Trebuchet Release Mechenism

[Dr Nick]

Hi Everybody,
As Some May know i am building a Trebuchet. I have finished one side (pics http://www.techist.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=64327) and tomorow ill start the other side (and hopefully finish ) but i am woried on how i can release the sling at the right time so the projectile doesn't go too high or into the ground. Has anyone built a Trebuchet as a school project or somthing and know a way i can do this?
Thanks

 

[Nubius]

you gonna toss cats with it?

(that was a joke I'm sure some of you remember...caused a massive flame war about people being cruel to animals lol and then I think turned into 'veganism is healthier' somehow...bah..FREAKS)

Some dude my mom worked with built one...I believe it just had a simple nail on it, and once it got so far it'd slide off and fling....but that was quite some time ago and I'm no trebuchet expert

 

[Greg]

you gonna toss cats with it?

Haha I remember that


Anyway, you could try angling the arm so it is at the release point when the counterweight is at the bottom. Not sure if that would work, but it makes sense (to me at least).