2008 Design Contest Grand Prize Winner

This catapult design won its builder the Grand Prize in our 2008 design contest. We felt it was authentic, using elements like hemp twin for the engine, and frankly... it packed quite a firing range given it's size. We would like to congratulate Luke on his successful design, and we expect him to be entering a new idea next year - so, look out!

At DIY Catapults, we fund our annual contest prizes and website upkeep by re-selling the plans of the winning designs each year. So, if you would like to support our cause (making it possible to win money for building cool contraptions), or, if you're simply looking for a great diy project, make sure to chip in the whopping $4.99 to get your own set of plans!

Authentic Model Catapult

The idea of the catapult has been around ever since man threw their first stone. The engineers that are credited with the construction of the first catapults worked for Phillip of Macedonia in the 300AD time frame. These engineers actually created a ballista which is slightly different from the “Authentic Model Catapult” described here.

Why is this catapult authentic? It uses the same principles for it’s propulsion as the original ballista’s. The ballista’s used two arms instead of one. However, the concept of twisting hemp rope is exactly what serves as a propulsion unit for these ballista’s.

The other great feature about this catapult is the ability to adjust the range to any level. The adjustable twine allows the user to pick their range and is a great solution for a functioning model catapult.

If you think about all of the intricacies that make a catapult a catapult, the “Authentic Model Catapult” cuts right to the heart of those intricacies by addressing the concept of design rather than being an identical replica.

This catapult is excellent for teaching about torque, moment arms and distance traveled in an arc. The concepts of friction, energy, force, velocity, gravity and acceleration can all be associated with the catapult. This little design is a great teaching tool and a great link to more modern concepts. We all know it’s important to learn the basics first!

Besides being a great learning tool, this catapult is a lot of fun. If you set up target circles in your back yard or driveway, you can use these catapults to play a very similar game to horse shoes.

This catapult is an inexpensive and fun way to teach, to play and to learn! Get started with your plans today!

Catapult Plans

Like you, we have been frustrated by nearly every set of instructions we have ever received. Most products today come with hard-to-read, un-illustrated books that simply don't work for the normal reader. We are out to prove to you and the world that it is possible to write instructions that people can follow easily.

The quickest, and least expensive way to get started with your Catapult is to purchase our instant download assembly guide. Believe us when we tell you that you will be thrilled that we took this project very seriously.

Our assembly instructions include chapters on:

1. Buying Materials (sources, detailed shopping list, etc.)
2. Cutting and Notching the Wood (cut lists, diagrams, templates, etc.)
3. Creating the Firing Arm (shaping, joining, etc.)
4. Assembling the Catapult Frame (solid base for long, accurate throws)
5. Building the Firing Mechanism (powerful catapult engine)
6. Mounting the Frame and Wheels (final step of assembly)
7. Firing your Catapult!

Each of our Chapters gives you step-by-step instructions to walk you through the process. We try to include both photographs of each step as well as diagrams to help make sure you have all of your questions answered.

All of the Building Chapters include sections on:

• Materials (which pieces are required)
• Tools (which tools are required)
• Diagrams (process sketches)
• Step-by-Step Instructions (plain-English descriptions with photos)

As with all of our products, the Catapult Plans come with our 30-day 100% Satisfaction Guaranty!