How to Make a Food Catapult
A homemade catapult can vault you into the good graces of your friends and family. Next time someone yells "Food fight!" in your backyard you can show them that you're ready to rock with a food catapult. Sizes can vary, but in general you'll want something big enough to hurl a small pumpkin or a mess of other items (probably about 6 to 8 feet in length). Use your catapult to copy the ancient Greek armies, whose use of the weapon made even the fiercest of opponents -- including the Huns and Mongols -- turn and run. Be sure to stay safe with the device and never launch anything dangerous directly at another person.
Instructions
- 1 Set the two 2x4 pieces of wood on top of each other lengthwise. Measure halfway across the bottom piece and mark it with a straight line. Place the top board so that its end lays flat across the line.
2 Place the hinge in the space between the two boards, pressing it against the end of one of the boards and the top of the other. Hold it in place and mark the screw holes.
3 Use the electric drill to drill a screw into each hole of the hinge. Connect the two boards so they stand at an "L" shape while upright.
4 Drill a small hole in the center of the top board to place the hook. Also drill one in the center of the bottom board between the end and the placement of the top board for another hook. Screw the hooks into both holes until tight.
5 Sand the 3x3 piece of wood down in the center. Create a concave curve in the center only to place the food in. The depth of the curve is based on personal preference, but make sure it's deep enough to hold the food you'll be using.
6 Affix the holder to the top board at the opposite end of the hinge. Drill through the center into the second board until it's secure.
7 Put a rubber strap with looped ends around each hook. The strap should be about 8 to 10 inches in length and a standard width (usually 2 inches) to create tension.
8 Weigh the front end of the catapult down with something heavy or by drilling it into the ground. You may need to do the same for the rear end based on the weight of the food you'll be hurling. Pull down on the top board when ready and load it.
