Lego Catapult Using Pivot, Lever and Wheel and Axel

This projects shows you how to make a lego catapult that uses a pivot, lever and wheel and axel. The supplies for this project are very flexible because there are lots of different shaped bricks that could be put together to build the same shape - you can probably work around your missing supplies. The only non-lego thing needed is an elastic band.

Once you have completed this project, you will have a fully functioning catapult that you use a lever to activate.

Please note:

When I specify sizes of pieces, I count the dots where the pieces fit together.

• Elastic band that stretches to 10cm comfortably

All the rest of these supplies are lego

• 3 pairs of chunky wheels - attached using built in 2*4 standard piece
• Long, 1*16 ish piece with holes in the side (or multiple that have been built together)
• 3 small circular parts (located at the pivot point holding the arm to the wheels)
• Base board roughly 10*20
• Assorted bricks varying in size from 10*2 - 1*1 (any colour and height)
• At least 4 flat smooth 4*4s (or a combination of flat smooth pieces that make up 4 4*4s)
• 1*1 wedge piece

For this step, you will need:

• 8, 2*4 standard bricks
• 4, 1*2 standard bricks
• 2 Pairs of wheels each with one of their
• 3 small circular pieces

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Firstly, stack 3 of 2*4 pieces directly on top of each other then put 2 of the 1*2 on the edges of this stack as shown in the picture above. Next, mount the centre of the wheels piece across the tower so the top of the tower is flat, and add another 2*4 piece on top for more support. Now, push 1 circular piece into the centre of the wheel.

Repeat this step once more from the 3 dashes.

Finally, on one of your 2 sections, push the last circular piece on top of your other one that is already attached to this part.

For this step, you will need:

• Your smooth, flat tiles
• 10*2 standard piece
• 2, 2*2 standard pieces
• A combination of standard pieces that make a 2*8 length
• Baseboard

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Firstly, if you have lots of smooth, flat tiles, lay them out on your baseboard in similar positions to mine this just means that whatever you are catapulting doesn`t get stuck underneath. However, if you have 4 tiles, don`t worry, lay out the 2 at each end of my picture (when you get to firing your catapult, if you find that the ends of the arm get caught within the dots, move these tiles around until the arm sits comfortably at either end without getting stuck).

Next, put your 2*8 piece along one of the longer edges of your baseboard in the centre (in my case there are 6 spare dots either end) and, 1 dot in from either end of this piece put in your 2*2 pieces. Now, in your 2*2 gap between the 2*2 pieces, push down the end of your long 10*2 piece. This piece sticks out across the centre of your board, ready to be attached to the other pivot side - not in this step.

For this step, you will need:

• A pair of wheels with one tyre off
• 2*4 flat piece

Optional:

• 2*2 standard piece
• 2*2 flat, shiny piece

Push the end of the 2*4 flat piece onto the end of the wheel without the tyre. You can then build more of a handle to the lever by pushing a 2*2 standard piece with a 2*2 shiny piece onto the end that isn`t attached to the wheel.

For this step, you will need:

• A combination of bricks that make up a 2*14 standard piece
• A combination of bricks that make up a 2*7 standard piece
• 2*2 standard piece

Firstly, position your 2*14 piece on the other long edge of your baseboard, so that the edge of the piece is level with the edge of the board. The long piece that sticks out across the centre of your board should now be clipped in on both ends. Now, position your board with the working part further from you, as shown above, and push down your 2*7 piece to the left of your crossbar, leaving a 2*2 step in the bricks on the end.

For this step, you will need:

• Lever that you built in step 3
• 2*8 flat piece
• Elastic band

Push the centre of the set of wheels part of your lever onto the 2*2 step in the newest part of your base and put the 2*8 flat piece on top of it to strengthen it. Now, hook your elastic band over the tyre less wheel ready for it to be hooked on the other end.

For this step, you will need:

• The lever supports your built in step 1

Now, take the support with only 1 circular piece and mount it on the lever side of the board next to the 2*8 flat piece. Stretch the elastic band to it and hook it onto the wheel/cog. It is important that the elastic band is even, so that when you turn the lever, it moves easily. Next, take the other support and mount it in the centre of the bass support on the other side. Now you only have to build the catapult arm.

For this step, you will need:

• The 1*16 piece with holes
• 3*4 flat piece (or something a similar size)
• 1*3 standard piece
• 1*2 flat piece
• 1*1 Wedge piece
• Assorted bricks for weight on the end

Optional:

• 1*2 smooth, flat piece (or 2, 1*1 flat pieces like I have used)

First, put the 3*4 flat piece on the end of the long holey piece. Then, put the 1*3 standard piece on top of the base at the back to form the back wall of the catapult and the 2 1*2 flat pieces on the sides of the catapult. Now, put the wedge piece on the front of the catapult part, with the sloped side acting as the side of the bucket. If you want to, you can now put the flat piece in the hole of the bucket where the object will go.

You also need a weight for the other end of the arm, this is made from any lego bricks stacked on top of each other. The number of bricks you need depends on the weight of the object you want to fire, so, as a result of this, start off with some bricks now, then add or take off bricks when the catapult is constructed.

For this step, you will need:

• The catapult arm

To add the catapult arm, you find the centre hole in the main length of the arm and clip it in between the 2, 1*1 circular pieces on the wheels. Make sure that the weight end of the arm is on the lever side of the board.

If it doesn`t work, go back to the end of step 7 and re read the part about the weight.

Well done! You are ready to catapult some objects!