As a child, I could sit for hours with my slingshot hidden in a bush, ready to fire if a small bird happened to come by.
Today, that´s not something I would encourage my kids to do. There are more merciful ways to hunt than with a slingshot. Nevertheless, the slingshot is a fun toy and a fantastic pastime for children, both to make and to shoot with.
Here are some tips if you want to make your own slingshot:
Find a suitable Y-shaped branch. Here where we live (Finland), it’s easy to find suitable branches of willow, although willow is not a very strong wood. Oak, birch, and rowan might be better, but it can be more challenging to find symmetrical branches of these woods.”
Once you have cut the branch, you can strip the bark and let the wood dry for a day if you have the patience.
The thickness of the rubber should be adjusted according to the user. If the slingshot is intended for a child, the rubber should be thinner and shorter than for an adult. A rule of thumb is that when you hold the slingshot with your arm extended, you should just be able to pull it up to your cheek.
When tying, it’s important to stretch the rubber simultaneously to prevent it from coming loose. There are many types of string that don’t work well with the rubber, but ordinary gift ribbon works well. Leather is a good material to use for the pouch. Make small holes and thread the rubber through them.
Ready to fire! Link to the video on instagram below!