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Message started by quepy on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 9:48am

Title: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by quepy on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 9:48am
After using the search function, I have determined that there are no other threads about this "sling bow".  The reason I bring it up is because BrianGrubbs showed me a link to this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6LxKfpAPYA&feature=channel_page (Thanks Brian!)

The video, of course, is all about how to construct what the man calls a "sling bow", a combination of a slingshot and a bow.  I watched it, liked what I saw, and made my own.  I used exactly the same model of slingshot and whisker biscuit, and the results were pretty good.  (It almost seems like the parts were made for each other!)

While doing some archery earlier that day, I damaged the nock of one my arrows when my next arrow clipped it on its way into the target.  This damaged arrow became my test arrow for the slingbow (as the nockless rear was easier to grip through the pouch).  I was able to hit the shooting block (and get good arrow penetration) pretty consistently, but only after compensating for the arrow's tendency to go to the left.

To test what was causing this tendency, I held the slingshot vetically for a few shots, and found that it now shot low.  I concluded that my arrow would stray in the direction of wrist brace.  This could either be because of my improper form or due to the arrow.  

Just as it's important to match a bow to the arrow, I suppose it may be important to match an arrow to your slingbow.  For what it's worth, in the video he recommends carbon arrows, but I was using an aluminum arrow.

Also, as advertised, the whisker biscuit easily flips down and it can be used as a standard slingshot again at will.

Has anyone else attempted to make one of these?  If so, what are your experiences with it?


Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by TN.Frank on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 9:52am
"Backwoodsman" magazine did an artical on making a "Rock Bow" which is basically a bow that you shoot rocks out of. I'll try to look up the issue and let you know which one it is. You may be able to do a search on their web site and find it on line as well.

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by Bikewer on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 2:55pm
Like TN Frank, I'm familiar with both bows and crossbows designed to shoot bullet-like projectiles.
There's quite a lot of information in this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-Man-Powered-Bullets-Bullet-Bows/dp/0811701565/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254509301&sr=1-2

Which is a fun read anyway...

Don't know why you couldn't shoot arrows successfully with a sling-shot type device; the limiting factor being the "pinch" grip you'd need.

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by curious_aardvark on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 3:43pm
I like the idea and te way it's made.

But exhorting every 14 year old in america to make one and go kill stuff.
Possibly not the brightest thing you could say.

Okay he does say go into the woods and kill stuff, but we all know that's just not going to happen in an urban environment.

Anyone want to open a book on where the first 'slingbow' shootings occur in the states ?
lol

And what is this american obsession with killing everything that moves ?

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by xxkid123 on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 3:45pm
i've seen it, but until i find my marksman and get an arrow or whittle one i won't have any experience. one of the better parts is that it's easier to practice and get good at it then a bow, at least for me so far it has

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by Steven on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 9:29pm

Curious Aardvark wrote on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 3:43pm:
... And what is this american obsession with killing everything that moves ?

America has only recently become urban. Most of us lived in the county side on farms and ranches where killing everything meant a well stocked larder. I remember taking shotgun and ammo with me every where I traveled during hunting season. Hunters are the primary reason that there are any game animals or fish left in the US.  

*

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by Steven on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 9:37pm

Bikewer wrote on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 2:55pm:
... Don't know why you couldn't shoot arrows successfully with a sling-shot type device; the limiting factor being the "pinch" grip you'd need.

The pinch factor was overcome by removing the nock and inserting a golf tee into the arrow shaft and gluing it in place. That gives you something to grip through the pouch.

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by TN.Frank on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 9:57pm
I remember seeing an attachment for a wrist rocket that would allow it to shoot arrows.  
We here in the U.S. aren't the only ones that "kill everything that moves". That's just a part of being human, we are by nature predators and as such we kill.  I use to be real bad for killing birds with a pellet gun but as I've gotten older I hardly kill anything.  I'll even pick up crickets and catch moths and let em' go outside. I think you should only kill if there's a need for it, either food or if it's a pest situation like coyotes getting after your pets or having mice in your house but then for mice I let my cats take care of em'.

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by Eoraptor on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 10:35pm
This looks cool, I might have to try it... any one made one and know what the pull is?

...and did he say whisker 'brisket' or whisker 'biscuit'?   :-?

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by Steven on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 10:56pm

Eoraptor wrote on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 10:35pm:
..and did he say whisker 'brisket' or whisker 'biscuit'?   :-?
whisker biscuit

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by quepy on Oct 3rd, 2009 at 3:13am
Eoraptor: Yes, I have made one of these.  The bands are the stock ones that came with the slingshot, so while I don't know the exact draw weight, I can tell you it's light enough for almost anyone to pull back fairly easily.  

curious_aardvark: I must admit I found the irony in the idea that the slingbow would get those kids to put down those violent video games to go outside and kill something!  But at the same time, I also appreciate the idea that as human beings, we are inherently predators.  That is, we didn't end up at the top of the food chain by mistake.

I don't exactly advocate leaving a wake of animal corpses wherever you go, but I think it's important that youth develop a respect for weapons and hunting, life and death.  I'd rather see adolescent boys blasting squirrels out of a tree with a BB gun than crying over Bambi.

I know there are some psychologists who say that killing small animals leads to serial killers, but I think those pro-animal extremists (like PETA, ALF, and SHARK) are WAY worse.  They're the ones who need mental health counseling.

But anyway, back to the slingbow, if you have about $20-30 you're willing to spend and are near a Wal*Mart or similar store then I highly recommend giving it a try.  But, as you're shooting arrows with this thing, it's definitely a plus to have something as a soft target to preserve your arrows.  I have a nice archery target block, but hay bales and stuff will work too.

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by quepy on Oct 3rd, 2009 at 3:29am
Here's a picture of my slingbow on my scanner.

    By the way, when you go to get the whisker biscuit you're presented with two options: the $40 dollar package and the $20 dollar package.  Get the $20 one (called the replacement kit) because it still has the actual whisker biscuit, which is the only thing in there you really need.  All the other parts are for mounting it to a compound bow, but all we need are simple zip ties.  Make sure you get the thin ties that are only 8" long or shorter.  The longer, more heavy duty ties will be too thick to work.
slingbow.JPG (26 KB | )

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by curious_aardvark on Oct 3rd, 2009 at 9:50am

Quote:
I think you should only kill if there's a need for it, either food or if it's a pest situation like coyotes getting after your pets or having mice in your house but then for mice I let my cats take care of em'.


Precisely.
Going out and killing any animal for 'fun' or 'practice' just leads to a callous approach to life in general.
Me I'd rather have them playing video games. Never did me any harm (lol)


And quepy - he does state quite clearly that you want to buy the $20 replacement whisker brisket (lol)

Anyone watching the video - will know this :-)

Have to admit I love the idea, had I a wallmart I'd make one, have lots of fun with it  - and NOT shoot animals. It's an option none of these people seem capable of processing.


Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by BrianGrubbs on Oct 3rd, 2009 at 5:05pm

Curious Aardvark wrote on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 3:43pm:
And what is this american obsession with killing everything that moves ?


But... it was moving  [smiley=evil.gif]

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by xxkid123 on Oct 3rd, 2009 at 5:43pm
if i had to kil something i would only do it if i knew i would be using every part possible to use that's in my skill. this include eating it, figuring out how to tan or just make leather in general. then my mom could probably make stock out of the bones. i guess I'll have to get rid of the head because stuffing it is just stupid unless less if it's a turkey at thanksgiving ;)

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by quepy on Oct 4th, 2009 at 9:21am
Well, I didn't mean to sound redundant, but I'd hate for someone to accidentally waste money on unnecessary parts (I almost did, the packages look VERY similar) especially on something that's supposed to be a fun low-cost project.  

For what it's worth, I haven't attempted to kill anything with my slingbow as of now, unless you count my archery block (it's still not dead! :D).  I'm not really trying to pressure people on what or what not to do with this thing, because ultimately it's up to you.

I just wanna talk about the sling bow, and I think it'd be real neat if others tried it out and posted their experiences and suggestions.  

Curious_aardvark, I'm glad you like the idea, and I assure you it is very fun indeed.  I'd urge you to keep an eye out for the recommended Marksman folding wrist brace slingshot and the Trophy Ridge whisker biscuit as they are nearly a perfect fit, but if you can't find them in your area I'm sure there's other variations out there that could work just as well (possibly even better) than the equipment recommended in the video.  

If you ever do put one together, I'd really like to hear your input!   :)

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by Kjev on Oct 5th, 2009 at 7:14am
I read once of a "Stone Bow" or "pellet bow," a medieval weapon that was a bow (duh!) with a pouch in the middle of the string, and was used as a hunting weapon (killing those pesky moving things ;)). I'm still trying to figure out how it would work without slamming the stone into the back of the bow.

As for the American obsession, my favorite present as a child was a brick of .22 shells (1000 rounds). Got at Christmas, gone by April. Would have been gone sooner, but there was too much snow on the ground.

I enjoy shooting. I like being a good shot. I've proved many times that a bad day hunting is better than a good day at work, and have yet to bring home anything to fill the family larder. That being said, I personally hunt for food, to cut down on bills. Yes, the cost of the rifle, scope, ammunition, license, tag, fuel/wear/tear on the truck, and time off work are somehow cheaper than going to the grocery store. At any rate, I've convinced my wife of that.

I believe that if you are going to shoot something, do it humanely, without causing the animal any undue suffering (even the neighbor's marauding loose hogs). That's why I like being a good shot. And don't waste it. I've grown up in a rural area and have seen more than one animal that so-called "hunters" have shot, and left because the horns weren't big enough, and I totally disapprove of this. If you're going to take a life, then it ought to count for something more than a head on a wall. I'll take my soapbox and go home now. :D

K'Jev
8-)

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by xxkid123 on Oct 5th, 2009 at 4:19pm
i somewhat recall that a stone bow was a crossbow that shot rocks with 2 bow strings instead of one :-?

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by David Morningstar on Oct 5th, 2009 at 5:02pm

http://www.thebeckoning.com/medieval/stonebow/about-sbow.html

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by Knaight on Oct 5th, 2009 at 5:29pm

Kjev wrote on Oct 5th, 2009 at 7:14am:
I believe that if you are going to shoot something, do it humanely, without causing the animal any undue suffering (even the neighbor's marauding loose hogs). That's why I like being a good shot. And don't waste it. I've grown up in a rural area and have seen more than one animal that so-called "hunters" have shot, and left because the horns weren't big enough, and I totally disapprove of this. If you're going to take a life, then it ought to count for something more than a head on a wall. I'll take my soapbox and go home now. :D

K'Jev
8-)

I hate trophy hunting. Food hunting doesn't bother me at all, but trophy hunting is absolutely disgusting. You are killing something to prove you can, and for no better purpose.

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by bowyer112 on Oct 5th, 2009 at 9:02pm
After i read some of the posts on this subject, i did some research nd found there are already some patented devices very similar to the slingbow. here are the links :)

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7059314.html

heres another one:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4877007.html

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by JerrySlinger on Oct 6th, 2009 at 2:52am
My father made me a "slingbow" when I was a kid using my wrist rocket and a coathanger so I could use it for spear fishing while vacationing in Puerto Rico. It worked well under water.

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by Kjev on Oct 6th, 2009 at 6:46am

JerrySlinger wrote on Oct 6th, 2009 at 2:52am:
My father made me a "slingbow" when I was a kid using my wrist rocket and a coathanger so I could use it for spear fishing while vacationing in Puerto Rico. It worked well under water.


What a cool idea!

K'Jev
8-)

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by lobohunter on Oct 8th, 2009 at 4:08pm
the sling bow is just a pana been around forever

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by Kjev on Oct 8th, 2009 at 9:24pm

lobohunter wrote on Oct 8th, 2009 at 4:08pm:
the sling bow is just a pana been around forever


I've never heard of such a thing before. Ummmmmm . . . . what's a pana anyway?

Got bored at work the yesterday and had a moment to kill (and nothing to kill it with ::)) so I drew this on a scrap of cardboard, then scanned it when I got home. When it's finished, it's supposed to have a wrist brace like my old wrist rocket had.



Not sure if the idea will work, and I'm open to suggestions. The odd angled notches in the center are for the fins of the arrow. Right now the idea calls for it to be made from a scrap of 2x5 pine I have.

K'Jev
8-)

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by hoosierdaddy on Oct 9th, 2009 at 10:24am

Kjev wrote on Oct 5th, 2009 at 7:14am:
I read once of a "Stone Bow" or "pellet bow," a medieval weapon that was a bow (duh!) with a pouch in the middle of the string, and was used as a hunting weapon (killing those pesky moving things ;)). I'm still trying to figure out how it would work without slamming the stone into the back of the bow.


I read something about pellet bows that said that upon release, the arm holding the bow would twist a little, to clear the path for the pellet. I don't think I'm that coordinated.

The article said that the reason for the pellet bow was economics: lost arrows are more costly than lost rocks or clay pellets.

Title: Re: The Sling Bow: Let's talk about it
Post by David Morningstar on Oct 9th, 2009 at 11:21am

Kjev wrote on Oct 8th, 2009 at 9:24pm:

lobohunter wrote on Oct 8th, 2009 at 4:08pm:
the sling bow is just a pana been around forever


I've never heard of such a thing before. Ummmmmm . . . . what's a pana anyway?

Got bored at work the yesterday and had a moment to kill (and nothing to kill it with ::)) so I drew this on a scrap of cardboard, then scanned it when I got home. When it's finished, it's supposed to have a wrist brace like my old wrist rocket had.



Not sure if the idea will work, and I'm open to suggestions. The odd angled notches in the center are for the fins of the arrow. Right now the idea calls for it to be made from a scrap of 2x5 pine I have.

K'Jev
8-)


Would it not make more sense to shoot with the c0ck feather straight down? Then you only have one slit in the handle, so its stronger.

Title: cable tv online
Post by curious_aardvark on Oct 26th, 2009 at 8:52am
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