Introduction[]
The entire triggering mechanism in cheiroballistra is fairly vaguely described. Still, this method is most likely not the one used in antiquity, and there are more authentic methods. This method is presented here as it's still useful if one is not aiming at historical accuracy at all costs.
Making the fork[]
Attach a thick but relatively narrow piece of steel to a vise so that half of it below the jaws and the other half above them:
Next bend the piece into 90 degree angle cold and detach it. Heat the bent area with a blowtorch:
Bend the heated are to full 180 degree angle with a hammer:
Attach the fork upside-down to the vise, leaving just enough above the jaws to allow forming the U-shaped part on the top:
Use a flat screwdriver or a chisel to force the sides of piece slightly open:
Continue by opening up the sides completely into 90 degree angle:
Place a appropriately thick piece of steel on top of one jaw of the vise, the idea being to make the next bends at correct distance from the tenon part of the fork:
Heat and bend to 90 degree angle:
Attach the other side to the vise:
Heat and bend to 90 degree angle. You probably have to remove the fork from the vise at to make the finishing touches using other methods. You should end up with something like this:
