day worker 296 Posted March 25, 2013 Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 ive been wanting to make my own catapult and wanted to know if there is any wood to avoid? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sheffield Catapults 71 Posted March 25, 2013 Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 Avoid soft woods and MDF. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tiercel 6,986 Posted March 25, 2013 Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 I have made a few over the last few weeks, solid oak = snapped after a fork strike, Sapele = snapped after a fork strike. Cheapo 18mm ply still going strong. TC PS: So far Quote Link to post Share on other sites
atomlab 104 Posted March 25, 2013 Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 use a natural fork,itl be stronger than any boardcut Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sheffield Catapults 71 Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 Be careful with the design you choose, if a design is bad then even using plywood can result in a broken frame. Plywood is good to start with as it's cheap and pretty strong. Once you have got a bit better at making frames you can opt for more expensive hard woods and experiment with laminating them. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
day worker 296 Posted March 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 thanks! i've been out this morning cutting a variety of wood to experiment with,is there a way of speeding up the drying? i saw on youtube somone baking them in the oven is this ok? is there anywhere where i can find step by step intructions on making catapults? im pretty sure how im going to do this but any extra help is welcomed! cheers rob! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sheffield Catapults 71 Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 I wouldn't use an oven to dry forks, it will more than likely result in the forks cracking. Some people use microwave ovens but that can easily result in a broken microwave as I once found out. The best way to dry a fork is to cut it a little longer than needed and to dry it slowly, placing them near a hot stove is a good way. Cutting them a little longer helps as if the fork does split at the ends then that section can easily be cut off. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
B.P.R 2,798 Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 Newt wrong with MDF to get you started! Super easy to work with and offcuts are 10p or so from b&q. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
day worker 296 Posted March 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 i have access to off cuts of marine ply! is this any good to play around with? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sheffield Catapults 71 Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 Newt wrong with MDF to get you started! Super easy to work with and offcuts are 10p or so from b&q. MDF isn't very strong, it's also no good when damp and the dust is very harmful which makes working with it unpleasant. We have been through this before BPR: http://slingshotforum.com/topic/20773-mdf-for-catapults/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sheffield Catapults 71 Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 i have access to off cuts of marine ply! is this any good to play around with? Marine grade ply is fine Quote Link to post Share on other sites
B.P.R 2,798 Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 (edited) Edited March 27, 2013 by Blue Pocket Rocket Quote Link to post Share on other sites
iworkwhippets 12,247 Posted March 27, 2013 Report Share Posted March 27, 2013 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
B.P.R 2,798 Posted March 27, 2013 Report Share Posted March 27, 2013 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
deanothehunter 34 Posted April 4, 2013 Report Share Posted April 4, 2013 Avoid pine and other softwoods, and even some hardwoods like a mahogany 1 i made took a mild fork strike and the whole fork snapped off and can be dangerous, a good tough all rounder is 18mm birch 13 ply plywood or multiplex as some call it..... its not very cheap but 1 board of 8' x 4' would last you a very long time and this stuff is easy to work comes out brilliant and finishes are very professional. It also takes all knocks and bumps without the worry of it snapping and fork hits barely show but small dents can be steamed over a boiling kettle spout and they raise up and can be sanded away as if they was'nt there ..... Deano Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.