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How to Build a Catapult With Home Materials

If you collect action figures and you're the type who prefers the figures and playsets outside of their plastic packaging, why waste money on them when making some from scratch is fun and cost effective? Storming the castle with a custom-made catapult to suit the average action figure size is great way to add to the fun and your collection.

Things You'll Need

  • Wooden block 7 by 7 inches, 1 inch thick
  • 4 wooden or plastic wheels, at least 3 inches in diameter with pre-drilled 3/8-inch holes
  • Box of 3/8-inch wood screws
  • Flexible measuring spoon
  • Wooden block, 1/2 by 7 inches, 1 inch thick
  • Jigsaw
  • Carpenter's pencil
  • Power drill/screwdriver and 3/8-inch bit
  • Wood glue or industrial strength gel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the 7-inch wood block flat on your table. Measure and mark 3/4 inches from the front of the block and a half inch from the top of the block. Repeat the step on the rear and on the other side of the block, opposite of where you made your other two marks. These will be where you'll drill for the wheel placements later.

    • 2

      Hold a wheel over one of the pencil markings and drill, using a wood screw. Attach the wheel onto the wood surface using a wood screw but not drilling through entirely. Allow the wheel to spin loose for rolling movement. Re-do the steps for each wheel.

    • 3

      With the bigger block flat, measure and cut to the exact center using the jigsaw, cutting large enough to insert the thickness of the measuring spoon into the newly cut slot. Make sure to cut all the way through the block.

    • 4

      Set the block horizontally and across its side surface, holding one side nearly covering the cut from the previous step and creating a stopping block for the firing arm that aids in shooting the projectile further. Allow the glue to dry completely.

    • 5

      Slide the tablespoon's handle into the cut slot and press down until firm. Apply small amounts of glue to the base of the spoon for extra strength, and allow it to dry. Paint or stain if desired.


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