| Project by Eric Vossbrink | posted 1410 days ago | 3469 views | 32 times favorited | 23 comments |  |
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Update: Wednesday 7:18 pm
After many launches out in the front yard, the I found the smaller the water balloon…the longer the distance. I’ve also pitched up the front end and added a second bungee cord. maintaining the throw of the arm, but raising the trajectory and giving a little more oomph…. the result. 45’ 5”.
one post design modification is that the crossbar needs to be beefier. I broke 2 in distance trials today.
Look for the Launch-o-Matic 1.0.1 inthe days to come.
for all you highfalutin, in it for the arte, got all the best equipment, practical things like kitchens, armoires and cutting board makin’ “real” woodworkers…
From the guy who brought you the Left Handed Pencil Holder…
The Water Balloon Launch-o-Matic 1.0.0
This can come in handy when we have water wars with the McCoy’s across the street. The down side is that is so small that it doesn’t fire all that far maybe 30 feet.
It’s a great summer project, and it took the sum total 1 hour, a 2×4, a 2×2 and a few screws, glue, eye bolts, a bungee cord and a 6 year old constantly saying “is it done yet, is it done yet?”
Seriously, I’m going to modify it from the band powered to a Torsion powered catapult. If I can get a water balloon 50 feet with enough velocity soak my neighbor, I’ll be happy.
Unfortunately my 10 year old could not time the shutter on the camera to get the balloon leaving the contraption…maybe next time.
For all those who want to re-live the glory of the left handed pencil holder…click here
-- Eric C. Vossbrink http://www.newwaveukulele.com
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23 comments so far
kolwdwrkr
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2821 posts in 1756 days
#1 posted 1410 days ago
lol, looks fun. Maybe you can tighten the tie down some to give it more resistance when you pull it back. That way it will shoot farther.
-- ~ Inspiring those who inspire me ~
Dudley
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742 posts in 1426 days
#2 posted 1410 days ago
Absolutely nobody should be without one of those. Neat. LOL
-- Dudley Young USN Retired. Sebastian, Fl.
lew
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8972 posts in 1922 days
#3 posted 1410 days ago
You need to add a remote release. That way you can get unsuspecting folks strolling on the sidewalk!!
-- Lew- Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!
bowyer
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340 posts in 1562 days
#4 posted 1410 days ago
This project is perfect!!! The 6 year old in me wants to make one! Keep us posted on the refinements
Rick
-- If at first you don't succeed...Don't try skydiving
a1Jim
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86977 posts in 1743 days
#5 posted 1410 days ago
My neighbors cat would really enjoy trying to catch some water balloons after I make mine.(Cat lovers I’m just kidding)
-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/
DaleM
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800 posts in 1550 days
#6 posted 1410 days ago
I’d guess that 30 feet is just about far enough to get you into trouble.
-- Dale Manning, Carthage, NY
ProutyBoy
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33 posts in 1924 days
#7 posted 1410 days ago
hmmmm…version 1.0.0? I’ll wait awhile for the bugs to get worked out.
Sawdustonmyshoulder
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232 posts in 1794 days
#8 posted 1410 days ago
Here you go. Scale this puppy up and send about a gallon of water in a balloon right through the McCoy’s front door. Go, Hatfields!!!
Yeah!!!!
http://lumberjocks.com/projects/3754
-- Makin' Sawdust!!!
CarlB
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40 posts in 1483 days
#9 posted 1410 days ago
awesome, simply awesome
ratchet
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1189 posts in 1953 days
#10 posted 1410 days ago
Nice! I’ll bet you are a good dad and the neighborhood kids love you too.
If you remove the back cross member you can get added pull back distance on the throwing arm. Maybe add another bungeee or 3 and lengthen the throwing arm. If you use a “springy” wood like spruce maybe it would add distance?
Cant wait to see the torsion bar apparatus
Favorited for future upgrade viewing.
Eric Vossbrink
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65 posts in 1916 days
#11 posted 1410 days ago
I’m thinking about adding length to the throwing arm. any thoughts?
-- Eric C. Vossbrink http://www.newwaveukulele.com
Kent Shepherd
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2689 posts in 1452 days
#12 posted 1410 days ago
Oh what fun!!!!! I have to have one. The neighbors will love me.
-- She thought I hung the moon--now she just thinks I did it wrong
Jimthecarver
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1049 posts in 1952 days
#13 posted 1409 days ago
Nice toy…..just dont freeze the balloons first.
-- Can't never could do anything, to try is to advance.
Eric M. Saperstein
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593 posts in 1414 days
#14 posted 1408 days ago
Have you tried fruit yet? Overripe is always best – that way it optimizes blast radius on impact. Now of course the next level of devious to this would be to shove an M-80 into the projectile and attempt to time for air bursts.
Wait – was that in my out loud voice? I mean – hey we’re all adults here make sure you all play safely!
-- Eric M. Saperstein, Master Craftsman www.artisansofthevalley.com
rustfever
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526 posts in 1476 days
#15 posted 1408 days ago
OH, 5 Y O grandson will just love his G-Dad for making one of these. Sister will probably get upset, as will D I L and son.
I am starting tomorrow morning.
-- Rustfever, Central California
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