A Step by Step Guide on How to Build a Catapult – Sewing Machines Los Angeles

A catapult is a device that is used to throw over a long distance without using explosive energy. During the primitive times, the catapult was used as a weapon in times of war. It traces its origin in Greece and was used by both the Greeks and Romans in war. Its objective is to disable the armies of the opposing force and was utilized in trenches during World War I.

Looking to build one for yourself? Bear in mind that learning how to build a catapult is not something easy and practical. But if you are interested to construct one, there are so many variations of building it. You can try constructing a small model first and then use your imagination to construct a bigger one with more parts.

Without further adieu, here now are the steps on how to build a catapult.

A catapult consists of three parts namely the swinger, the base, and anchor. Once you have learned how to build a catapult, you will realize that there is a need to construct each of these components. To start off, begin with the construction of the base.

Building the base is straightforward. With a wood stock or PVC pipe, make a rectangular formation. Make sure that the pipe or the wood is really firm. The stability of your catapult will be highly dependent on the firmness of the base.

After the base, you need to build the swinger. This is the part responsible for throwing an object in a projectile. Determine the distance you want to throw the projectile and then cut the sticks and pipes. You need to construct a frame, which will serve as the anchor for the swinger. For the frame, you need to connect two sticks at a 45 degree angle at either corners of one end of the rectangular base. Likewise, they need to be secured.

To secure the formation, take two sticks and close off the open portion and secure them at the base. This will result to a triangular shape at one end of the base. Repeat the same procedure for the other end. When the triangle shape are in place, connect their top ends using a stick. Indicate the middle section of this stick as the location where the swinger will be positioned.

With a plastic thread, connect one end of the base to the other. Place a hole on either side of the base adjacent to the stick in order to connect the triangular frames. Insert the string through the holes and connect the swinger with the thread as well. The swinger should make a right angle with the base. Once you have learned the basics of how to build a catapult, coming up with your own variation of a catapult will be second nature to you.