Why paint stir-sticks are better than popcicle sticks

So when I interviewed for my last job I was asked if I could build a trebuchet and of course I said yes. Well, it is time to leave and I did not get it built, so I am compelled to build one. So I decided to build a type that only swings the arm instead of swinging the arm and the weight attached to it. The design I found used Popsicle sticks in its construction. You can see the design link here and while the design is sound, executing it in these infernal sticks leaves a lot to be desired. Home Depot and Rona give away paint stir-sticks which are thicker, straighter, and easy to cut with a pocket knife. They are a great material for building small models with. Yet they do have their problems too. They are embossed with the name of the store, sometimes on both sides. They also have the handle end shaved so it is a little narrower than the stir-ing end. Yet they are still good to work with even with these hindrances.

I shall have pictures up latter on today.

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