How To Build A Trebuchet

Assemble the string and pouch
Cut two pieces of string at least 18 inches. You will trim this down later. Fold your cloth in half then tie each end with a string so it forms a nice little pouch. Take your time with this. It will come out fine.At the end of one of the strings attach a loop. More on this in next step. Shown here is a soft little clay ball for the projectile. Grapes work great and are safer.
I made my loop out of the metal from a spiral bound notebook, its simply one revolution, You can use wire or anything else that is thin yet strong.
Now attach your pouch to the arm of the trebuchet. It should be about 12 inches from the hoop shown here. The top loop will slide right off as the arm goes forward. This will allow the pouch to open and release the projectile.
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This string and pouch will rest right under the trebuchet so you need a little runway for it to ride on. I made a runway out of posterboard. Just fold up each side about one inch and then glue the runway right into the trebuchet.
Ok We are done! Now we can fire it off! Continue

BOOKS

Want to build a bigger, better, more powerful or fancier siege engine? There are some great books available to you. These books, available at Amazon.com, will help take your trebuchet or catapult building to new heights! Pun intended!

The Art of the Catapult: Build Greek Ballistae, Roman Onagers, English Trebuchets, and More Ancient Artillery - Nice book that shows you how to build ten different catapult projects, moderate wood working and pvc piping kind of stuff. Good book with complete instructions and materials lists.

Buy from Amazon.com: The Art of the Catapult: Build Greek Ballistae, Roman Onagers, English Trebuchets, and More Ancient Artillery

Backyard Ballistics: Build Potato Cannons, Paper Match Rockets, Cincinnati Fire Kites, Tennis Ball Mortars, and More Dynamite Devices Want to get a little more creative? This book is off the hook!

Buy From Amazon.com Backyard Ballistics: Build Potato Cannons, Paper Match Rockets, Cincinnati Fire Kites, Tennis Ball Mortars, and More Dynamite Devices

Whoosh Boom Splat: The Garage Warrior's Guide to Building Projectile Shooters

These are the homemade machines that you've dreamed of building, from the high-voltage Night Lighter 36 spud gun to the Jam Jar Jet, the Marshmallow Shooter, and the Yagua Blowgun. Including detailed diagrams and supply lists, Gurstelle's simple, step-by-step instructions help workshop warriors at any skill level achieve impressively powerful results.

Adventures from the Technology Underground: Catapults, Pulsejets, Rail Guns, Flamethrowers, Tesla Coils, Air Cannons, and the Garage Warriors Who Love Them

Sneaky Uses for Everyday Things: How to Turn a Penny into a Radio, Make a Flood Alarm with an Aspirin, Change Milk into Plastic, Extract Water and Electricity ... a TV with Your Ring, and Other Amazing Feats

Gonzo Gizmos: Projects & Devices to Channel Your Inner Geek - It's possible to use optics to roast a hot dog without electricity or a stove; to make a simple radio with just an iron, a few basic circuits and three shiny pennies; and to assemble a simple steam-powered boat with a plastic bottle, a candle, copper tubing and a nail. Of course, only die-hard science nerds would attempt these projects.

Siege Engine Kits and Projects

Looking for a complete kit to build a trebuchet?

Trebuchet Kit The design for our tabletop trebuchet kit has been refined and optimized over four years using computer aided design technology. It will stand up to rigorous use, safely and reliably firing the included projectiles. The sturdy wooden construction of this miniature catapult model is ideal for classroom demonstration, but it is equally at home on the desk of any medieval enthusiast. As part of a project on medieval history, as the centerpiece of a science project, or sitting on the mantel, it is sure to draw attention and generate interest. Each piece has been accurately machined from carefully chosen lumber, and precisely drilled to allow easy assembly. Detailed, clearly illustrated assembly instructions guide the builder through each step of construction. The completed model measures 20.3cm(8") x 10.1cm(4") x 15.2cm(6"). A how-to section demonstrates loading and firing the completed catapult, including tips on tuning the finished kit.,br> Abong manufactures all of their products locally without the use of lead. This tabletop kit has been designed to safely demonstrate the operation of a trebuchet. With a simple, reliable trigger, a low counterweight mass and lightweight projectiles this catapult is ideal for indoor use. Three easy-to-follow rules for public demonstration are provided to ensure everyone's safety. Specifications: Footprint: 20cm (8") x 10cm (4") Axle Height: 14cm (5.5") Throwing Arm: 20cm (8") [4:1 Ratio] Counterweight: 180 g (6.4 oz) [78 Pennies] Range: 6m (18')

The Miniature Trebuchet This is our newest and smallest trebuchet design in a long line of catapult kits. Designed by master trebuchet expert Ron Toms, this machine is ideal for the student on a budget or as a wonderful display piece for any desktop or bookshelf of any history enthusiast. Precision carved by computer controlled machinery for guaranteed fit and accurate joinery. The detailed instructions include loads of photos of each step of the construction process, tuning tips and safety notes. Included in the kit are four wooden projectiles, all the necessary components for the sling, trigger, and counterweight bucket as well as all the parts for the kit. The only thing you'll need to supply are 64 pennies for counterweight and a few simple tools - Scissors, a ruler, a utility knife, wood glue and a few rubber bands to hold the pieces together while the glue dries. Tools required: Scissors, Glue, Ruler, rubber bands and a utility knife. Sandpaper is optional. Additional Counterweight Required: 64 pennies. Range: About 10 feet.

Amazon.com has lots of Trebuchet Kits you can build

Le Toy Van TV361 Edix The Medieval Village - Trebuchet

Features The Le Toy Van Trebuchet is an excellent addition to any Le Toy Van castle or Papo castle playset. Wind up action Elastic firing system Pre-assembled Painted wooden trebuchet Scaled to complement our castles. Figures not included Ages: 4+

Floating Arm Trebuchet

Great for science projects.

• Converts potential energy into kinetic energy.
• Can hurl a golf ball 200 feet.
• Precision crafted of high quality hardwood.
• Designed and made in the USA for better quality, better performance!

Engineered using modern mechanical principles and computer aided design, this mini-powerhouse can hurl a golf ball over 200 feet. It uses guillotine action and a plunging beam to maximize potential energy and a floating arm to convert that energy into projectile motion. Precision crafted of high quality hardwood, the kit contains everything you need to build a working model.* The trebuchet is essentially a gravity powered energy conversion machine - it's a great way to see classical mechanics in action! The completed model stands 34 inches tall, 18 inches long and 7 inches wide (12 inches wide with the included steel counterweight boxes). A common complaint from engineering professors is that "Students today have a great understanding of computers, but fewer and fewer of them have any real hands-on, real-world understanding of physics and mechanics." Our kits are designed and intended to spark an interest in real-world science and engineering, and maybe even a bit of history too! The detailed instructions are complete with diagrams, photos, tuning tips, equations for calculating the machine's efficiency and more! All parts are pre-cut, pre-drilled and can be assembled to a finished model in one evening (plus glue drying time). We've put a lot of time and effort into making this kit as easy and complete as possible. It's a fun way to learn about physics and engineering! WARNING! This is a functional model intended for educational demonstrations of physics. It contains a fast moving arm and projectile that can cause injury if you make contact when firing. Use only under strict, competent adult supervision. * We supply the containers, but you'll need to supply the counterweight material. Anything from nuts and bolts, BBs, coins, sand or a good fist full of pebbles will do! * Can throw 200 feet when properly constructed and tuned with sufficient counterweights. Your performance may vary.

Stirling Warwolf Trebuchet

A highly detailed and historically accurate 1/20th scale trebuchet kit.

• Includes two true scale-sized medieval warrior figures.
• Authentic half-lap and mortise and tenon joinery.
• Over 140 hardwood pieces.
• It really works! Designed and made in the USA for better quality, better performance!

During a siege of Stirling Castle in 1304, Edward Longshanks (Edward the first, King of England) ordered his engineers to make a giant trebuchet for the English army, named "Warwolf". With one blow, Warwolf leveled a section of wall, successfully concluding the siege of Stirling Castle. The Stirling Warwolf is generally thought of as the most powerful and most famous of all the trebuchets in history. With an authentic and historically accurate "squirrel-cage" winch mechanism, block-trolley system and working trigger, frame-ladder (for re-cocking), half-lap and mortise and tenon joinery, this is the most highly detailed and historically accurate trebuchet kit you can get. This kit has well over 140 pieces in it, plus two true scale-sized medieval warrior figures. At 1/20th scale, this machine stands 18 inches tall at the apex. The arm reaches to a height of 32 inches, and hurls its projectiles 40 to 60 feet! At 1/20 scale, that equates to about 800 to 1200 feet for a life-sized model. Even the projectiles (included) are scaled properly to represent 100 lb. and 350 lb. missiles. Highly detailed and computer cut for accuracy, this model is a joy to build. The detailed instructions are complete with diagrams, photos, tuning tips and even historical notes about trebuchets. Tools you will need include glue, a flat file and a 1/4" round or rat-tail file, clamps or rubber bands, household scissors and sandpaper to smooth any rough edges (there shouldn't be many.) The only other things you'll need to supply are a few hours of time, a little effort and some pennies for the counterweight bucket. The kit is made from high-quality white hardwood. It can easily be stained any color, but simple exposure to sunlight will turn the natural wood a rich golden-brown over time. We've put a lot of time and effort into making this kit as easy and complete as possible. We hope you'll enjoy building and operating it as much as we have!

This is a Storm The Castle Project

Table of Contents for this tutorial

1. Materials/Tools
2. Assemble the sides
3. Assemble the base
4. Make and attach the swing arm and counterweight
5. The stringpouch and the runway
6. Finish and fire it!
7. Trebuchet video (quicktime MOV)
8. Books/Buy
9. Free Trebuchet Plan
10. Weighing the counterweights
11. Johns Engineering info about Trebuchets
12. Koji's Locking mechanism
13. Adil's mini Trebuchet
14. Gabe's Ferrari of Trebuchets
15. Trebuchet Videos