3 Ways to Build a Basic Catapult

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3 Ways to Build a Basic Catapult
3 Ways to Build a Basic Catapult

Video: 3 Ways to Build a Basic Catapult

Video: 3 Ways to Build a Basic Catapult
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Catapults have been used as military weapons since ancient times to throw stones and other projectiles at enemy fortresses. These days, however, they are more likely to be used to shoot bullets in the office or Ping-Pong balls in the classroom. If you want to learn how to build a basic catapult, just read this article! In it, you'll discover how to assemble basic catapults of three different types, using inexpensive materials and items commonly found in the home.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Building a Basic Voltage Catapult

Build a Basic Catapult Step 1
Build a Basic Catapult Step 1

Step 1. Gather the necessary materials

This basic catapult uses tension to shoot objects and can be constructed from simple items found in craft stores for less than 15 reais. In fact, you might already have several of these items!

  • 7 toothpicks for crafts. You can use regular 12 cm toothpicks or large 15 cm toothpicks.
  • 4 or 5 rubber bands.
  • 1 bottle cap.
  • Gun and a hot glue stick.
  • Ammo: marshmallows, beans and rubber are great options!
Build a Basic Catapult Step 2
Build a Basic Catapult Step 2

Step 2. Create two stacks with the toothpicks

They will serve as the body of the catapult. Stack five toothpicks and secure the stack with a rubber band at each end. Stack two more toothpicks and use a rubber band to hold just one end, leaving the other open.

Build a Basic Catapult Step 3
Build a Basic Catapult Step 3

Step 3. Secure the batteries together

Position the piles perpendicular to each other and pass the larger pile through the two toothpicks of the smaller pile. The larger pile should be inserted as close as possible to the elastic holding the smaller pile. Then secure both stacks where they join, using a cross-shaped elastic band.

It is recommended to add a second rubber band to keep the batteries in place more firmly

Build a Basic Catapult Step 4
Build a Basic Catapult Step 4

Step 4. Attach the bottle cap to the catapult

Add a small amount of hot glue to the tip of the throwing arm and press the bottle cap onto the glue, holding it until the glue cools.

Build a Basic Catapult Step 5
Build a Basic Catapult Step 5

Step 5. Get ready to shoot

Place the desired ammo in the bottle cap. Hold the catapult body against the table with one hand. Pull the lever with your other hand and release!

Method 2 of 3: Building a Basic Torsion Catapult

Build a Basic Catapult Step 6
Build a Basic Catapult Step 6

Step 1. Gather the necessary items

This catapult is built with the same items as the previous catapult, however it uses twist to throw the projectile. Assembling this catapult is quick and using it is a lot of fun!

  • 10 toothpicks for common crafts (12 cm).
  • 4 or 5 rubber bands.
  • 1 bottle cap.
  • Gun and a hot glue stick.
  • Ammo: marshmallows, beans and rubber are great options!
Build a Basic Catapult Step 7
Build a Basic Catapult Step 7

Step 2. Make a pile with the toothpicks

The stack will serve as the support for the catapult. Stack five toothpicks and secure them with rubber bands at each end.

Build a Basic Catapult Step 8
Build a Basic Catapult Step 8

Step 3. Add the catapult throwing arm

Align a toothpick perpendicular to the pile and center it, leaving 1 cm hanging below the pile. Secure the throwing arm to the pile with one or two cross bands.

The tighter the arm is, the more twisting will occur during the throw

Build a Basic Catapult Step 9
Build a Basic Catapult Step 9

Step 4. Build the base of the catapult

Position the catapult so that the stack of toothpicks is on the table and the throwing arm is raised.

  • Add some hot glue to each end of the pile and glue a toothpick to each end.
  • Add more glue to the end of each positioned bracket. Then use another toothpick to connect both ends, creating a rectangular base.
Build a Basic Catapult Step 10
Build a Basic Catapult Step 10

Step 5. Reinforce the throwing arm

This step is optional, but will add stability and strength to the toothpick catapult.

  • Cut or break a 2-inch piece of toothpick.
  • Add some hot glue to the center of the support stick parallel to the stack and glue it together.
  • Tie a rubber band over the throwing arm and pull the end under the base of the catapult; then attach it to the tip of the toothpick.
Build a Basic Catapult Step 11
Build a Basic Catapult Step 11

Step 6. Attach the bottle cap to the throwing arm

Add a small amount of hot glue to the end of the throwing arm and press the bottle cap into the glue, holding until the glue cools.

Build a Basic Catapult Step 12
Build a Basic Catapult Step 12

Step 7. Get ready to shoot

Add the desired ammo to the bottle cap, hold the catapult body tightly with one hand, pull the lever with the other and release! This catapult will launch projectiles farther and more accurately than the catapult mentioned in the previous method.

Method 3 of 3: Building a More Advanced Torsion Catapult

Build a Basic Catapult Step 13
Build a Basic Catapult Step 13

Step 1. Gather the necessary items

The construction project for this catapult is used to teach children essential engineering skills. The catapult in question is a little more complex than the ones mentioned above, but it only requires a few additional items and procedures.

  • 10 toothpicks for common crafts (12 cm).
  • 1 large craft toothpick (15 cm).
  • 1 straw.
  • 1 6-inch peg with a diameter small enough to fit into the straw.
  • 1 elastic.
  • Gun and a hot glue stick.
  • 1 large bottle cap.
  • Ammunition! Some recommended options are ping pong balls and grapes.
Build a Basic Catapult Step 14
Build a Basic Catapult Step 14

Step 2. Build two pillars for the catapult

They will serve to hold the peg/straw holder that will support the throwing arm. Add some glue 1 cm away from the top of a toothpick. Then attach another toothpick at an angle of approximately 30 degrees. Create a second pillar exactly like the first.

Build a Basic Catapult Step 15
Build a Basic Catapult Step 15

Step 3. Build a base to hold the pillars

Place a drop of hot glue on each of the lower ends of the first pillar. Next, glue a toothpick together to connect the ends, making the vertical portion of the pillar connect to the end of the base. Repeat the process with the second pillar. Use hot glue to attach an additional toothpick to the front of each pillar.

The base will form a rectangle with an open end and two upright pillars, parallel to each other

Build a Basic Catapult Step 16
Build a Basic Catapult Step 16

Step 4. Add support to catapult

Cut 5 cm from a straw and insert a peg into it. Use hot glue to secure the dowel firmly to the wedge formed at the top of each pillar.

Build a Basic Catapult Step 17
Build a Basic Catapult Step 17

Step 5. Build the throwing arm

First, wrap a rubber band around the toothpick connecting both pillars. Then glue the large toothpick to the straw so that 1 cm hangs under the straw. Finally, carefully attach the other end of the rubber band to the underside of the large toothpick.

  • After this procedure, the throwing arm will rotate freely around the peg in the straw. The elastic will exert pressure when the throwing arm is pulled.
  • To secure the throwing arm securely, use a pencil or other utensil to press the rubber band firmly against the hot glue and hold it for a few seconds until the glue cools. Do not use your fingers as you could get burned!
Build a Basic Catapult Step 18
Build a Basic Catapult Step 18

Step 6. Add the finishing touches

The catapult is almost ready. Just follow the next steps to make it sturdier and easier to use!

  • Use hot glue to secure the large bottle cap to the other end of the throwing arm.
  • Attach an additional toothpick horizontally so that it connects the sloped sides of the pillars and provides more stability.
  • Add more toothpicks to the underside of the catapult to keep the machine stable during the throw.
Build a Basic Catapult Step 19
Build a Basic Catapult Step 19

Step 7. Use the catapult

Place a ping pong ball or a grape in the lid. Pull the throwing arm and let go!

Tips

  • Experiment with different designs when assembling the catapult, for example, using large and small toothpicks in other ways.
  • A plastic spoon can be used in place of the bottle cap to hold the ammunition.
  • If the catapult does not rotate as desired, add more rubber bands to the support hinge.
  • Play games with the catapult! Place paper cups or targets on the table or floor and try to hit them with projectiles.
  • A catapult assembly competition can be a fun and inexpensive activity for kids at home. Divide them into teams and have a competition to see which catapult throws projectiles the farthest.

Notices

  • Be careful when using hot glue. Protect all workspace surfaces and remember that, while in a liquid state, the glue is hot and can burn you.
  • Even toy catapults can be dangerous. Never throw stones and other sharp projectiles with it. Never aim the catapult at people or pets, or at least try not to aim at others' faces, especially their eyes.

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