13 replies to this topic

[CB900SS]

Well, I've been carving all day. This time with great results due to using a limb that had been cut moths ago, and dried naturally.
I'm not sure what the tree was, can anyone identify it?

So opinions please, but remember this is just after whittling and filing. I still want to deepen the finger grooves slightly, and maybe widen them a bit more?

I was also thinking of some kind of wrist strap? A hole with some string?

What kind of bands and how should I attach them? I'm tossed between grooves (flat band over top), or holes (round band through holes).







And what do you think is the best placement for my thumb?

[dgui]

The thumb goes on the side and not down the middle in the way. If you hit it you might break it, I mean the thumb. I like the shooter you made nice placement for the fingers.

[snakeshack]

Flat bands! I don't think you need a brace with the groves you made, it should stay in your hand. Oh and nice!

[USASlingshot]

great job, just dont try and shoot with your thumb between the forks. it would mess ur finger up

[CB900SS]

So whats the best method to attach flat bands?

I figured round tube would fit better with the round wood. I thought the flat band fit better over the top of square arms.

[snakeshack]

Very easy. Just make a grove all the way around. I would also taper the backside of the forks, but I have see those who don't. Look at mine a few posts down or others who make naturals. Flat bands are cheep if you order them from one of the guys on here.

[CB900SS]

snakeshack, on 29 July 2010 - 08:27 PM, said:

Very easy. Just make a grove all the way around. I would also taper the backside of the forks, but I have see those who don't. Look at mine a few posts down or others who make naturals. Flat bands are cheep if you order them from one of the guys on here.

OK. Now you say taper the backside. Just the back? I was thinking the front should be tapered? Yours looks great, thanks for the examples.

[snakeshack]

Well, thank you! I think your has great potential. I think yours can turn out much better than mine did. Yes you can taper both like mine and others. Just do your self a favor and take the time to sand it down to 220 or greater and use a real finish, not the stuff I used.

[CB900SS]

Well, it's finished. Not anywhere near what you all build, but you have to start somewhere. And it shoots great... I might shorten up the bands a little.




Thanks to Flatband for the band sets... These pouches are awesome!

[A+ Slingshots]

That is an absolute beauty!!!! It almost looks like a seashell spiral. Great job!!!!!

[Flatband]

Nice work Ben. If you want,you can also form a small channel down the top of those posts as an aid in tracking and keeping the bands steady on the post tops. You can also just round off the post tops a little for better band wear too. Nice carving work Bud! Flatband

[Dayhiker]

Nice work. I like that slingshot.

[CB900SS]

Thanks guys, that really means a lot! Its also a great shooter, but maybe a little small for my hands. My son and wife love it, hopefully my wife will start shooting it a little, my boy is a little small yet.

Gary, I started adding grooves through the top, but it was very hard to go against the grain like that. How do you recommend cutting them? I tried just starting the groove with a rat tale file, but the grain wasn't letting me get a good start. I guess I should cut a small V-groove with a knife first to track the file? Also, the tops are tapered on the front and back, it just didn't show well in the picture.

Next I'm making one of Jörg's metal catapults with the eye bolts. I have all the metal, I just need the fimo and bands. So I guess I need to hit the medical supply tomorrow, and the arts and crafts store.

[NaturalFork]

I like it!