Atlatl from a board (turtorial)

[Steven Saffold]

Heres a technique I used to make an atlatl, I posted it on paleoplanet a while back.
First the pic.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/Sourswithhawk/Atlatlfromaboard.jpg

1st image- Cut desired length of atlatl from the board.

2nd image- Cut out the spur.

3rd image- Spur successfully cut out.

4th image- Birds eye view, Spur needs to be shaped so it will fit the nock of a dart.

5th image- Spur is shaped well, Finish by sanding, adding designs, and adding mineral oil.

 

[Steven Saffold]

the atlatl on the right is the finished product:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/Sourswithhawk/Img_0051.jpg

 

[2blackcat]

Now that is something I will try soon

Used to play about with a sling
Should try out an atlatl

 

[jdlenton]

I like the multi wood atlatl in your photo Steve got any pictures showing it all? What about darts how do you make then?

 

[Steven Saffold]

JD,
thanks,,, That atlatl was made from a broken bow limb that was one of my dad's failed projects. Its hickory/ipe with an ipe spur.

And darts,,, I just use river cane and tie on the feathers, and insert a fore-shaft.

 

[dropkick]

If you attach a small (1 -2 lbs) weight about 1/2 up on the atlatl, you will be able to throw further and have more control.
Traditionally the weight used is a small river rock.

Useless tidbit: The atlatl is 1st weapon system developed by man and was used longer than any other.

 

[Steven Saffold]

Ive never used atlatl weights,, Maybe I should start using them.