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:
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Side profile:
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Spur end(from the back):
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Handle end:
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And a view of me holding it:
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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!