So... I woke up one day and decided I wanted to make a slingshot. At the same time, I wanted to make an instructable, so I made the slingshot in under an hour and documented the whole thing... I hope you enjoy!

MATERIALS:

Wood, literally any wood, I used a block that was 10cmx12cmx3cm

Daisy® Replacement Bands (found at Walmart)

Cotton Twine

TOOLS:

Scroll Saw

Dremel

Belt Sander

Files

Sandpaper

Chisels

Step 1: Drawing, Quick Prototyping, and Tracing.

First things first I created a rough drawing, using a scrap of paper I traced out a compact slingshot grip. In order to truly make it ergonomic I would need a prototype, I used some cardboard I had on hand and cut it into the shape I had created on the paper. This allows me to get a feel for where my fingers will be on the final product. This is the part where you can adjust the design and make changes to the overall shape.

Step 2: Cutting and Sanding.

Using a scroll saw I cut the shape I had drawn on a scrap of wood (10cm x 12cm x 3cm). GO slow if you are using a thicker piece of wood as I did, especially if there are tight curves like in mine.

After you have it cut out you can grip it properly and feel for any edges that may be uncomfortable, mine dug into the back of my thumb (picture 6). To speed up the shaping/smoothing process use a table sander, one that allows you to use smaller tube-like sanders are best.

Step 3: Ergonomizing (?) It!

Using the aforementioned table sander and other various abrasive tools begin to shape the slingshot into a more rounded and comfortable grip.

It helps to frequently stop and give it a good squeeze to feel for any rough or sharp edges. When you pull back the rubber to use the slingshot anticipate anything that might dig into your hand.

Step 4: Mounting the Rubber.

I used an already assembled Daisy Slingshot rubber to make this project smoother.

First, as with everything, measure and mark your sling posts before thinning them out. I left half an inch of material and using a handheld jigsaw and chisel I thinned it down to half an inch. At first, it was rather rough, but I switched to sanding tools and softened all the sharp edges.

*IMPORTANT* You MUST get rid of all sharp edges, if not they will cause your rubber to weaken and eventually snap which would injure you.

As you can see in the final pictures, the next step is creating a slight groove going across each sling post, this lets the rubber rest securely and not risk it popping out.

Step 5: Actually Mounting the Rubber.

After your posts are properly sanded and resemble the pictures (a nice groove).

Line the rubber up evenly on each side, so an equal amount of the end of the rubber is looped over the posts. This is important to make sure the pocket is eventually lined up in the middle of the cutout, so your ammo does not strike your hand or the frame. Using twine, tightly wrap several loops around the folded rubber. Sinch it down as tightly as you can and tie it off tightly.

Repeat on the other side and Tada! you have a slingshot!

Step 6: Customize and Shoot.

I added a leather thong to mine, to secure it to my wrist, also because it was aesthetic.

Load any ammo that fits in the pouch, I used .177 bbs but proper slingshot ammo, marbles, or rocks work as well. Pull back the pouch as far as you can while pinching the ammo, aim, and release.

*IMPORTANT*

Always wear eye protection when firing, ricochets can and will happen.

Always point in a safe direction when firing, know what you are aiming at and what is behind it.

Never shoot at another person or an animal.

Have fun!