Bill Tate Atlatl


This atlatl is an original design of Bill Tate's, who unfortunately no longer makes them. He said he combined a northeastern-style peg with a basketmaker grip. Posted with his permission.

Material:
Wood, 24" x 1 1/2" x 1 3/8"
Leather, 1" x 7"
Artificial Sinew

Construction:
Atlatl

• Cut the sides. Starting 2 1/2" from the handle end, taper it to 3/8" wide at the peg end.
  
  
• Cut the top down. Starting 4" from the peg end, cut down 7/8", leving 1/2". Keep it this high to the handle end.
  
  
• Carve out the peg.
  
  
• Cut out the finger grips. Leave 3/4" betwen them.
  
  
• Thin the handle end to 3/8" or so.
  
  
• Round off all edges and sand.

Handle

• Cut a 1" slit in the middle of the leather.
  
  
  
  
• Slide the slit over the handle to just below the finger grips. Glue it in place.
  
  
  
  
• Put the last 1" of the ends above the finger grips. Wrap them around the shaft, glue them down, and wrap them down with sinew.
  
  

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