In the Maker Shed: Mini-Trebuchet

In the Maker Shed: Mini-Trebuchet

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Want to fling some small objects around the office? This perfectly tuned miniature trebuchet from the Maker Shed is a beautiful addition to any desktop, and it really works! It takes up only 4″x9″ of desktop space and stands just 14″ tall. 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 things you’ll need to supply are 88 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.

12 thoughts on “In the Maker Shed: Mini-Trebuchet

  1. migpics says:

    What type of pennies do you need to get?
    Pre 1982 pennies or post 1982 pennies?
    It’s a difference of 53.68 grams.

    Great little kit though!

  2. Kilteddad says:

    It will throw further if you add wheels.

    1. migpics says:

      Would a pitcher be able to throw further if you added wheels onto the pitching mound?
      I think a pitcher pushes off the mound right where as the trebuchet uses a sling effect?
      Just wondering.

      1. Kilteddad says:

        Th pitcher needs to push off the mound as you describe. The trebuchet is using gravity as the force, by adding wheels you allow the counterweight to travel longer in a straight line down, rather than in a shorter arc.

    2. John Park says:

      OK, Kilteddad, you’re on. We want to see how much further the throws are with the addition of wheels — I’ve always heard it’s the best way to go, but never tried it. So if you’re willing to do a before and after video comparing the results (which we’ll post on MAKE), we’re going to send you a Mini-Trebuchet kit free of charge. Email me: john_at__makezine.com to set it up.

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