Wooden Rubber Band Gun

Intro: Wooden Rubber Band Gun

After a brief search of instructables I found a huge lack of quality rubber band guns. So that inspired me to develop a few concepts of my own. This is the simplest design I drew up. If it does well then I'll build and publish the others. The slide of this pistol moves when the trigger is pulled and will hold up to six rounds (rubber band) please vote and favorite! If you have any questions please ask!

See it in action here!

http://youtu.be/L4Tf9LPlgZU

STEP 1: Tools & Materials

Tools:

Table saw
Belt sander
Drill press
Scroll saw
Hammer
Punch set
Hack saw
Tape measure
Square
Drill bits
Clamps


Materials

1/8" MDF board
1/4" x 4" x12" wood (I used alder)
Wood glue
1/8" brass rod
Wood finishing products
Rubber bands (various sizes and small nylon for internals)
Sand paper
Small nails

STEP 2: Measuring & Cutting

I provided a rough sketch of the design I had thought up. I drew up the base template for the MDF sides (yellow on the drawing) and used that to base the middle part of the frame off and also the grips.

The slides were very easy. Cut to width shown on image, measure the length of the pistol and cut a half inch longer.

This step is probably the most difficult and crucial! On the 1" squared escapement wheel you need to find the center and drill it out to 1/8". this can not be off at all or the pistol will Not fire right! Cut a length of 1/8" brass rod and peen one end.

Sand the trigger to be slightly thinner then the main body. This will give it less friction and a smoother trigger pull.

This is a pretty simple design and is easily adapted to almost any pistol you would like.

STEP 3: Gluing the Slide and Base

Grab some clamps and glue, line up the part and glue it down. Make sure the MDF sides stay below the box in the front and also square with the top. I designed it that way so you can change the internal rubber band easily.

Then sand the pistol and slide flush.

STEP 4: Embellish and Tinker

I cut a few notches in the slide for look and some on the inside for function. I rounded the grips to fit my hand and the sliders to make it look better. I used some files to get the smaller areas clean and flush. Drill out the two pins that hold the slide to the frame. At this point you will also want to tinker with the mechanism so ensure it's working properly.

STEP 5: Finishing Up

After every thing is sanded, glue the grips on and then do any finish sanding needed. Apply your choice of finish to your almost complete rubber band gun. I used oil and a wax based coating. After it cures enjoy your awesome new creation!

I can't wait to see what you guys make!

Please vote and favorite!

If this 'ible does well I have a few more designs that are more complex that I'd love to share.

See it in action here!

http://youtu.be/L4Tf9LPlgZU

STEP 6: Update!

It appears the trigger has a weak spot and broke after a few days of use! You can see the repair and mod I made in the photo. I used 2 part epoxy to glue it. I suggest that as you make yours, you account for this and make a beefier trigger. It would not hurt to run some steel rod through the center of the trigger!

STEP 7: Road to Success

Here are a few trial and error rubber band guns I had worked on before this one was conceived.

Some were utter failures others were simi-successful.

Comments

[desertsniper]

Thanks again guys! And please vote.

[jerhuffy]

do you have a full pdf file?

[goldgriffin05]

add to halloween props. also, are their any step-by-step instructions? really want to make this.

[goldgriffin05]

Cool! please post your other ones.

[desertsniper]

That is the plan, well at least when there is a contest worth posting for!

[HollyMann]

My son would love this! :) Very cool!

[yulawneoterry]

I love it

[kgallemore]

Cool design! Do you happen to have a printable template?

[desertsniper]

I do not have a template for this design, I do have a few more I have drawn in CAD, like a Walther PPK and a sig 226. I designed a new mechanism. I'm just waiting for a good contest to post them. thanks for your interest!

[djalvarez]

hey, great instructable!!! i was wondering if maybe you have any idea i can make it shoot paper airplanes?????

[eruger]

You'd want a slide powered by the rubber band. The slide could either push the plane down a slot, or if you really want it to work well, it would pinch the plane near the center of gravity until reaching the end of the slot, then release it. Otherwise you'd have to design a paper plane fold that likes to be pushed from the rear.

[i have a life]

hi really liked this

[ayad11]

one of the best instructebals i have seen i wil vote for you

[desertsniper]

Thank you! I just hope I place in some contests! Since this seems to be doing well I'll build a few other complicated and more detailed designs, stay tuned! I can't wait to see the guns you guys make!

[em100]

awesome! i voted for you

[desertsniper]

Thank you so much!

[desertsniper]

Thanks again!

[matokage]

Awsome!

[desertsniper]

Thank you!

[Blue Hawaii]

Really nice work here. I like how you use layers to build the body.