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Interesting modification to the plans - similar geometry but streamlined construction - very successful!
Hi,
A few weeks ago, my friends and I purchased your trebuchet plans, and built a working trebuchet. I thought you might want to hear about it, so I thought I'd write up what we did.
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Ocassionally I get emails from the World Egg Throwing Federation. That name always gets my attention, there's something about any 'world federation' that cannot be ignored.
Their last e-mail contained a link to the world competition which this year included egg throwing trebuchets. . Here's some fun video of the days events, watch to the end to see the trebuchets. What a great way to use a trebuchet, however those kids trying to catch the eggs downrange - ouch. Looks like their protective clothing has a little padding in it, plus it seems they limited the distance and velocity with size limitations on the trebuchets.
George Clooney was invited to the affair, but he declined. Imagine that. An invitation to be the guest of honor from the World Egg Throwing Federation and Mr. Clooney turned it down! Jeesh George, where is your head at? What great publicity you turned down! 
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Recently, Ken asked me, “Where’s the trebuchet and when are we going to set it up again?” “I’ve been saving a [insert object name here] that I want to see fly through the air, it will create a great ‘blast zone’ on impact.” Turns out the [insert object name here] was given to him by an ex-girlfriend and he had been saving it for the appropriate ’send off’.
Good hurling objects don’t have to be round. Toasters are nice. There is something about seeing a toaster fly, cord dangling behind, through the air, that always makes me split a gut laughing.
Then there’s my attorney friend who tries each year to persuade me to “build a trebuchet float” for the local mardis-gras parade. He wants to “throw mullet to the crowds instead of beads”. The mullet is a kind of fish popular with the locals.
“They’ll love us Pete, we’ll be Kings!”, he exclaims, and while he might actually be correct on his prediction, my comment has always been “Yeah, sounds cool, hey, hand me another beer, will ya?
What’s your favorite projectile?
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I hope the Real Trebuchet Plans blog and website inspires you to build a trebuchet. Our trebuchet evolved from a simple backyard project to a really cool community event without much input from me.
People showed up at the right times, eager to pitch in. All through the construction phase people showed up with advice, materials and hands ready to help. On hurling day a friend showed up with a trailer to help us move the treb. We got to the launch site and the grass was high - someone went and got a lawnmower. Then late morning coolers with plenty of drinks showed up, a tailgate party and Bar-B-Q happened!
I was focused on the treb and had not thought about these other details, and it is wonderful how neighbors, friends and strangers appeared at the right time with just what we needed. What may seem like a big project, was easy and fun because of these wonderful people.
You have them in your town too!
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My ancient circular saw died in the middle of a trebuchet project. I checked out what was available at Home Depot, but wasn’t happy with the quality of the saws in my price range.
Then my friend George said, “Check out the pawn shop, you can get top of the line tools for a good price.”
I went to have a look and found a Dewalt saw (runs about $180 new) for $35. Yes, it ’s been used, but its a great saw, with a really powerful motor and it will take a larger diameter blade than my old saw.
So, I’m hooked on pawn shops for tools now, if I need something, I always check the pawn shop first.
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