[BaneofSmallGame]

Hello all,

I've been cooped up inside with pneumonia for the last few days and I decided to use some of the time I'm up and going on slingshots. I spent about 45 minutes crafting this one yesterday out of a beech fork. It needed a bit of fork gap shaping and a whole lot of work getting it nice and smooth. Nonetheless, I'm not up to a lot of tedious carving work so I just wanted a simple little natural I could strap up with target bands for now.

I made it basically with the intention of strapping up with Tex's prototype light latex flats OTT....but it will probably get some gypsy tabs further into the future and I'll give Jmp's revered 332 size 64's set up a try, as I've gone no lower than 333 with them. At this point it is coated with 5 coats of poly-acrylic sealant that gives it a great shine that my camera simply doesn't show.... along with that the defined vertical grain lines are actually quite stunning. I think to this point, I have achieved my best finish yet on this beauty, in terms of smoothness, shine, and an even coating.

And a few other views, I didn't want to make the post too picture heavy so it's just a direct link:
http://i1115.photobu...e_/CIMG0200.jpg

http://i1115.photobu...e_/CIMG0193.jpg

It sits well in the hand and it is also comfortable with a little thumb support on the bottom fork.
http://i1115.photobu...e_/CIMG0201.jpg

Here it is with Tex's bands, I ran out of natural light by the time I was banded up so sorry about the poor photography.

I would also suggest looking here for a little review on his new light prototypes. they are an absolute blast to shoot!!! : http://slingshotforu...6626#entry46626

As always it was an absolute joy making something out a simple fork that I handpicked from the masses up in the Adirondacks. I'm open to all forms of slingshots and slingshot bands, but there is just something special about a natural once it's all said and done....it gets me every time.

Thanks for looking, I look forward to hearing your comments.

Cheers - John

 

[Hrawk]

Very nice indeed. Love the way the grain runs down the fork into the handle!

 

[mxred91]

John that is a really nice looking fork, and I think you brought out the best in it. What a straight piece, cool grain running straight up, the bias cut at the base adds to it. Gotta love the smooth finish.

Chuck S.

 

[NoSugarRob]

yep thats a pretty fork

 

[Dayhiker]

That's nice, John. Probably about the same shape and size as the one I'm sending you. (Guess I'll have to make you another one a little different next time

) Let us know how she shoots with the latex.

Edit: Never mind, I saw your product review of Bill's latex bands. Cool!

 

[Dan the Slingshot Man]

really nice looks like a good shooter

 

[BaneofSmallGame]

Thanks a lot everyone!

Yes, Mx and Hrawk I liked the vertical grain a lot too, which is precisely why I put quite a bit of effort into highlighting it in the fork. The slanted cut seemed to help with that...

Thanks DH, I doubt it'll be the same size as the one you made, this little fork has a very slight build. Fit for the pocket. I wouldn't worry about it, whatever you make with your miracle hands will satisfy me well enough.......but that doesn't mean I'm not opposed to trading again later on!

Cheers, John

 

[Nico]

Nice fork, should do the job quite well...

 

[jmplsnt]

Nice one Bane. I like it and simplicity rules in my book, regardless of what elastic you strap up with.

 

[Botus]

I have to say Im with you on this, the beauty and simplicity of a natural fork just does it for me! How do you attatch your tabs as I have never tried this methos and Im intrigued?

 

[Devoman]

Very nice fork, hope you feel better soon

 

[Xidoo]

Orale John,
Very nice work, I like the tip at the bottom. Looks great I am sure it shoots like perfect. Great pictures too. Saludos.

 

[redcard]

Thanks a lot everyone!

Yes, Mx and Hrawk I liked the vertical grain a lot too, which is precisely why I put quite a bit of effort into highlighting it in the fork. The slanted cut seemed to help with that...

Thanks DH, I doubt it'll be the same size as the one you made, this little fork has a very slight build. Fit for the pocket. I wouldn't worry about it, whatever you make with your miracle hands will satisfy me well enough.......but that doesn't mean I'm not opposed to trading again later on!

Cheers, John

Looks real good, BTW how are the rubberbands I sent you?

 

[BaneofSmallGame]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments.

have to say Im with you on this, the beauty and simplicity of a natural fork just does it for me! How do you attatch your tabs as I have never tried this methos and Im intrigued?

Thank you Botus, thats was the aim for this one, as to the tabs, take a look at my blog there's a link there for a tutorial on them.:
http://slingshotforu...use-and-others/

Thank you Xidoo, Jmplsnt, and Nico, it is always great to hear from all of you on my naturals, it keeps me going. Thanks especially to Xidoo for complimenting on my photography, I try my best, oftentimes trying to parallel them to your photo styling because your skills are excellent.

Looks real good, BTW how are the rubberbands I sent you?

Hey Mar, they are pretty good. They've been getting a lot of use for tying as they are small, yet stretchy and strong for sturdy/neat ties. I think I know why you weren't at all impressed by the performance of the chains. They do not in fact seem to be the high quality size 32 platinum crepes Nico and Jmp use...they are a lot smaller and shinier. Yet I think they will work well for a little target plinker, they'll get their use.

I'm completely recovered now (Doctor said my 5 day pneumonia recovery was basically a miracle!

)...so I won't be cooped up with nothing to do for hours resulting in the spike in production. But that doesn't mean I'll use all my spare time on slingshots...

Take Care - John

 

[NaturalFork]

It looks very comfortable. One of my favorite things about this site is seeing peoples naturals!