Yeah a portcullis. Didn’t know it had an actual name. I was thinking it would look more authentic if it was made out of solid 1" wrought iron, black smithed on our very own makeict forge! 
4 Likes
I could scale up the porticulus from my “castle in a box,” and we could make one out of masonite and paint it black (or metallic)
2 Likes
How about this? Two 2x4’s a little wider than the opening drilled thru with holes every 6", then sawn through all the holes (split). Then a bunch of 3/4" PVC pipes as hign as needed. Paint everything black. Then 4 (or more) carriage bolts and 4 (or more) wing nuts to hold the split 2x4’s together around the pipes. If the castle opening is too wide for a single 2x4, or if the resulting 2x4’s are inconveniently long, then overlap three (or more) split 2x4’s. The whole thing disassembles into a tall bundle of pieces when not in use, and is relatively light.
1 Like
That guy in that video is a terrible shot.
2 Likes
Hmm… and paint the pvc black for a wrought iron look?
1 Like
Yes, paint the PVC and the wood black. I thought of another way to design it if the first way tests bad. Spot face drill the 2x4s 1/2" deep (with a spade bit) for the PVC pipes. Every so often (every third or fourth pipe?) also spot face the other side of the 2x4 1/2" deep, drill thru 17/64", and then use a length of 1/4-20 all-thread (inside the pipe) and stop-nuts and washers to hold the PVC pipes. Every third or fourth pipe gets an all-thread. Does that make sense? I could sketch it up if I had the HxW of the opening and how low it should show/hang.
1 Like
Balista - Everything Rustin already mentioned plus -
- There is a void space just below the barrel at the front. Id like us to make up some “heads” for the front of the balista to spiff the ol’ gal up.
- If it hasn’t been stained or treated yet maybe ebonize the main body/braces then seal the whole thing in appropriate period treatments.
- possibly put aluminum scales along areas to further highlight how much of a beast it is.
- In accordance with weapons that have gained renown, the balista should get a name.
Also need to carfully deepen the notches on the limbs to support the thicker strings we’re making and also look at replacing the torsion ropes since the right-side-top is finally showing signs of wear.
2 Likes
I let google’s AI give us 25 choices… some are pretty cool:
Here are 25 good names for MakeICT’s ballista, playing on different themes:
Powerful & Destructive:
- The Trebuchet’s Fury: Evokes the power of a similar siege engine.
- Ironclad Bolt: Suggests strong projectiles and construction.
- The Piercer: Simple, direct, and implies penetration.
- Stormbringer: A dramatic name suggesting powerful launches.
- The Shatterer: Focuses on the impact of its projectiles.
Mechanical & Technical:
- Tension Titan: Highlights the ballista’s reliance on tension.
- The Kinetic Launcher: A more scientific and descriptive name.
- Gearheart: Suggests the internal mechanics and core of the device.
- Precision Projector: Emphasizes accuracy and controlled launches.
- The Torque Thrower: Uses a physics term related to rotational force.
Mythological & Legendary:
- Artemis’ Arrow: References the Greek goddess of the hunt and archery.
- Thor’s Hammer: A powerful and iconic mythological weapon.
- The Griffin’s Talon: Evokes a mythical creature known for its sharp claws.
- Dragon’s Breath: Suggests powerful and fiery projectiles (metaphorically).
- Cyclops’ Eye: A singular, powerful point of focus and launch.
Creative & Playful:
- The Splinterizer: A slightly humorous take on its destructive potential.
- Ye Olde Yeeter: A modern, informal twist on an archaic term.
- The Flying Gibbet: A slightly dark but memorable name.
- String Theory: A pun on the physics involved and a common scientific concept.
- The Wichita Whipper: A local connection with a sense of speed.
MakeICT Focused:
- The Maker’s Mark: Highlights the creation aspect.
- ICT Arrow: Simple and directly connects to the location.
- The Innovation Launcher: Emphasizes the spirit of MakeICT.
- Forgefire Flinger: Combines creation and launching.
- The Collaborative Catapult (or Ballista): Emphasizes the community aspect of MakeICT.
When choosing, consider what aspects of the ballista and MakeICT you want to highlight! Good luck!
3 Likes
Given the wet loads, I am thinking Stormbringer…
1 Like
I was thinking something that reflects the makerspace more… like Wario… since it’s pretty much the complete opposite of mario the laser cutter. Lol
2 Likes
Ye Olde Yeeter makes me giggle.
3 Likes
Having worked for Music Theater of Wichita for many years as a scenic artist, I was required to participate in striking the scenery after the final performance of a show. These are tips I recall that overlap scenery strike into regular moving safety, but there are a couple of things that are different for stage scenery (which our castle basically is).
- Lift with your legs, not your back. (obviously)
- Wear work gloves. (obviously)
- If you’re carrying an item with someone else and you think you might drop it or just need to adjust your grip, say “STOP” immediately and loudly. This signals the other person to slowly lower their side to the ground until you can resolve whatever the problem is.
- Scenery has a “face,” aka the part the audience sees. The face is generally more permeable, aka stabbable, so when stacking scenery, do it face-to-face and back-to-back unless there’s some reason to make an exception.
- To “foot” a piece is to plant your foot at the base of a tall piece so that the other person can raise it without it sliding.
- To “table” a piece is to carry it with the face up, as you would with an actual table. It’s usually easier to carry something that way because you can grab the infrastructure underneath while carrying.
- Big pieces first. You don’t want to stack big pieces on little pieces.
- Make absolutely certain that someone who is going to be your partner in carrying something knows that they’re going to be your partner in carrying something, before you pick it up.
Those come to mind off the top of my head, but feel free to weigh in if you have more helpful advice.
2 Likes