When it comes time to build a Trebuchet you may want to try to design the Trebuchet parts on your own. I think you should have some creativity and personalize your Trebuchet design. But keep in mind that the basics of a Trebuchet is what makes them so fun to build. They are simple to plan and build, and if you follow most of the designs that others have created you will have a successful launch.
When I started building the Trebuchet Sling I thought I had seen enough pictures and had a good enough idea in my mind of how they work to really do it right. The first few shots just stayed trapped in the sling and didn't even release! Then I had a few roll out on the ground as the sling whipped around the Trebuchet. That was embarrassing.
I guess one tip I would have is build and fire your Trebuchet the first few times by yourself to make sure it works!
Make sure your sling is the right length. It should be just a bit shorter than the long side of the Trebuchet Arm. Also, this is assuming your Trebuchet design has the Arm 4 times longer on the throwing side of the axle then it is on the counterweight side. If your Trebuchet plans have the long side of the Arm anything besides 4 times the length of short of the Arm you need to adjust. You can have a longer Arm design, but you need a lot more weight to get the Arm up to the right speed. Just make sure the arm in the right length and the sling is just a little shorter.
Make sure your Trebuchet Pouch is made from something durable that doesn't fold or collapse easily. My first pouch design was made from a shirt. The cloth just wrapped around the projectile too easily and held on. If you have a perfect Trebuchet Pouch design this will be less of an issue, but it may still bother you once in a while. A heavy leather design is the best plan. I went with a denim pouch for now and it's working very well. Whatever you do, make sure the Trebuchet Pouch has an actual pocket design. What I mean by pocket is this; Imagine your pouch opened up and laid on the ground. The ends shouldn't lay naturally all the way down on the ground. The design should of the pouch should be pulling the ends upwards and even the sides of the pouch upwards. That way it has a natural pocket shape. Kind of like a good baseball glove!
Here is a simple design for a Trebuchet Pouch. Simply sew the ends together and you will have a natural pocket.
Adjust your sling length according to your arm length, and the weight of your projectile, and your Trebuchet will be firing with the best of them!
I hope this helps. Here is a video of us throwing something we lit on fire with our trebuchet.
When I started building the Trebuchet Sling I thought I had seen enough pictures and had a good enough idea in my mind of how they work to really do it right. The first few shots just stayed trapped in the sling and didn't even release! Then I had a few roll out on the ground as the sling whipped around the Trebuchet. That was embarrassing.
I guess one tip I would have is build and fire your Trebuchet the first few times by yourself to make sure it works!
Make sure your sling is the right length. It should be just a bit shorter than the long side of the Trebuchet Arm. Also, this is assuming your Trebuchet design has the Arm 4 times longer on the throwing side of the axle then it is on the counterweight side. If your Trebuchet plans have the long side of the Arm anything besides 4 times the length of short of the Arm you need to adjust. You can have a longer Arm design, but you need a lot more weight to get the Arm up to the right speed. Just make sure the arm in the right length and the sling is just a little shorter.
Make sure your Trebuchet Pouch is made from something durable that doesn't fold or collapse easily. My first pouch design was made from a shirt. The cloth just wrapped around the projectile too easily and held on. If you have a perfect Trebuchet Pouch design this will be less of an issue, but it may still bother you once in a while. A heavy leather design is the best plan. I went with a denim pouch for now and it's working very well. Whatever you do, make sure the Trebuchet Pouch has an actual pocket design. What I mean by pocket is this; Imagine your pouch opened up and laid on the ground. The ends shouldn't lay naturally all the way down on the ground. The design should of the pouch should be pulling the ends upwards and even the sides of the pouch upwards. That way it has a natural pocket shape. Kind of like a good baseball glove!
Here is a simple design for a Trebuchet Pouch. Simply sew the ends together and you will have a natural pocket.
I hope this helps. Here is a video of us throwing something we lit on fire with our trebuchet.
I am doing this as a project for my school.
ReplyDeleteAny ideas on how to do the string portion.
ie.(Making it so that the pouch opens up with a certain type of knot, attachment of the string to the trebuchet, etc.)