[Flatband]

I recently sold my collection of Vintage Slingshots. Some I gave to close friends, others were sold and a few were donated. I still have a few left. I found this big boy lurking around under my workbench. Over the years I've made around 8 of these. This one is my favorite. Before I became ill, I was able to achieve 498fps with this monster using a "Superfly" Draw. Bands were doubled Black Theraband, ammo was 5/16" steel balls, bands were not heated but outdoor temps were in the high 80's. I don't remember the cut of the bands but they had to be a pretty drastic taper for that kind of speed.I can no longer shoot because of bone on bone elbow arthritis. I can't extend my arm. If I was able to, I know I could easily get well over 500fps with the right band and cut combo. This was a fun Monster to shoot! BTW "Superfly" draw is a full Butterfly Draw with the addition of a Starship for extra band elongation and speed. FUN!!!!

 

[Cass]

Wow, what a great looking slingshot!!!

 

[Biker_Bob]

Nice, if I have done my calculations correctly that's 16.56 ftlbs.
You'd get more with heavier ammo.

 

[Sandstorm]

That is one exceptional Starship, Flatband. Man, I am so sorry to read about your arm. That’s a tough, tough condition for anyone, but especially a slingshooter. That kind of speed on a 5/16 is crazy!!! Screaming fast.

 

[High Desert Flipper]

Amazing frame and amazing speeds!

 

[Tag]

Thank you for sharing. You are a huge positive influence on the slingshot Forum.

 

[MOJAVE MO]

Outstanding. Knowing what you have learned would you make this starship any differently if you were to make it today?

 

[Reed Lukens]

I'm telling you... move to Arizona! The desert takes away the arthritis pain in just a few days. After a few weeks you have to think about it to remember what the pain felt like up North. And bring that Starship when you come, you'll be shooting it again pain free 🤠
Honestly, send me a pm if you guys want to come down and see for yourself.

 

[Island made]

That is an awesome piece there, Gary!

 

[Flatband]

I wouldn't change it Mo. I always liked this frame a lot. Hey Reed,I may come to Arizona just for the Desert Ironwood! I love that wood!

 

[MOJAVE MO]

I wouldn't change it Mo. I always liked this frame a lot. Hey Reed,I may come to Arizona just for the Desert Ironwood! I love that wood!

Brilliant! Would you mind if I attempted to clone your starship? I’ve got a couple of failed attempts in my past but think I could get much closer using yours as a model. Note that I am good if you’d rather I didn’t! Cheers, Mo

 

[Ibojoe]

That’s amazing Gary. Love that design. The handle looks easy to hold too.
Is that the one you used in the 500fps video?
So sorry to here about your elbows my friend. It’s slowly taking me out as well. Ammo keeps getting slower and bands getting lighter. Be well my friend.

 

[skarrd]

that is so neat!!!sorry about the arm,my rotators are getting the same way.and i have thought,more than a few times of moving back to AZ.for that very reason Reed

 

[hoggy]

sorry ot hear about raggedy, hateful, mean ol' arthritis. that's one AWESOME starship. love the story of the experimentation with the bands, tapering, etc. you are a Yeager in our slingshootist world.

 

[Flatband]

Brilliant! Would you mind if I attempted to clone your starship? I’ve got a couple of failed attempts in my past but think I could get much closer using yours as a model. Note that I am good if you’d rather I didn’t! Cheers, Mo

Do it Mo! Have fun!

 

[Flatband]

That’s amazing Gary. Love that design. The handle looks easy to hold too.
Is that the one you used in the 500fps video?
So sorry to here about your elbows my friend. It’s slowly taking me out as well. Ammo keeps getting slower and bands getting lighter. Be well my friend.

HI Joe, no this is a different one. Same design type but that one was actually bigger.

 

[Flatband]

Hey if anyone wants to build one here is what you'll need:

2 pieces of 3/8" diameter aluminum round stock (Home Depot)
a 2 or 3 foot piece of 3/4" thick curly maple
Slowly cold bend the rods to the proper angle (by eye)
Mill out -hollow out a cavity in a piece of the Maple ( or other wood) for the 2 rods
Epoxy in place and put 3 or 4 screws in through the wood and rods from the side for extra strength
Then sand and Polyurethane or any finish you prefer.
Rods were about $5 apiece back when I bought them
look for Curly Maple pieces in the cutoff bin at Home Depot
Lot of guys like straight grain for their projects and dump the figured wood cutoffs in the bin
That's a loss to them and a win for us! Love figured wood! Good luck!

 

[MOJAVE MO]

Do it Mo! Have fun!

Splendid! Let’s the games begin!

 

[bones]

Mo..your right about the STARSHIP. What a brilliant idea!
Flatband.. sorry to hear about your plight. Hope things get better for you. I have to say...495fps...wow! You might need a lic. to carry that bad boy around...lol

 

[SLING-N-SHOT]

Gary, fantastic Starship but sorry to hear of your elbow troubles brother, having a bit of that myself but mostly when I’ve been carving forks with my Mora blade, not bothered so much by shooting……yet, but I don’t get a lot of shooting time, too busy carving, lol.

Hope it gets better for you


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