The Thracian staff sling, is a unique type of sling, wielded in battle by Thracian foot slingers, called Peltasts. The Peltasts were lightly armed, fast moving foot soldiers who ran in, threw their stone or javelin, and ran away before they could be pursued. In this instructable, I will show you how to make a simplified version of the Thracian staff sling. The disadvantage of the staff sling, is that the velocity is considerably less than that of the hand sling. But the advantage, is that it is much easier to aim, and is substantially more accurate. So I hope you have fun, and let's get started.

Supplies

3 foot x 1-1/4 inch circular dowel
Computer
Printer
Duct tape
Permanent marker
Scissors
2 inch galvanized nail
Hammer
Bolt cutters
Heavy duty yarn

Step 1: The Template

Using computer and printer, print the provided template, on an 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper. Using scissors, cut it out, and set it aside.

Sling-pouch-template.pdf
Download

Step 2: Making the Sling Pouch

Tear a piece of duct tape, slightly longer than the sling pouch template. Place it sticky-side up, on a flat surface. Tear a second piece, the same length as the previous one, and barely overlap it sticky-side up, on the previous one. (as shown in picture 1) Tear two more pieces, the same length as the previous two, and place them sticky- side down, on top of the previous two, to form a smooth duct tape sheet. Trace the template onto the sheet, and cut the shape out. Using more duct tape, fold the four flaps of the shape together, and tape them in place, to form a duct tape pouch.

Step 3: Adding the Yarn

Duct tape a long piece of yarn to the back of the pouch, leaving 15 inches free, on either end of the pouch. On one of the ends, tie it into a small loop.

Step 4: Adding the Handle

On one end of the 3 foot long dowel, hammer a 2 inch galvanized nail part way in, leaving 1-1/2 inches exposed. Using bolt cutters remove the nail's head. Tie the other free end of the yarn to the dowel, about 2 inches from the nail end.

Step 5: Have Fun

To fire the sling, simply slip the free end of the yarn onto the headless nail. Place a rock in the pouch, and lob the staff forward, letting the yarn end slip from the nail, and releasing the rock.