Built a catapult last night to launch aerial targets w/PICS

[Mike Vines]

I saw a picture of a catapult target launcher for aerial target shooting online, and told myself I could build one of those.

So I stayed a little late after work last night, got into my wood pile and made maple legs, an oak throwing arm, steel spreader arms, and stainless steel springs, then I moulded a piece of Lexan plexiglass over a 1 3/4" thick piece of oak to accept my 2"aerial targets.  After getting everything cut, I went home and started drilling and fastening the launcher together.  I never got a chance to use it last night, but when I get home from work today, I'm going outside with my 2 sons and we are going to have a great time with this thing.

Best part is the whole catapult was put together in my head.  I never used a drawing, just knowledge and experience and a ounce or two of luck as my guides.

I Just added the pics.  I set it up in the front yard, and let the boys throw footballs at the targets.  This is going to be a ton of fun for all of us.  I have about 2 dozen flu flu's that, I believe, are going to get worn out.

The only problem is that the wind plays a major role in how the foam flies.

The whole thing took me about 3 hrs from start to finish, and after digging thru all my extra stuff I have saved from job to job, it cost me $8.77, and that included $5 for the dog chain corkscrew to hold it down to the ground and keep from bouncing all over the place.
     
 

 

 

 

 

[magnus]

That's awesome Mike! Looking forward to the pic's

[UnderControl16]

Can't wait to see what it looks like.

[GRS]

Now you're gonna have some fun! Anxiously awaiting pics.
Gerald

[Mike Vines]

Pics added

[GRINCH]

Now thats a winner.  

[speedbump]

Good job man!  looks like it works great!

[Mike Vines]

I had no idea if it would work or not.  It looked like it would, but I had no clue, so I did what any "Redneck" in the middle of suburbia would do...I waited for a few of the neighbors to come out and see what we were up to, and I let the boys pull the ripcord.  I was full of butterflies with the audience out there, and I did not fail.  That target flew up about 30 feet.  Kinda made me feel like I was 23 again, and just had a couple shots of whatever was on the table.  In other words, I felt invinceable at that moment.

[Pete McMiller]

That's cool Mike.  What are you using for a trigger?  I can't make it out in the pics.

[30pointbuck]

Now that's cool. Way to go.  

[L. Harris]

That looks great and like lots of fun in the future!!

[Mudd]

How cool is this?..... Way!!!....I'm saying....


This is really beyond cool!


Thank you for sharing.

God bless,Mudd

[Wannabe1]

Now that's using the 'ole noodle! I like it.      

[caleb0100]

Great idea! Especially the dogchain corkscrew!  

[Hooper]

Nice job Mike!! Would like to see a video clip of you shooting at some of your flying disks.

[Mike Vines]

Originally posted by Pete McMiller:
That's cool Mike.  What are you using for a trigger?  I can't make it out in the pics.

That is a proprietary trip wire secret taught to me by good 'ole Uncle Sam while I was in the ARMY. There is a 25 yard long pull cord, and can be set off by 2 pounds of pull force.  Wind cannot cause a false trigger.

  You can see the whole thing and come up with plans for your own if you come to the Great Lakes Longbow Invitational this year in August.  I will have either this one, or a newer model there for us to fling all kinds of flu flu's at.

[magnus]

Come on now Mike we need a build along!  Lol.

[Mike Vines]

Sine you asked nice Matt, I will do a complete build along with the next one I build.  I honestly just saw the picture of Roger Henrie's wing shooter, and made my own from guess work.  Google that, and you will get the same pictures I did to come up with mine. I never once pulled out a tape measure.  Just went with what I had.  Like the old saying K.I.S.S.

[swifty99]

That is very cool.

[Cookus]

Nice job Mike!