Play Catapult: How to Make a Big Catapult

Armies of the Middle Ages used catapults as siege weapons, launching projectiles such as rocks, barrels of burning pitch and even beehives at enemy towns and fortifications. There were many different kinds of catapult, but one of the most common was the counterweight catapult or trebuchet, which used a heavy weight to swing its long throwing arm. The basic mechanical principles of the counterweight catapult are simple, meaning you can make your own using common materials.

Instructions

Draw a plan for your trebuchet. The main components of the catapult are the throwing arm, a counterweight at one end and a pouch at the other end to help launch the projectile. The swing arm rotates on an axle which is supported by a wooden frame. The exact shape of the frame will vary depending on the size of the catapult. If you're looking for inspiration, examine the catapult plans available online at the Storm the Castle website.

Cut the parts of the frame and swing arm from wood using a saw. You will need a set of base pieces to support the catapult, two uprights to hold the axle, a swing arm, three cross pieces, and two supports to brace the uprights. The swing arm should be one-third longer than your base pieces. For example, if a base piece is two feet, the swing arm should be 32 inches. The uprights should be five-sixths the length of the base, with the cross pieces about one-half the length of the uprights.

Attach one upright to each base piece at right angles by screwing or nailing them together. The uprights should be three quarters of the way down the length of the base piece, toward the front end. Cut grooves in the base pieces to slot the uprights into before screwing them in. Attach supports to brace the uprights, which will be taking the strain of the launch.

Screw or nail the cross pieces to the base sections, one at each end and one between the uprights.

Choose a length of metal pipe to be your axle. It should be slightly longer than the space between the uprights.

Drill a hole through the throwing arm, one quarter of its length from the forward end. Drill two more holes, one on either side of the first. These should be about one-sixteenth of the length of the arm apart.

Drill two more holes near the tops of the uprights, making sure they line up. Push the axle through the hole in one upright, through the hole in the throwing arm, and then through the hole in the opposite upright.

Insert a screw hook into the forward end of the throwing arm and attach a rope to it. The counterweight will hang from this rope. If you use a bucket or other container for the counterweight, you can add or remove weight to adjust the range.

Hammer a nail into the head end of the throwing arm and bend it so it has a slight curve. Insert a screw hook into the underside of the head.

Cut a sling pouch out of cloth or leather. Attach a short length of rope to either end of the pouch. Make a loop from wire and fasten it to one of the ropes, then slide the loop over the nail. Tie the other end of the rope securely to the screw hook.

Put your projectile into the pouch. Push the head end of the throwing arm down, which will raise the counterweight, then release it. The throwing arm should whip forward, launching the projectile.

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