New project: Atlatl

[noslerpartition]

I am not allowed to hunt with it over here, but I am going to build one. Actually, I have two prototypes for the launcher that need fine-tuning and different spears. Well. They are not spears, yet.
Got a bunch of full-length turkey feathers and my fletching tool is ready to go.
Ordered some 1045 steel to make points. Flint knapping is way beyond my skills right now. Something for sometime...
My boys are going to help putting it all together and then we go out and try if we hit something.

Anyone done this before?


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[noslerpartition]

The larger spears are too wide for the fletching tool. Had to take some material off. Maybe I do it free hand next time.
Looking forward to throwing them

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[Thebear_78]

I’ve made several atlatls. They are quite fun to play with. I have made darts out of the stiffest carbon arrows with all thread and aluminum footing at the joint. Makes for a great durable takedown dart.

What materials are you using for darts? What style atlatl are you making?


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[noslerpartition]

I just grabbed stuff at the DIY market.
Some beech for the thrower and bamboo and some fir poles for the spears. No idea which style it will be. Freestyle I guess. It is a first try to get a feeling for it.
Tips are welcome!

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[Thebear_78]

Here is a list of various atlatl styles

http://www.thudscave.com/npaa/designs/


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[Guy Miner]

This is pretty cool. Looking forward to seeing and learning more.

 

[noslerpartition]

I will post pictures once they are more or less finished.
Right now they are roughly carved pieces of wood...

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[noslerpartition]

Looking at the historical finds, I would call mine very free-style.
Just a first try and I will work on both with lots of tuning

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[noslerpartition]

That's what I have so far.

Working on the spears now and will see if they fit me and my boys. Otherwise I will make some more.

I have some normal arrow heads and I will forge some heads from steel I ordered.
Fun project. I am not allowed to hunt with it. But there are worse ways to spend a weekend

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