Hi everyone,

for the last week or so I've been trying to make a really good slingshot out of a seasoned maple fork. Every time I think I'm finished, I decide that it isn't perfect enough so I change it.

The first attempt turned out like this:

As you can see, it's a terrible picture, but hopefully you can make it out.
I didn't like it because when I shot it, it dug into the soft bit between finger and thumb, and the bands were to stiff for me. Plus, I wanted to re-shape a bit and put a finish on it.

The next attempt turned out like this:

I re-shaped it, sanded it, oiled it, put some wax on it, thinned down the elastic bands, and attached a hand grip of jute twine.
I was quite pleased with this one, but I was still getting fork hits and the shots would go all over the place. I did some research and found out that the way I'd attached the bands to the fork (around the fork) wasn't a very good, as it would sometimes restrict the ammo, especiallly with narrow forks like mine. However, if I was going to re-attach the bands a different way, I would have to cut off the top of both prongs, because they had notches cut into them.
I also thought the handle was to long for my hand and the forks still weren't shaped enough, and the pouch was to big which was also restricting the ammo from flying cleanly.

So I dismantled it and tried again! And ended up with this:

I cut off the bottom of the handle and the top of the prongs, then rounded off the square edges. Re-shaped the forks a bit more, the waxed it.
I liked the jute hand grip, but it always came loose, so I took it off. I cut notches for the band, then made the pouch smaller and narrower, then re-attached the bands a different way, over the fork.

I think I'm finally pleased with it, although I would like to put my initials on it somehow.

Thanks for reading this far!

HunterGatherer.

on the flip side of technicalities

woohoo! nice sling shot. I prefer wider forks and very short handles- I hold my sling shots with my index curled around one prong and thumb the other like in a C, with the handle braced against my palm.

Yes, over the top is a much better way of putting on the bands. They can be a little bit of a hassle if your prong tops aren't wide enough, and the bands keep slipping. They can also take a little bit longer to reload, but you probably won't need to rapid fire anyways. In exchange you get great accuracy. 

What bands did you use?

Put some gold theraband on it and it will zing and if you want to put your makers mark bend some wire to your mark heat red hot and brand it try on old wood first to make sure its how you want it

I like your process of finding the correctly constructed slingshot.  I`m there myself too.  Shorter handle and smaller pouch is probably something we all must learn the hard way.  My first attempt at an over the top band attatchment (as seen in a parallel thread) lead to a slap on the front of the fingers after each shot, I guess the pouch come back after each shot and hit me.  Have you experienced something like that? 
If not, WHY!!!????!!!

Timann: No, I haven't been slapped on the fingers. When I shoot, I tilt the slingshot forward as soon as I release the pouch. Maybe that prevents it?

Squirrelsinger: Thanks! I might try that.

Why dont you just chain rubber bands like xxxkid123 did?
it works great, is very powerful, looks good, and is durable.
i admit flat bands are cool, though.

This thread is now into the Index - Other weapons section 
Greetings,
Mauro.

Ninja-slinger: the only slingshots I've used so far have been homemade, so no I haven't. Are you sure you need them? I guess if the slingshot has a really powerful pull you would.

Timann: I've just started using gold theraband (thanks Ghost!), and now I'm getting hand and finger slaps, too! I found that by using larger ammo helped considerably. I researched it, and read something about 'excess energy' in the rubber caused hand-slaps. Hope this helps!