How to Build a Torsion Catapult
A torsion catapult, also called a mangonel, is a device which uses the energy stored in twisted rope to launch a projectile. The Romans made extensive use of the torsion catapult, and this type of weapon continued to be used well into the Middle Ages. The mechanical principles behind the torsion catapult are simple, and you can build a small one using common materials, although regularly hitting targets with it may require a good deal of practice.
Instructions
- 1
Cut the parts of your catapult from wood with a saw or craft knife. Two long sections will form the base of the catapult. You will also need a throwing arm, which should be five-sixths the length of the long section. For instance, if the legs are a foot long, the arm should be 10 inches. There should also be five short sections, each half the length of the arm. Cut two triangular supports from flat wooden panel. The supports should be slightly taller than one of the short sections.
2Place one of the short sections against one of the base pieces at a right angle. The short section should be as far from the forward end of the base piece as the length of the triangular support. Hold the upright short section in place with wood glue. Do this to each base section.
3Screw or nail the triangular support to the base section and upright. Repeat this for the other base section.
4Connect the two base pieces with the third and fourth short sections, nailing or screwing them between the undersides of the two long sections at the front and rear.
5Glue the final short section into place as a crossbar connecting the two uprights.
6Drill a hole in each base section, halfway along the base of the support. This should be slightly to the rear of the uprights and crossbars. Drill a hole in the opposite side so that the two holes are aligned. The holes should be as large as you can make them without damaging the base sections.
7Drill another hole in the end of the arm piece. It can be slightly smaller than the holes in the base sections.
8Cut a length of string or twine. A foot-long catapult will need a piece of string up to 20 or 30 feet, although the exact length will vary depending on the thickness of the string. Attach a length of heavy wire, such as coat hanger wire, to one end of the string and tie the other around a short section of dowel or pencil.
9Push the wire through the hole in one of the base sections, using it like a sewing needle to guide the string. Thread the string through the hole in the arm, out through the hole in the other base section, around a dowel and back through again. Run the string through the hole in the arm three times.
10Thread the string around the arm on the fourth and subsequent passes -- first pass, the string under the arm, then thread it over on the return pass, alternating with each time you pass the string through the holes. When the string can no longer fit, tie it off around a dowel.
11Tighten the string by turning the dowels toward the front of the catapult.
12Build a small basket or cup out of cardboard and glue and attach it to the opposite end of the arm. Make sure your projectile will fit in it.
13Screw a screw hook into the head end of the throwing arm. Place other screw hooks on the tops of the base pieces so that all three hooks line up. Push another section of wire through all three hooks so that it keeps the head end of the arm depressed.
14Place the projectile in the cup and remove the wire. The throwing arm will snap forward, launching the projectile.
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