This is a complete assembly procedure for making a table top sized torsion powered catapult called a mangonel. It is defined as a mangonel because it uses the power of twisted rope to store energy and launch the projectile. I have everything you need right here. And, I also have a video tutorial on how to make this catapult. You can see the video tutorial here. This is a powerful little catapult and once you have gathered or bought all the materials you should be able to build it in a couple of hours. The hardest part of this project is winding the string.

What you will need to make this Mangonel Catapult:

Pieces of Wood: Wood is 5/8 square

• 2 pieces that are 12 inches long (The two long sides)
• 5 pieces that are 5 inches long ( The cross pieces)
• 1 piece that is 10 inches long (Swing arm)
• 1 piece of thin and flat wood similiar to wood paneling or Luaun that is 4 inches by 5 1/2 inches. Cut this rectangle piece diagonally so you have two triangles. you can see these two triangles in the picture above.

Hardware:

• Wood screws 1"long (6)
• Small tacks or nails about 1/2 inch long (10)

Other stuff:

• String or twine (Ten feet should suffice)
• A wire coat hanger (This is the catapult release handle)
• 2 thin round dowels about 1/4 inch thick and 4 inches long ( you can use pencils if you have no dowels)
• Toy wheels to mount on the catapult (optional)
• 3 electrical stapes, U hooks or round eyehooks, Big enough for the coat hanger to pass through them These are what holds the coat hanger release mechanism
• Paint - if you want to paint your Mangonel
• 1 small piece of cereal box cardboard for the catapult bucket
• 1 marshmallow as a projectile

Tools Needed:

• Electric Drill
• Hand saw to cut the wood
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Safety glasses or goggles
• 1/4 inch drill bit
• 3/32 inch drill bit
• Note: You may have to tweak the size of drill bit you use depending on the thickness of the screws you are using. The 3/32 is to drill pilot holes so the wood doesn't crack when you put the screws in. The 1/4 inch drill bit is to make the holes to pass the string through. You want this hole to be as large as possible without weakening the wood. The larger the hole the more string you can pass through it. If you are using 5/8 inch wood then 1/4 inch drill bit should work fine.

Okay, now that you have gathered together all of the necessary parts let's start building this catapult:

Okay! Lets start building this Mangonel Catapult

MOTA Catapult - Desktop Battle Kit -

• Engage in a fun hands-on learning experience and build your own desktop catapult with the included easy-to-understand instructions and pre-cut wooden pieces
• Test your precision and your catapult's power, or change the trajectory angle with the adjustable cord
• Take aim and fire away with five lightweight wooden ammo that's safe for indoor use
• Replicate the ancient art of war, or learn about the physics and engineering while constructing the catapult
• Guaranteed fun for all ages, imagination and wood glue not included