the late seventies and early eighties. I used a piece of all thread on each side, going through a 2x12 top and bottom. As the target starts to get shot out you just tighten the nuts on the all thread to stop arrow penetration. I also put a little gable roof on them to help in the weather. The targets work great and are cheap to build.
I have about 30 targets and I start with Amazon boxes. I use plastic bags to fill the boxes. All different shapes or sizes. Works well. Of course, the boxes need to be kept out of the rain. They cost me very little. I am always moving and shoot targets as they appear. Fun...
Thanks for this, had to put something together because the UK has gone on lockdown and all of my archery clubs have shut down. Ended up using a combination of cardboard, carpet and camping mats with a frame similar to this one.
That's an awesome build, I hope you dont mind if I steal your idea! Probably add plywood and tar paper around for waterproofing because I'd have to leave it outside.
sweet set up ! thanks for the sharing ! i will build one soon , i wonder how long it last ? how often do you need to swap the cardboard ? im shooting a 70lbs compound bow do you think it ll do the job ? merry christmas cheers
My kids us it more than I do and their arrows do not go very deep. It has around 500-600 shots on it currently and there is virtually no damage. I should think it should do fine with a 70 pound bow but you may need to tension the cardboard down to limit the penetration.
I'm very impressed with this one and due to lockdown in my country I was looking for a target to practice in my garden. Would you be able to write dimensions of your target. I would still need to convert it to metric but would be easier. Thanks
I have access to a regular supply of cardboard that is 23" x 35". I built the frame around that cardboard size. The frame is sized so I can slide the 23" x 35" cardboard pieces in with very little movement from side to side.
Matt Petree I’m a flooring installer, and I save the boxes that the laminate comes in, then cut them in half.......I’ve got several of those targets. Basically any boxes you can get your hands on, make a template to keep em a similar size, and save em til you get enough to stack! Make friends with a flooring guy!!! You’ll end up having more targets than you’ll ever need Oh yeah, and carpet too!!! I made a template so I can cut cardboard and carpet the same size, so I have all the same size targets
@@MrDbtn keep us posted. Fixed blades I'm wondering about in particular. Thinking compressed carpet pad would do better though. As that is more similar to Block brand broadhead targets.
Remember, you should only use priority mail boxes for their intended purpose. ;) store.usps.com/store/results/free-shipping-supplies/shipping-supplies/_/N-alnx4jZ7d0v8v
Many stores/shop have quite few boxes to spare. You need to check your local are. I can only say for how it's in UK :) Lidl always has some boxes. Just need to ask them.
With enough weight on the cardboard I am sure it will handle it but would be far from ideal. The penetration would be significant and arrow removal probably difficult. Broadheads would definitely decrease the life of the target.
My main concern would be the depth of penetration and the difficulty of removal. An aluminum arrow could bend if you don’t pull it strap it. Deep penetration can make carbon arrows hard to remove. Shouldn’t damage the broadhead but that probably depends on broadhead type. If you don’t shoot it closer than 25 yards I wouldn’t expect any issues.
When/if your kids start to shoot from farther away, you might want to consider flipping the target on its side, since the arrows will have a more angled trajectory than they do at close range.
That looks like a few hundred dollars worth of cardboard right there... Only cheap if you can get a hold of a lot of free cardboard... And, who gives away free cardboard these days when recyclers pay well for such material?
Recyclers do not pay well.. a tenant at our warehouse had to get his own dumpster for his cardboard because saving cardboard would be a waste as you need a huge truckload of it just to make a hundred bucks to recycle. Not worth the time to recycle better just to throw it away or make archery targets
True. That is why it has wheels. I just roll it in and out of my garage as needed. It does not stay outside. On occasion I will roll it into the walkout basement from the garage to get more distance and shoot it inside.
