DIY SlingBow From Plywood

This is a project I had in mind for a while, a challenging project which requires lots of drawing and planning.

Tools And Materials Used:

• Plywood (20mm and 15mm)
• Wood screws (30mm and 50mm)
• Nails (60mm)
• Tape measure
• Wood glue
• Pencil
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Hack saw
• Drill
• Drill bits (3mm, 6mm)
• Wind drill bits (28mm, 25mm)
• Drill bit with countersink
• Chisel (10mm)
• Pocket hole jig
• Jig saw
• Hand saw
• Band saw
• Radial arm saw
• Sand paper
• Rasps and files
• Rope
• Protective gear (protection goggles, gloves, hearing protection..)

Make sure you watch the video below because there are things in the building process that can not be explained with words, so a video helps a lot

Step 1: The Handle (Part a on the Plans)

The first thing to do is to cut out the handle. Start by attaching the plan on a piece of 20mm thick plywood and cut it out on the band saw. A scroll saw works as well as the band saw and provides more accuracy.

With a 28mm wing bit start the hole on the handle and finish it with a jig saw.A 25mm hole is also needed to be done for your finger.

Make any adjustments if needed on the shape using a rasp and files. Smooth it with sandpaper.

Step 2: Shaping the Handle

Next we need to prepare the handle for the rubber bands.

With a round file smooth the corners where the rubber band is going to be attached so it will not break with friction.

Step 3: The Base (Part B on the Plans)

This is the base where everything else is going to be attached on. So cut it out of 20mm plywood and screw it on the handle with two 50mm screws and some wood glue. Do not forget to predrill so the plywood does not split.

Step 4: Finger Protection

This is a DIY project, and also a prototype, we do not really know how our slingbow is going to perform, also it might be dangerous if its poorly designed. For that reason I decided to add a finger protection. A piece of 20mm plywood attached to the front of the slingbow and protects your fingers from the rubber bands and the arrows. Cut it out on the band saw according to the plan and attach it on the handle. A pocket hole and screw helps keeping it in play while the glue dries.

Step 5: The Trigger

The trigger it self is a bike break lever modified a bit so it can be attached on wood with a screw. A hack saw is used to modify it. Also a notch at the bottom left side of the handle will keep the trigger in place and bring it closer to your hand for easier access.

Step 6: Trigger Mechanism and Parts (Part C on the Plans)

The triggering mechanism is pretty simple and it is consisted only by two pieces of plywood. The idea behind the trigger mechanism is also very simple and basic. The two pieces are attached on the frame and the tension from the rubber band holds them tight together. As you pull the break lever you actually rotate the bottom part of the mechanism and force it to release the other part which also rotates and releases the string and the rubber bands.

Step 7: Cable Support

A piece of 20mm plywood is used for the cable support. It is actually the part where we attach the cable which comes from the break lever. A 3mm hole all the way through the center of the piece and a 6mm hole just 1cm deep allows the cable to be attached securely and also makes it easy to work as it should.

Step 8: Attaching the Rubber Bands

Pretty straight forward. Attach the rubber bands on the slingbow using some rope. keeping them stretched helps a lot to make them tighter and more secure. If you work alone like me then a clamp will help you keep the stretched and also will set your both hands free.

Step 9: Arrow Support

The arrow support is also a piece of 20mm plywood shaped so it can hold the arrow. Secure it on the base with two 30mm screws and some glue.

Step 10: Arm Support (Part E on the Plans)

An arm support also helps us to secure the slingbow on our arm. Again attach it on the base using two 30mm screws and some glue.

Step 11: Reinforcing the Base

This is actually optional but I still recommend it. A piece of plywood attached to the bottom of the base reinforces it and makes it a bit more secure for us.

Once you have done all that means that you just finished building a slingbow.

Congratulations!!

Have fun with it and stay safe!!