30 Minute Desk Catapult (I made it at TechShop)

Here's my guide on how to build a small catapult out of simple wood scraps. Once you have the parts, you could be 30 minutes away from flinging small objects at friends, family, and coworkers! 

TechShop Website

Step 1: Materials

All measurements are approximate. Also, the picture has extras of some materials (I'll notify which ones)

1 baseboard (1" thick, 6" x 9")
1 lever arm (0.5" thick, 1.5" x 12")
2 side supports (1" thick, 2" x 8")
2 sturdy L-braces and appropriate screws
1 hinge (same width as lever arm) and appropriate screws
1 small eye-screw (extra one in pic)
handful of rubber bands (find some with varying elasticities to allow for adjustments in catapult strength)
(ignore the spring in the picture, turns out I didn't need it)

Power drill (or screwdriver if you're feeling adventurous)
Staple gun (and staples, obviously)
Sandpaper (if you have options, use rough sandpaper to give you the shape you want quickly, and then fine sandpaper to make it really smooth. if you don't really have many options, I would place a strong preference on fine sandpaper)

Comments

[veryken]

Looks like perfect size on our board room conference table. ;-)

[giike3]

it looks so cool I am going to menards to get all the supplies