[Tom BD Bad]

Hello folks, hope you are all safe and in good health or at least in good spirit?

Having been stuck indoors with the rest of the world, I stumbled across Joerg Sprave's (uber cool) youtube channel, and some of his awesome projects (specifically the Instant Rufus and Tiger claws video's) gave me an idea / raised a question.

Has anyone tried using 2 types of rubber together, to combine the benefit of a short stroke with heavy draw, and a lighter, longer stroke?

I understand this probably has no benefit for a standard slingshot, but keeping "Instant Rufus" and "Tiger claw's" mind...

to explain -

Using long tubular rubber, threaded with a measured length of heavyweight fishing line, the fishing line limits the amount the lightweight rubber can stretch.

Between the long rubber and the "forks", is a shorter length of heavier (ie. spear-fishing) rubber.

As the stretch of the long rubber is limited by the length of the fishing line, the heavier rubber must be stretched, forcing a heavier draw weight at the end of the stroke.

I thought that using this 2 stage rubber, in conjunction with the "medieval let-off" on the instant Rufus would allow us to utilize the strength from one's grip, in addition to the standard draw?

Sadly I only have ideas, and no way to test my theory

What do you guys think?

I understand this probably has no benefit for a standard slingshot

 

[mattwalt]

Tom - where in SA are you?

I've not tried that - but I'd expect a tapered or pseudo (with tubes) would be better. Really not sure if the faster elastic would dominate or if depending on the active areas under release would change much... People have done tapers using different rubber types for the different sections with good results.

Interesting thought - keen to see if anyone weighs in on this...

 

[Tom BD Bad]

Tom - where in SA are you?

Hey Matt, thanks for your input. I'm in Margate, south coast, KZN.

I have seen tapered bands used, but I think my idea will work slightly differently.

To clarify -

The entire draw is done through the normal rubber apart from the last inch, where you can grip the "let-off", and with the engagement of the heavier rubber, actually NEED the additional strength from your grip, to complete the draw.

I just thought of Joerg using the "let-off" and with one hand, being able to draw the last inch of an instant Legolas equipped bow with just 2 fingers. I thought, what if you get a 30lb draw weight to that stage, then add another 20lb just for that last inch?

 

[mattwalt]

Margate! - news years there is fun I'm a Durban boy originally

yeah - I get the idea - its an interesting one. Just not sure how the power strokes vs resultant drag/friction will pan out. Keen to know if it will work though.

 

[mattwalt]

A Pseudo tube set up kind of does what you're after I'd think. Basically doubling up the tubes for a section of the active length - results in a compound bow type deal. And adds quite a bit of oomph on release for little draw weight.

I have been wonering about having a 'spider web' of doubled up again would add to teh effect or not - basically tuning the draw weight between the pseudo section... But the effort for me has never had me try that ...

If you had been in the Western Cape aI have a few M of 1842 tube you could have got to play with.

 

[Tom BD Bad]

Margate! - news years there is fun I'm a Durban boy originally

I love the south coast, I'm originally from London, but moved out here with my ex, just over 10 years ago... I think I'm much better off "locked down" here than back in England!

 

[mattwalt]

LOL - did the opposite. Moved from Cape Town to the Uk (South West and Midlands) 10 years ago. Discovered Portugal and after a few false starts have 'settled' down a bit. It was the closest place we could find to be similar to South Africa but still be within Europe.

 

[NSFC]

You got some interesting ideas. I would like to see what you come up with. I hope you can figure out a way to test your theory's.

 

[SJAaz]

There is really very little new in slingery. If you look hard enough long enough, you'll find some one has already tried it.

That doesn't mean that you can't try it yourself! Might be a long forgotten gem.

 

[StringSlap]

Welcome!

 

[Tom BD Bad]

Ok, I have some 18mm and 9mm ply, some tubular rubber and some braided fishing line.

Here goes..!

 

[Flatband]

Welcome! Two different sized rubbers? My experience they would work against each other. Better off with a good quality tapered latex tube set. Nice to have you here and a good question too!