============> FreeIdaho <============

Simple Wooden Mover 2

A moving target is big fun to shoot, adds a bit of challenge and realism to action-shooting sports like IDPA.  This one is a simple mover made almost completely from wood.  A target cart with wheels is pulled by a falling weight via a pulley system. For each foot that the weight falls, the target cart moves forward four feet.  The speed of movement can be changed by varying the falling weight that pulls the rope.  The bulk of the mover is made from 1" x 4", 2" x 4"  and 2" x 6" lumber, deck screws and gorilla glue.  When all the parts are available, the entire mover can be made in one day using common hand tools. The few metal parts can be made with a hack saw and a hand drill.

In 2001 a prototype of a bit different configuration was made, and a lot was learned.  However at that point there was little interest, and the rest of the project was put on the back burner.  A friend in another state is interested in this mover, and so the project now continues.  My friend will actually make the first one of this design, and hopefully take pictures.  At this point, the pictures below are from prototype 1, but they convey the concept anyway.  

These plans are free for non-commercial use and are offered with no warranty or other claims expressed or implied.  Ken Reed, 11/02/2006.

The concept sketch.

Target cart, set to charge the shooter.

Closer view of the target cart.

The target cart again, note it does not yet have a tow bar.

The tow bar roughly bent to shape, refinement to come.

Keeping it simple, bending the tow bar without using a torch to heat it.

Prototype testing, not using a block and tackle, just one pulley.

View from the other end.

  Video of Prototype 1

Copyright © 2001 - 2006, Ken Reed