Fetchomatic 3000
Inspired by Danh Le’s slingshot-spinning reel hybrid, I searched and found a commercial unit on the web for $89.95 here.
But that seemd unreasonably pricey, so I went shopping.
A trip to Sports Authority yielded the following:
- 1 Daisy P51 Adjustable Slingshot with Wrist Brace: $9.99
- 1 Zebco 33 Reel filled with 10-lb. test line: $13.49
- Several six-packs of 1-ounce sinkers @ $3.79 apiece
At home I found a 7-inch-long scrap of black acrylic. I drilled six holes, used two pop rivets and two black cable ties and, 30 minutes later, produced the Fetchomatic 3000.
The sky is filling with clouds and we expect rain tonight and tomorrow, so no field trials for at least a day or two.
I look forward to nicer weather and trees filled with planes. 
For those who want to make their own Fetchomatic 3000s, here are some additional details.
The frame is 7 inches long by 1.5 inches wide. I made it from 1/8-inch acrylic. This works fine, though aluminum would provide more rigidity.
One end of the frame is riveted into the handle of the slingshot. The handle is hollow, with a honeycombed plastic insert. I drilled two holes 1 inch apart in the base of the insert for the rivets.
I drilled four holes in the other end of the frame, then threaded cable ties through them to strap the reel to the frame.
Nov. 18, 2007, Postscript: On Saturday, a Swainson’s Hawk got entangled in strands of monofilament left over from a series of plane-rescue attempts on the Giant Yuke at Baylands. You can read about the bird rescue here.
The Fetchomatic 3000 was not the only culprit. People have also tried to scale the tree with bow & arrows and fishing poles, not to mention bottles of water, rocks and other weights attached to a variety of lines.
Based on this incident, I strongly advise people not to try to retrieve planes trapped in heavy brush or thick foliage with devices such as this. If you must, use a short length of low-test leader between the weight and the monofilament, so if you do get snagged you don’t leave yards of fishing line behind. Even then, you still risk polluting the environment with lead weights, arrows or other projectiles.
Tags: Crashes, Tools, Trees.
October 9th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
The one you saw for $89.95, what was its intended purpose? Certainly it wasn’t originally designed to retrieve planes from trees.
Mike
October 9th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
No. It’s used by amateur radio people to hoist antennas. That’s where Dan Le got the idea.
October 9th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Hi Mike,
Its intended purpose was to launch HAM radio antenna (dipole type that requires 2 ropes to hold the ends of the antenna between 2 trees) With some practice and powerful rubber band, these things can throw a line up a branch 100 ft high easily. I had done that before on HAM radio field day.
Dan, KE6D
October 9th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
The name is fantastic! Dan’s weights were about 5/8″ round, don’t know how much that weighs but it seemed perfect.
The Fetchomatic 3000 picture had me fooled for a second, I thought you bought the $89.95 version… Yours is very professional looking! I think I need to build one myself.
I can’t wait to try yours - on someone else’s debacle of course. }:)
Gary
October 9th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
uh oh, the crystal ball showed a copy right law suit in the future….
The Seer.
October 9th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Great job on the Fetchomatic!!! Like Gary said, it looks so professional like it has been in mass production and this is the fifth evolution. Maybe it should be the Fetchomatic 5000.
dt
October 21st, 2007 at 9:25 am
Mounting the reel the way you did is neat, but I’ve found it unnecessary. An inexpensive reel like that will work just fine sitting on the ground. Just remember to push the pushbutton on the reel before firing the slingshot.
Jim
November 5th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Hello Pete,
I really apreciate the input and the oportunity to participate with the group.
Some how late to reply about your new product but I really like it and will like to have one, just name the price
Latinflyer.