Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: JacksonCash on September 14, 2013, 03:18:12 pm

Title: First Atlatl
Post by: JacksonCash on September 14, 2013, 03:18:12 pm
Hey guys-
I decided to try my hand at an atlatl. No idea what I'm doing with it, but found some guides on paleoplanet that should help. Got started today, with a piece of red oak I had left over from my first bow. Here's some pictures of the roughed out shape:

(http://i.imgur.com/gE5CUS0.jpg)

Side profile:
(http://i.imgur.com/YPhQ4MA.jpg)

Spur end(from the back):
(http://i.imgur.com/Cvzowk4.jpg)

Handle end:
(http://i.imgur.com/TNYJYpt.jpg)

And a view of me holding it:
(http://i.imgur.com/vrpYyRn.jpg)

I need to find a carving tool to dig out the channel for the dart, and I need to figure out something to use for the spur. I'd like to use some antler, I think. I'll have to beg around at work to see if anyone has some. If not, I might be able to work one out of a dog bone I've got for various projects.

Not sure if I'm going to do finger loops, or a cross bar yet. Any suggestions on this?

Still has some shaping to be done, I see some goofy looking spots on it as I write this. I think I'll color it with some rit dye (haven't figured out what color yet, but bubby's used it on a few bows and I think it looks great).

Thanks for checking it out!
Title: Re: First Atlatl
Post by: burchett.donald on September 14, 2013, 09:35:45 pm
Jackson check out Cave Man Only "Oooga Booga" discussion area there's a lot of cave men over there that will help you. Lots of pics to look at also... have fun