"Turtle" Atlatl



From a picture found on the web. Called a "Turtle" atlatl because of the decorations.



Material:
Wood, 20" x 3 1/4" x 3/8"
Dowel, 3/8" x 1 1/2"
Artificial Sinew

Construction:

• Cut out the main shaft. 5 1/2" from the handle end, cut down 1 1/8" from either side, leaving 1" between them. Taper it to 3/4" wide at the peg end.
  
  
• Cut out the grip. 2 1/4" from the handle end, cut in 1 1/8" from either side, leaving 1" between them, and widen it to 1 3/4" at the end.
  
  
• Round off the grip around where the finger holes will go.
  
  
• Round off the ends.
  
  
• Drill the finger holes. 3/4" works for smaller fingers, while 1" is needed for larger fingers. Leave as much room between them as possible without going too close to the outside edge.
  
  
• Round off all edges and sand smooth.
  
  
• Round/taper one end of the dowel and gut the other at a 60 degree angle. Glue it down and wrap it tightly with sinew.
  
  

The original has a carved block in the shape of a turtle for the peg end, as well as a turtle design on the grip.

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