Making catapults, a great project for kids and adults

Summary

In this engaging DIY tutorial, John Kin walks viewers through the process of building a fun yet powerful catapult with his son. The video covers materials, construction steps, and helpful tips for assembling the frame, winch, and torsion spring mechanism. John emphasizes the importance of pre-drilling, safety, and creativity, with a special focus on involving kids in the project. After completing the smaller version, they test it out and even build a larger, more powerful metal catapult. Throughout, the video blends education with entertainment, showcasing a hands-on, family-friendly approach to building a unique toy. The message: If John can build it, so can you!

Takeaways

• 😀 The project is about building a simple catapult using basic wood pieces and carpentry tools.
• 😀 You can use inexpensive materials, like one-inch thick pine, for the construction of the catapult frame.
• 😀 Pre-drilling holes before screwing helps prevent the wood from splitting during assembly.
• 😀 The catapult requires specific measurements for the pieces, with detailed dimensions provided in the video description.
• 😀 The winch system for the catapult can be made from simple tools, such as a handle, dowels, and a ratchet mechanism.
• 😀 The use of a torsion spring (made from paracord) is essential for generating the force needed to launch objects.
• 😀 Safety is emphasized throughout, with caution advised for handling the catapult due to its potential for causing injury.
• 😀 The project provides an opportunity for kids to learn basic carpentry skills and mechanical concepts in a hands-on way.
• 😀 A small, simple prototype is built first, followed by experimenting with larger and more powerful versions of the catapult.
• 😀 The final catapult works through a winch cable system, where the tension from the torsion spring releases to launch objects.
• 😀 The video includes fun interactions, such as testing the catapult’s range with various projectiles and making improvements to enhance its performance.

Q & A

What type of wood is recommended for building the catapult?

The recommended wood for this project is one-inch thick pine, or any other cheap wood. There's no need for expensive hardwood like oak.

Why is it important to pre-drill holes in the wood?

Pre-drilling holes helps prevent the wood from splitting when you insert screws. It's a simple step that ensures the project stays intact.

How should the catapult arm be prepared before use?

The catapult arm is prepared by adding a cup (such as a Gatorade bottle lid) to hold the ammunition. The lid is screwed onto the arm, ensuring it can securely hold projectiles.

What is the purpose of the torsion spring in the catapult?

The torsion spring, created using paracord, stores the energy needed to launch the catapult arm. It is wound up to build tension, which is then released to propel the arm forward.

How does the winch function in the catapult design?

The winch is used to wind the rope that powers the torsion spring. It allows you to pull back the catapult arm and store energy in the spring. The ratchet system and handle help control the winding process.

What safety precautions should be taken when using the catapult?

The catapult has a lot of tension, so it's crucial to be careful. Do not shoot it at people or objects that could be damaged, and avoid swinging the arm near your body. Always make sure the area is clear before firing.

How is the catapult arm triggered to release the projectile?

The catapult arm is triggered by a quick-release mechanism, created using fishing line and a dowel. By pulling on the line, you release the tension from the torsion spring, which launches the projectile.

What role does the brace across the top of the uprights serve?

The brace across the top of the uprights stops the catapult arm from overextending when it swings. It acts as a physical limit to ensure the arm doesn't go too far back.

How do you adjust the tension on the torsion spring?

Tension on the torsion spring is adjusted by moving the pins that hold the nails in place. By turning the nails slightly, you can increase or decrease the tension, which will affect the range and power of the launch.

Why is it recommended to use a sling for additional range in the catapult?

Using a sling, similar to a trebuchet, helps increase the range of the catapult. It allows the projectile to be released more efficiently, resulting in a longer shot.