Making an Atlatl Part I

Making a Generic North American Style Atlatl from the American Soutwhest.

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  Howto & Style

[Michael Brink]

Hi,

Do you know where i can find some dimensions/directions for that vice thing your working on; I've seen them before, but never seen anything online about them. thanks

[Paleoaleo]

I have some plans on my photo site. I can't post a darn link here. If you do a google search on "Paleoaleo + Imageevent" you should find my photo site. Go to the Bow/Arrow album and scroll down to image 183 (or so...not sure exactly). There's a crappy hand drawn plan of the bench. Send me a message if you can't find it! Tom

[magick205]

Hmm. What do you think about steaming or soaking the spur end to get a more pronounced curve for the hook/spur end. And do you recommend any particular type of material for an inset spur (like antler or horn)?

[Paleoaleo]

Sorry for the delayed reply! I generally don't bother curving the end up like that. I've thrown with atlatls with the curve and I like them to be more flat in general. Most people prefer to have the end curved up a bit though it seems.

[magick205]

@Paleoaleo: I've seen a few plans that also include a balance weight. Have you seen an improvement in point penetration? I'm thinking about making my own points from sharpened long bones to get a more accurate reproduction and response when on target.

[Paleoaleo]

When I add weight to an atlatl my purpose is to bring its overall weight up to be about the same as my darts. The benefits I see to this are that 1) when holding the atlatl and dart at the ready, the weight of the dart is balanced by the weight of the atlatl. 2) I find an increase in accuracy - I believe to to the fact that the more heavy atlatl stays on a straight line better as it pushes the dart into action (hard to explain in a few words). I haven't noticed any better penetration or speed.

[Terrance Oxendine]

Your not even making this video .! Smmfh stupid ignorant people.!

[Joseph Wolf]

Why is the audio coming thru twice offset by a few seconds. Very irritating. Great video though I think

[yztyzt1]

u r good. please make mroe vids.

[thelittlecrazykid]

what is the tool you are using at 2:12?

[Jack Howard]

He has a separate video devoted to that..

[George Tanner]

How did you make the bench vise deal you are working on? Very cool

[Tatooinedragracer]

At around 4:16 when you are cutting the V down from the X if the knife slips you may cut your other hand. Cover your left hand with a piece of leather to avoid getting cut.

[soccerdude247]

I love your bear-head knife!

[ashnbrandon1]

hi your videaos have inspired me in many ways what made me want to get into this as a hobby was ur video "primitive bows are cool" so from them i waste4d to make bow... i havent made a great one yet but its a procces and imo nly 11 but still and ive made a great arrow and i was just wandering do u want to see it i can make a short video soo just let me know :D