Prototype Trebuchet

Author: jawapro
Date: Tue 02/09/2008 09:46 PM




 

About a year ago, Turkey decided to build a trebuchet (type of catapult) so we can use it to destroy some Macintosh computers. He made a great start - and nothing has been heard since.

So I decided I'd have a crack at it.

To be able to hurl a computer, it needs to be pretty tough, with a fair bit of power. That requires brains and a fairly large amount of materials. Lacking both, I decided to build a much smaller prototype first out of broomsticks.

I bought all the broomsticks in Devonport, and then had to wait a few weeks for them to restock.

Finally armed with enough broomsticks and some bailing twine, I set to work.

 

And it actually works.

 

Just not very well.

Not exactly much distance there.

A large part of the problem was my release mechanism, as I had a much better one, and somehow managed to lose it, so I had to settle for a tent-peg puller I found in the shed. Far from ideal, with far too much curve.

But it's fun, and the theory appears to be solid - so now I need to decide if I build the full thing out of metal or wood - and work out where to get the supplies.

And then it will finally be time to destroy these macs!




Comments: 8

 

Comment: 1

Author: klutz
Date: Tue 02/09/2008 11:44 PM




whatever material you want to use, ecosalv aka tip shop for building supplies is a good choice. I assume you will be working on said project and testing it at exeter?

Oh, btw the exit signs are gone

 

Comment: 2

Author: Nifen
Date: Wed 03/09/2008 08:59 AM




gosh and i thought "I" had to much time...

 

Comment: 3

Author: Nifen
Date: Wed 03/09/2008 09:02 AM




Actually come to think of it, this is silly, the size this thing would have to be would just not be worth it. we are talking 10 to 20 times the size to launch a computer maybe 50 meters. you might get away with launching a notebook for less. or an eee laptop.

 

Comment: 4

Author: jawapro
Date: Wed 03/09/2008 09:18 AM




Yes - the size would have to be pretty impressive. Doesn't mean it's not worth it though.

Wouldn't have to be as big as you say though - just a lot stronger so it can handle a lot more weight and stress.

 

Comment: 5

Author: omnimors
Date: Wed 03/09/2008 09:08 PM




I wonder what your neighbors think...

 

Comment: 6

Author: jawapro
Date: Wed 03/09/2008 09:15 PM




They know I'm a little odd. This one was built at my parents place who own a small hobby farm - so it' not overly noticeable from the neighbours house.

 

Comment: 7

Author: DarthOblivion
Date: Thu 04/09/2008 07:58 AM




awsm! youre days art numbered, thou evil macs! ha ha ha!

 

Comment: 8

Author: Nifen
Date: Sun 07/09/2008 10:37 PM




maybe better to think possible slink shot using really large rubber bands. masses of them or something along those lines. Laytex or whatever they use for spear fishing might be the best bet.

another idea is an air cannon, might be easier to make and less expensive. Compressed air tank. some large steal tubing, you'd need something behind the item trying to shoot. but thats probably your best bet.

Then again you could instead build a compressed air mini gun and just go crazy on shooting the macs instead. That would be a better way of destroying them, you could mount it on a trypod and build a remote control motor in it, so your able to control movement.

errm anyway something along those idea's. ORRR make explosives and blow it up.