Easy to Build Wooden Catapults

Simple Catapult

• The "slingshot," as it is known today, is less an ancient artifact and more of a children's toy. These handheld devices can be crafted out of wood and will shoot rocks or pellets through the air. Today, larger, sophisticated slingshots (usually not made of wood) can be purchased as hunting devices. To create a simple slingshot, find a large piece of wood and draw a basic slingshot fork shape, cutting it out with a saw. A file can be used to saw down the roughness of the edges. Attach a piece of rubber between the handles to act as the sling. Although it might not be as strong, a forked shaped tree-branch can also be used as an expedient way to create a slingshot.

Mini-Ballistas

• Ancient ballistas were often extremely large weapons of war, although the sizes could vary dramatically. Instead of relying on humans to throw spears a limited distance, ballistas used a large wooden frame and tension to throw spears. Although not what most people would classify as easy, a smaller-scale ballista can be created using a frame and two twisted ropes for tension. Modern ballistas can be more easily made with rubber as opposed to rope, acting much more like a horizontal bow and arrow.

Mangonel

• As opposed to spears, mangonels throw rocks --- or anything that fits within its bowl. Mangonels consist of a platform and maneuverable arm, which contains a bowl at the end. Like other forms of ancient catapults, they used rope tension to create force. Simple, smaller versions of mangonels can be created by creating a small, wooden frame with a rotating arm. The front of the arm can be attached to the front of the frame with an elastic piece of rubber. As the mangonel is loaded and drawn back, tension will build within the rubber.

Trebuchet

• Ancient trebuchet catapults were usually extremely large and capable of reaching long distances. They consisted of a platform and a very large rotating arm that could attach to a large projectile. On the opposite end, a large weight attached, weighing much more than the end with the projectile. When the trebuchet was drawn into firing position, the weight lifts off the ground. When let go, gravity pulled the weight, allowing the arm to fling the projectile. Mini-versions of trebuchets can be created using the outline similar to the original. The versions can also be realistic, as the only mechanism utilized for firing is a weight and the force of gravity.