Tom's Atlatls - Type 2


by Tom Sanders, Jeffers Petroglyphs Site Manager.

Material:
Wood, 22 1/2" x 7/8" x 7/8"
Leather Strap, 1/2" x 10"
Artificial sinew

Construction:

• Shape the atlatl as shown. The high point is 7/8", going to 3/4" high at the end; at 4" from the peg end, it should be 1/2" high, tapering to 3/8" on the handle end.
  
  
  
• Cut the groove. Starting at the ridge, go down approximately 3/8". The groove should be 1/2" wide and 4 1/2" long.
  
  
• Round off the ends, tops, and sides. The handle part should end up looking like this.
  
  
  
• Sand it all smooth.
  
  
• Tie the handle on the front (the peg side) as shown. Put the two ends of the strap on about 7" from the handle end and lash them down with sinew. Bring the middle of the loop up about 3/4" away from them and lash that down too.
  
  
  

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