THE SALVAGED SLINGER SLINGSHOT

This isn't your typical rubberband-on-a-stick slingshot. This is a durable, quality, accurate, and interchangeable piece. It may look complicated, but it can easily be done in five simple steps with just a saw, a drill, a file and some reclaimed materials.

I made this slingshot for target shooting. I used two 2x5mm natural latex tubes, and I'm using 3/8 steel balls for ammo.

MATERIALS I USED:
pallet wood
aluminum
copper wire
metal BB's
latex tubing
slingshot pouch/piece of leather


TOOLS I USED:
something to cut aluminum (hack saw, band saw, etc.)
wood saw
drill
round file
small needle nose pliers

Since everyone's hands are different sizes, it's best to draw a cardboard version of your slingshot before cutting it out of metal and wood so it fits well. Draw your design on a piece of cardboard, cut it out, hold it, and see how it feels. Then make any necessary changes to your design and tweak it. Once you have your final design ready, trace it onto the aluminum.

To cut aluminum, it's best to use a blade that has teeth, like a band saw, a circular saw or a jigsaw. Things, like an angle grinder with a carbide blade, should not be used to cut aluminum. However, I was very eager to finish this project, and my jigsaw was broken, so I cautiously used my angle grinder. Although, I do not suggest using one on aluminum.


Before we start cutting, its best to drill out the inner curves. This will make it more consistent and easier to cut. I used a quarter inch drill bit for the inside of the finger slots and the lanyard hole. I used a smaller drill bit to do a chain drill for the inside of the yoke (The yoke is the Y-shaped part that holds the tubes.)


Once all the holes have been drilled, it is time to cut. For this project I would suggest a band saw. If you don't have one, then a jigsaw will work as well. Once it has been cut out, it will need a lot of filing and sanding.


The next step is to drill the holes for the tubes. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the tubing that you're using. Make sure not to drill the holes to close to each other or too close to the edges. They need to be almost in the center, so that the metal is strong enough to withstand the pulling on the tubes and the pressure of the tubes smacking against the yoke.


After the holes are drilled through the aluminum for the tubes, a slit needs to be made from the outer edge of the yoke, towards the inside of the holes. This way new tubes can be switched out without destroying the old ones. Make sure you sandpaper the inside of the slits too, so it doesn't cut the tubing when you take them in and out. The best way I found to do this, is to take sandpaper, fold it in half, and slide it back and forth inside of the slit.


Now the holes need to be drilled for the pins to go through. This step will help to secure the piece and keep it together. The pins can be any material you want (metal, copper, nails, wood, etc.) Just make sure to drill the holes slightly smaller than the pins you're using. The final part of preparing the metal is to finish the surface and the edges.

Here are some options to choose from:

a. Sand it down to a dull finish.

b. Sand it down and then polish it to a high shine.

c. Sand it down to a dull finish and then electro-etch it, or acid-etch it.

d. Use a sandblaster and blast the whole surface into a sparkly dull finish.

I used a sandblaster. I did the whole surface and the edges. I really like how it turned out, but it does require an air compressor

When choosing a wood for the slingshot, it's best to use a durable hardwood like oak, rather than a softer wood, like pine. I'm using a reclaimed oak pallet board for my slingshot.

After you've picked out your wood, sand it flat on one side, so that it will be flush against the metal.

Once your wood is ready, trace the finished aluminum piece onto the wood piece and cut it out.

Then drill the holes into the wood for the pins and the tubes .

DO NOT cut slits in the wood for the tubing yet, because it will snap off while you're sanding. Do this step twice to make a front and back piece.

Gluing: Once you have the metal, the wood, and the pins ready, it's time to glue them all together. It is very important to put a generous amount of glue in between the metal and the wood, because wood and metal generally dont stick together well. Clamp them together overnight to make sure it dries thoroughly before you start sanding it.

Pinning: I used a two inch long, thick copper wire for my pins. Be very cautious not to crack the wood when inserting the pins. Sanding: You could sand both pieces of wood first, and then glue & pin them together. Or, you could glue & pin all three pieces together first, and then sand them after. I prefer to attach them first and then sand them while they're all together to give it a better feel.

Slits: When all of the sanding is done, now is the time to cut the slits for the tubes. Just be sure to remember to sand inside the slits too.

Finishing: Now it's time to put on a finish. This is my favorite part. I use mineral oil, because it is inexpensive and simple to use. Just put a little on a rag and rub it into the wood. Wipe off any access with a dry rag. I usually do three or four layers of mineral oil to help keep out any dirt.

Everyone has their own way to set up bands/tubes for their slingshots. Here's how I do it...

1. Cut two tubes that are twice as long as your pull back length.

2. Slide them through the back of your pouch leaving a loop.

3. Take the ends and put them through the loop.

4. Pull it snug.

5. Repeat this on both sides of the pouch.

To Insert The BBs:

1. Take your pliers, and dig them into the end of one of the tubes to widden it.

2. Take one of the BBs, place it inside of the widdened tube, and then wiggle the pliers out.

Since the BB is bigger than the holes in the metal, the tubing will not be able to come out.

To Attach The Tubes To The Yoke:

1. Secure the slingshot on it's side.

2. Stretch a small portion of the tubing (just behind the bb) really thin, so it fits into the slit.

3. Slide the stretched section down through the slit and leave it in the hole.

4. Release the stretched section and pull the tubing through the hole until the bb stops it.

Congratulations!!

Your slingshot is now ready to be used. Please be VERY cautious when shooting. Slingshots are very dangerous! Be sure to check with your local laws before using.

Variations There are a million variations to try. Here are just a few:

1. mosaic pins

2. Using more or less tubing

3. Using bands instead of tubing

4. Adding a magnet to the pouch to hold the steel balls/ammo in place.

Thank you for reading my instructable. Please leave a comment. And vote for me! If you tried this at home, be sure to post a picture of your project in the comments below!