I think I might have over did it

Layered carpet. 48"W x 44"H x 16"D

HEAVY!

Compressed with threaded rod.




Shot at 3 yards. 7" penetration.

Seems to me that would be hard on arrows...could be wrong. Just seems too solid to me.

I hope it works for you...DIY is always good.

Its a very common build. Seems like it would be hard on arrows to me too but all reports are that it is not. Say all it does is polish your field points. Numerous threads on them at archery talk. Last forever if keep out of rain. I think I will back off the compression until I get a little more penetration. It's my first so I'll report back.

Just be sure to flex your carbon arrows regularly, just incase...I agree with adjusting the tension...With a modern bow, that penetration seems a hair low.

Where did you source that carpet? Is it just some remnants that you cut to size?

Ive a source for new leftover industrial carpet. Me and a bud cut it up. Nothing fancy. Chalked a line and ripped away. Rolls were 12" wide so we got three pieces from one rip. Took about 3 hours to cut this target.

Hmmm...you've got me thinking a back-stop now. Now to just find a source of carpet that wont be counter productive to cost savings...

Yes, the carpet source is the key. Including $60 for the casters i've got about $125 in this giant.

I am going to take the casters off this one, set it on blocks and build a roof over it for a fixed target. I will make a lighter one for rolling around. 30"W x 30"H x 12" D.

The 48" target is now in a permanent location with 100+ yard range. Compression required to stop the arrows is a mere 1" and that was only to support the stack and prevent it from falling, it would actually stop arrows easily with no compression. Currently getting 9" of penetration. Original penetration when on the rolling frame and several inches of compression was 7". The properties of this carpet (whatever they are, I am no expert) really hold an arrow. Removal is not too bad but you can't do it with two fingers, you have to fist it. Overall I am very satisfied.

The rolling frame was converted to a carpet size of 32"Wx36"Hx14"D. This carpet is a lot lighter in weight. The uncompressed stack measured 42" and it was compressed 6" down to 36". Arrows just peep out of the back. Over time I may have to compress more firm. The properties of this carpet are totally different from the carpet in the large target. One stops arrows with little compression and the other requires a significant amount of compression. Removal is about the same as the larger target. The rolling target is light and practical to move around.

Duct Tape sticks really well and makes an excellent aiming point. Heck, on the big target, the color matches the winter brown grass. The tape almost looks like its floating.

Time to add a few 3D targets.

That thing is awesome bud -

I am going to have to find some carpet. This has to be the best idea for a low-cost back stop/target.

Regarding carpet, the word is that used carpet is not good to use. The embedded sand and grit will chew up the arrows.

Good to know. And that makes perfect sense.

I have some Huge 5000 lb rated ratchet straps. I plan to lay a piece of plywood on either end and compress with the strap. With these straps and a wrecking bar, I have recovered a full-size chevy...yeah, they're that tough.

Ratchet straps will work great and not damage a stray arrow to boot. If the carpet requires much compression it is best to have one on each corner for a total of four (small rolling target above). If little compression is required one on each side will work fine (large target above).

SOOOOOO, the ol' lady wants new carpet in the doublewide ?

Folks--the worry about carpet harming/ruining arrows is just rumor. I've been shooting one like this going on 5 years now. Granted, I'm shooting aluminum arrows and not plastic, but all the carpet has done is polish the field points.

Why no carry handle on the top? Looks good!

We use to make those using Flat cardboard. Last a long time.
Never did notice any harm to the arrows. Of coarse we were all using aluminum arrows back then also.

Steve

9 years old and still stops carbon arrows like it did on day one. The 2 boys and I have many thousand shots on it. Made completely from used carpet. It will put a shine on target tips. Zero wear on arrows. Spray painted the 1.5" black dots on day one also. Best target ever, can't go wrong with carpet.
Frame is 2x8's. I used a couple of big bar clamps to put the squeeze on it.
32" wide x 48" tall and carpet strips are 8"

I built a very similar setup many years ago BUT i used cardboard instead of carpet. I bet that target took hundreds of thousands of arrows from multiple people and it was still going strong when I gave it away. Took 3 men and a boy to move that heavy sucker.

Nice recycle job.