⚠The text contains some slightly faded or condensed characters typical of woodblock printing, particularly in the smaller annotations and inside the oval markers on the limbs.

Diagram of Dimensions for Constructing Crossbow Limbs

Notch for the waist-hanging attachment This is the widest part of the limb. Carve a notch according to the shape of the stock's "waist" the part of the crossbow body where the limb is secured. Beside the center point, open a small aperture to apply "cylinder paste" original: tong gao (筩膏); likely a resin, oil, or wax lubricant to prevent friction and ensure a tight fit, which ensures the limb assembly does not shift or slide.

The first limb stave is 3 chi, 3 cun, and 8 fen long. Approximately 108.2 centimeters. In the Ming dynasty, 1 chi was roughly 32 cm.
The center of this utilizes six feet of "scale-sea" material original: linhai (鱗海); likely a reference to the high-quality outer skin of the bamboo which resembles fish scales.

The crossbow string notch The degree of width or narrowness at the center of the limbs is determined by the setback of the stave housing original: tong (筩); the socket or "cylinder" in the stock where the limbs are seated.

The second limb stave is 2 chi, 3 cun, and 4 fen long. Approximately 74.9 centimeters.
Firm and robust.
The tips are slightly pointed and small.

The third limb stave is 2 chi, 2 cun, and 2 fen long. Approximately 71 centimeters.
Tapered and thin.

The fourth limb stave is 1 chi, 7 cun, and 8 fen long. Approximately 57 centimeters.

The fifth limb stave is 1 chi, 3 cun, and 6 fen long. Approximately 43.5 centimeters.

The sixth limb stave is 9 cun and 4 fen long. Approximately 30.1 centimeters.
The "striking stave" the shortest, final layer must not expand beyond the dimensions of the sixth stave.