Trebuchet progress

[johnridley]

More than half done I'd say. The frame is complete, except I was short a 2x6. The throwing arm is done, other than trimming the release end.
Still to do:
Buy/make U bolts to hold the axle onto the top beam.
Cut the center out of the main beam (leaving just the axle)
Build the weight box
Figure out position of winch and pulleys and mount them.
Build the release mechanism, and mount hooks for safety restraint ropes
Get some rope and make the sling (this may wait until we're on site).
Get some more bowling balls.

It occurs to me that after firing, the top of the arm is going to be 16 feet off the ground, and we'll have to get a cable on it to pull it down. L says just use a long stick to loop the cable over the end. That will probably work fine; a 12 foot stick in someone's hand should be tall enough.

I've received word that the local bowling alley has literally "a barn full" of old bowling balls, and we can probably get as many as we want.

Comments

[min8ive.livejournal.com]

My husband says there are 3 balls buried in the canon, possibly as many as 6 near where the tents are usually set up, but we don't know the condition of any of these--they could all be cracked, etc.

He also has a couple more to bring, but he says get as many as you can haul. And he likes the heavier balls best for the canon.