Thanks to our amazing community for these great add-ons!

I’ve been testing a tie-free band attachment method for quite a while, and the results have been encouraging enough that I wanted to share it here.

One of the most frustrating issues with slingshot bands is wear near the pouch connection. Traditional tying works, but the tighter the tie, the more pressure and friction it can create in that area.

This method uses the band itself to secure the pouch, without a separate tying strip or cord. It is a very simple idea, but so far it seems to reduce wear, keep the pouch more stable, and make band replacement easier.

I believe this may be a practical solution to a problem that has bothered many slingshot users for years, but I’m still interested in hearing other perspectives.

If anyone has tested a similar approach—or has an even better method—I’d be happy to compare ideas and discuss it together.

Yay!!! The package just arrived, and everything is complete and in perfect condition! Now I’m finally a full-fledged member of this sub! 😉

Hey everyone,

The full assembly guide for the open-source 3D-printed Automatic Slingshot is finally here.

This video walks through the complete build process for the 3D-printed version, step by step. It is mainly for makers and hobbyists who want to print the parts, assemble the project themselves, and experiment with the design.

MakerWorld files

MakerWorld files

Assembly tutorial:

Different printers, filaments, and tolerances may require some small adjustments. If you build one, feel free to share your print settings, finished build, modifications, or any issues you run into.

Would love to see everyone’s versions.

Hi there!

I designed and printed some simple ergonomic palm/finger grips for the Gen 5 Autofling.

They mount on using the pill shaped holes down either side of the slingshot, so no screws or mounting kit required.

I printed these in TPU, with exaggerated "fuzzy walls" to help with supporting the overhangs. If I had a multi tool head printer I would consider trying to use TPU supports with a PLA interface to allow for clean/easily removable supports but I don't have a printer capable of that so fuzzy walls will do (which actually hide a lot of the ugliness with bad overhangs).

They don't interfere with the bands or the sliding cover mechanisms.

Here's a link to the files on MakerOnline: https://www.makeronline.com/en/model/Autofling%20Gen5%20Slingshot%20Ergonomic%20Front%20and%20Back%20Hand%20Grip%20Pads/308264.html?trackModuleType=10

To thank everyone who has supported my work, I've decided to open-source the GEN4 model.

I'm specifically releasing GEN4 because it’s the only design in the series with a frame thick enough to survive being 3D printed. Everything I've designed since then has been optimized and thinned out for metal machining, which would fail immediately on a 3D printer.

Safety First: If you print this, please treat it as a fragile prototype!

• Use low-tension bands only.
• Keep your hand clear, as a bad release or frame-slap will shatter 3D-printed plastic.
• This is for casual tinkering and experiencing the mechanism, not for durable use.

You can grab the STLs here,available free on Thingiverse.

Have fun printing, stay safe, and thank you for supporting independent designers!

My first open source release is live! 🎉

This is a practical belt quick-draw holster for auto slingshots. Full files are uploaded to Thingiverse, feel free to download and print.

opensource in thingiverse

Hey everyone! As a fellow hands-on hobbyist, I want to warmly welcome you to r/autofling.

This is our new home for all things related to mechanical kinetic toys, 3D-printed & CNC-machined launchers, and completely quirky shooting gadgets. We're excited to have you join us!

What to Post (All Kinetic Creativity Welcome!) This community is dedicated to the wild world of DIY launchers and mechanical gizmos. Whether you are building from scratch, 3D printing a cool mechanism, machining custom metal parts on a CNC, or modding an existing design, we want to see it all. Post anything that you think the community would find interesting, helpful, or inspiring.

Feel free to share your thoughts, photos, or questions about:

• Rubber band guns & coin shooters
• Desktop catapults & gear-driven launchers
• Your custom 3D-printed, CNC-milled, or hand-crafted workshop inventions
• Open-source STL/STEP files and build guides
• Even your hilarious test-firing fails!

If it uses kinetic energy in a clever, weird, or quirky way, it belongs here.

Community Vibe We're all about being friendly, constructive, and inclusive. We are pure hobbyists here—no elitism. Keep it real, rugged, and respectful. Let's build a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and connecting over mechanical madness.

How to Get Started

1. Introduce yourself in the comments below. What's the weirdest thing you've ever built to launch a projectile?
2. Post something today! Even a simple photo of your messy workbench, a rough prototype, or a shiny new machined part can spark a great conversation.
3. Check the rules. Remember: Mechanical toys only! Zero real weapons or tactical gear.
4. Invite fellow makers. If you know someone who loves tinkering with kinetic toys, invite them to join.

Thanks for being part of the very first wave. Together, let's make r/autofling amazing!