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Step 7Improving the design
I have now described how I built a trebuchet. I wish that you do not follow my instructions blindly but think for yourself, IMPROVE them and write an instructable from your work. I found Instructables after I had finished the trebuchet so therefore this instructable is not as good as it could be. I apologise for the bad pictures. It is 21:30 now, the sun sets before I get home from work and I do not have proper lighting for taking pictures.
I have few ideas for improving the trebuchet. I will do them if my boss manages to build a better trebuchet (medieval arms race at work, brilliant). I'll disclose them and challenge you to implement them.
1. The axle could and should be made of a front wheel hub of a bicycle. I would use metal pipe for the arm and support it with bicycle spokes. It would look great and work like charm.
2. Adding wheels to the trebuchet improves it's efficiency. The whole frame moves forward when it is fired. This means that the axle and the throwing arm moves too giving the ammo more velocity. I already have small wooden wheels waiting.
3. The sidewise wood strips on the base could be replaced with pieces from the main tubes from the bicycle frame. Drill holes to the tube through which the seat and chain stays can go through.
4. The launching strip could be made of a slightly flattened main tube that is cut open lengthwise. A mountain bike frame with an oversize diagonal tube would oh, suit you, sir! All in all, the amount of bicycle frame reuse could be improved
5. The throwing arm contains a lot of excess wood. The wood strips could be tapered to make it lighter. After all, every gram that is removed from the throwing arm goes right into the ammo. This could be "micro management," though.
6. Make the sling using old derailleur or brake cable and old bicycle tire.
This is no rocket science. They built trebuchets in the 12th century. How hard can it be?
I have few ideas for improving the trebuchet. I will do them if my boss manages to build a better trebuchet (medieval arms race at work, brilliant). I'll disclose them and challenge you to implement them.
1. The axle could and should be made of a front wheel hub of a bicycle. I would use metal pipe for the arm and support it with bicycle spokes. It would look great and work like charm.
2. Adding wheels to the trebuchet improves it's efficiency. The whole frame moves forward when it is fired. This means that the axle and the throwing arm moves too giving the ammo more velocity. I already have small wooden wheels waiting.
3. The sidewise wood strips on the base could be replaced with pieces from the main tubes from the bicycle frame. Drill holes to the tube through which the seat and chain stays can go through.
4. The launching strip could be made of a slightly flattened main tube that is cut open lengthwise. A mountain bike frame with an oversize diagonal tube would oh, suit you, sir! All in all, the amount of bicycle frame reuse could be improved
5. The throwing arm contains a lot of excess wood. The wood strips could be tapered to make it lighter. After all, every gram that is removed from the throwing arm goes right into the ammo. This could be "micro management," though.
6. Make the sling using old derailleur or brake cable and old bicycle tire.
This is no rocket science. They built trebuchets in the 12th century. How hard can it be?
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