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How to Make a Slingshot Catapult

As the name implies, a slingshot catapult is a combination of a slingshot and catapult. The design looks like a slingshot, but the mechanism for shooting is not a slingshot. Because this apparatus catapults objects into the air instead of slinging them by spinning them in the air, it functions like a catapult. This design uses few materials and creates loads of fun.

Things You'll Need

6 to 9 inch long Y-shaped stick
Carving or utility knife
Large heavy duty rubber band
Scissors
8-by-8 piece of heavy duty cloth or leather
Tape measure
2 small heavy duty rubber bands
Electrical tape

Instructions

- 1
  Head to the woods to find a dry Y-shaped piece of wood. Ideally, the piece will be stout and between 6 and 9 inches long and 1 to 2 inches thick.
- 2
  Peel off the bark on the stick slowly by using a carving or utility knife, if needed. By removing the bark, you are making the slingshot catapult easier to grip when using.
- 3
  Take your heavy duty rubber band and cut it in half. You are making a band for each side of your slingshot. You do not need to complete this step if you have more than one rubber band as long as they are the same size.
- 4
  Cut a rectangle from 2 to 4 inches in length on each side out of heavy duty cloth or leather to make your pocket. You need to cut two slits in your pocket so that you can slide the rubber band through them. They should be parallel to your short sides of the rectangle about 1/2 inch from the edge equal distance apart.
- 5
  Put one end of your large rubber band into the slit. Double back the rubber band on itself to create a loop and secure it in place with a smaller heavy duty rubber band. You may have to wrap the smaller band around multiple times. Repeat the process for the second slit.
- 6
  Secure your long rubber bands to your Y-shaped piece of wood using electrical tape. You will want to secure them to the back of each side of the Y-shaped piece of wood near the branches and equal in length.
- 7
  Find small pieces of paper, bottle caps or whatever small item you wish to shoot with your slingshot catapult. Place them into the pocket of your slingshot and let them go.

Backyard Toys