| Okay, so you want build your first trebuchet. This | | | | Plans also will help you out immensely if you are just |
| site will have tips and tricks of the trade. Okay, let's | | | | a beginner. |
| get to business. | | | | Now, the next step is construction of your trebuchet. |
| The first question you will need to ask yourself is | | | | For most people, I would suggest using 1"x2" pine for |
| whether you want to build a "historically accurate" | | | | all of the pieces. But, if your going to be building a |
| traction trebuchet, or it's simpler and easier to design | | | | 10ft tall trebuchet, stretch for the 2x4's. Once you |
| and build cousin, the counterweight trebuchet. | | | | have completed your trebuchet structure-wise, you |
| If you're building a trebuchet for the sole purpose of | | | | will need to construct a sling and if used, a suitable |
| your high school physics teacher's amusement, then | | | | counterweight. I prefer cutting up any kind of old |
| you should probably consider one of the | | | | cloth and attaching both ends to lengths of string. |
| counterweight variety. If, on the other hand, you are | | | | Suitable counterweights can be anything from a box |
| building a trebuchet for fun or self education, the | | | | bottle full of lead shot, to a sock full of rocks, or a |
| traction trebuchet may be something to seriously | | | | dumbbell weight. After you have all of that stuff |
| consider. (Keep in mind that at least three-fourths of | | | | sorted out, you should attach the trigger mechanism |
| the "free" plans on the web are of the | | | | and release pin. There are plans and pictures of these |
| counterweight flavor.) | | | | on most sites, but the only advice I can give you is |
| Once you have determined your design plan, you | | | | that the release pin is the trickiest part of |
| probably want to decide on a suitable size. If your | | | | constructing a trebuchet. It should be angled so that |
| looking to launch bowling balls the length of a football | | | | the sling releases the projectile at an angle of |
| field, you will want a much larger trebuchet than if | | | | somewhere around 45 degrees. |
| your intending to launch eggs at incoming traffic. | | | | Final word: Building a trebuchet can be lots of fun and |
| Which, of course, is a BAD thing to do. (Based on | | | | be a great learning experience. (Or sometimes an |
| personal experience most drivers won't enjoy | | | | unbelievable chore for those unlucky physics students |
| chipping dried egg off their windshield.) Another point | | | | such as myself). Construct your trebuchet with |
| of interest is whether or not to buy premade | | | | quality and take care to add support where needed |
| trebuchet kits or design plans for your trebuchet. If | | | | and it will last you a long time. |
| you are just a beginner, kits are excellent to use. | | | | |