This is an instructable on how to make a mini Da Vinci catapult. It may look difficult but it really isn't.

Step 1: You Will Need:

Step 2: The Base

The base is basically made of a square and two sticks. The two sticks were glued on 2,5 cm( ca. 1inch) in from the sides.

Step 3: The Supports

Take two pieces of wood and cut them in two equal parts. Glue them together and drill one hole in each big enough to fit three skewers inside at once. Now, attach them to the sides of the base as shown.

Step 4: The Power Sourse

Drill one hole in each of the sticks attached to the base. The holes should be just big enough to snug fit in two skewers. Cut four skewers so they turn into exactly 17cm long (6.5inches). Place them inside and glue. Tape "em together 1 cm (0,3inches) from the ends.

Step 5: The Swing

Glue together three skewers (remember to cut off the tips). Place them inside the two holes in the supports. Now tie a piece of string to the poles and to the three skewers. Glue in place.

Step 6: Handle

Cut a piece of wood that is 3 cm long(1 inch). Drill a hole the same size as those in the supports(maby a little smaller) and one as thick as a skewer. Forse your skewer inside the smaller hole and glue it in place. Now put in the three skewers to the bigger hole.

Step 7: The Swing Arm

cut your self a piece thats about 2cm (0,7inches) and glue it right on to a new stick. Drill a hole the same size as in the supports. Fasten it with some glue.

Step 8: The Basket

Cut yourself two pieces from a stick. They should be 3,5cm (1,3inches). Glue them together. Here comes a bit of a challenge. We are going to make a basket. To get this basket, we are going to use different types of drillbits to get a clean nice cavity. Take your time on this part.

Step 9: Stoppers and Triggermechanism

You are going to have to drill a hole on each side of the one support that has the handle. On the other support you are going to drill a hole just where the picture shows. Put a pin through.

Step 10: Ammunition and How to Fire

For the ammunition you can almost use anything. Like a part of an eraser. But i found it best to use some aluminum foil. it is lightweight super easy to make. You just rip off a piece of the foil and crunch it together into a ball. To fire all you have to do is: turn the handle until the catapult arm is touching the ground and put the foilball into the basket. Put a part of a skewer into the hole. 3...2...1. FIRE!!! pull the skewer part out. The ball is flying until the sound of a DUNK comes to your mind. It has landed then it is rolling over the floor. Enjoy!!!