When the kids were young, I built a trebuchet for us to play with. Before the invention of gunpowder, these machines were used to hurl boulders at the fortified walls of castles (the canon of its day). This one, made of solid white oak, is sized to throw a baseball-sized object from ~50 to 500 feet. It uses standard barbell weights (not shown) as the counterweights. The weights are secured to two thick dowels with quick-release clamps. The size of the weights can be adjusted to achieve the desired range and the release angle of the sling hook can be adjusted to optimize trajectory. The design features a safety latch to prevent accidental triggering while loading and wheels allow for easy mobility also serve to neutralize recoil when firing. Lateral supports provide excellent stability and can be removed for transportation.

Sadly, this trebuchet is now for sale on Craig’s List and I hope it will find another family that will both enjoy using it and appreciates the craftsmanship that went into it.

UPDATE: The trebuchet sold in less than 4 hours and will be enjoyed by a North Shore family.