How to Build a Simple Catapult

Just ran across this video, and I must say, it's the first how to build a catapult video that shows you the process of making a very simple catapult. It can be done in literally minutes.


How To Build A Simple Catapult - Free videos are just a click away

Have fun!

Click here to see a catalog of catapult kits.

How to Build a Catapult out of Legos

Well, I can't actually tell you how to build a catapult out of Legos, but I can show you one and tell you where to get it.



You can get the book from Amazon.com. Or you could try to build your own. If anyone comes up with a new idea for how to build a catapult out of legos, please post a comment with a link to the video and/or instructions.

How to Build a Catapult--Some Good Tips

When you are learning how to build a catapult, it would be well to keep the following tips in mind:

1. Start small. Big catapults need big structural parts to handle
   the counterweights and the spring tensions. The big parts are hard to
   deal with.
   
2. Big catapults require STRONG structural members,
   and typically, softwoods like pine are not good catapult building
   materials for any catapult sized to hurl projectiles larger than a
   tennis ball. I feel it is best to use steel or hardwood for those
   bigger chuckers.
3. For gravity machines (or trebuchets)
   make the pivot on which the counterweight swings as large in diameter
   as possible. I've seen thick steel rod bend and warp and become
   worthless on a single hurl. Make your pivot rod big, big, big.
   
4. Catapults
   can be dangerous. I've seen people get knocked on the head by swinging
   counterweight. Ouch! Tension and torsion springs are dangerous as well.
   They pack a lot of energy and can be dangerous.
   
5. For larger models, human powered catapults are a good place to start. They are easier to build and a lot of fun to operate.

This list was taken from the Notes from the Technology Underground blog.

Of course, building a very small catapult wouldn't pose too great a danger of injury, but it is a good idea to keep these tips in mind when making medium to large sized models.

Click here to see a catalog of catapult kits.

How to Build a Catapult From PVC Piping

I just ran into this really cool video about how to build a catapult out of PVC piping.

Here's the book mentioned in the video: Click on the picture to order the book from Amazon.com.

Click here to see a catalog of catapult kits.

How to Build a Catapult in GMOD10

There are a few videos on how to build a catapult in Gary's mod, as it's called. Here is the one I like best:



There are other videos available as well. Just go to YouTube and search for "how to build a catapult gmod" and you'll get quite a list of them.

Click here to see a catalog of catapult kits.

How to Build an Ancient Catapult Model

I just found this brand new blog post--just came in over night--with details about how to build a catapult. The plans are a little more advanced than the glue and popsicle stick versions I shared yesterday, but I know there must be some guys (and girls, too) who would love to use those power tools in the garage, so I want to share the plans with you.

Here's the list of materials and tools needed:

Required Materials:

• Wood, 3 pieces, each 12”x1”x½”
• Wood, 4 pieces, each 6”x1”x ½”
• Wood, 2 pieces, 6”x1”x½” each end to be cut at 45 degree angles (wood should form a trapezoid shape)
• 2 dozen nails, ½” long
• 1 large, sturdy rubber band
• Eye hooks, 2
• Wooden dowel rod, 1/8” width, 5-¾” long.
• Flexible piece of material (card board or sturdy paper), 4”x4”
• Two tacks, ¼”

Required Tools:

• Lightweight hammer
• Wood glue or liquid nails
• Miter box and saw (for cutting angles)
• Angle (for measuring)
• Measuring tape
• Drill with 3/16” bit

If this sounds like something you could do, then click here to get the instructions.

Hope someone finds these plans on how to build a catapult useful.

Click here to see a catalog of catapult kits.

How to Build a Teeny Tiny Catapult

How to build a catapult that is very small--small enough to fit into your pocket? Well, take a look at this video I found on Youtube!

Teeny Tiny Popsicle Stick Catapult

I did a little hunting and found the instructions.

Pretty cool, huh?

Click Here to see a catalog of catapult kits.