How to Make an Aluminum Can Plane
Transportation models are an interesting way for kids to learn about physics. They can also be a great way for parents and children to bond, but commercial model kits can be too expensive for fixed budgets. Making a unique model airplane is as simple as rinsing out a few soda cans, gathering the necessary tools and settling down to a flat surface with plenty of space.
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Things You'll Need
- Four aluminum cans
- Thin work gloves
- Scissors
- Permanent marker
- Ruler
- Hammer
- Nail
- Small nut and bolt
- Modeling cement
- Model landing gear
Instructions
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1
Rinse the aluminum cans, and dry them thoroughly.
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2
Put on the work gloves and poke a hole in one can about 1/2 inch from the top. Slowly insert the blade into the can and cut the top of the can off gently so that you don't crush the can. Throw away the top of the can.
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3
Cut the bottom 2 1/2 inches off a second can, and save both pieces.
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4
Cut the top 1/2 inch and bottom 1/2 inch from the third can. Cut a straight line from top to bottom and flatten the cylinder.
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5
Draw an airplane wing on one end of the unrolled can. Cut it out and trace it on the other end. Cut out the second wing.
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6
Draw a propeller with at least two blades and a circular section in the middle, which will later be used to attach the propeller to the plane.
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7
Cut a slit in each side of the can you have cut the top off of. The wings will fit here. Cut a slit in the bottom of the can for the tail.
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8
Make a small hole in the center of the can bottom you laid aside earlier. Make another hole in the middle of the propeller. You can make a neat hole in each by tapping the nail through with the hammer. Attach the propeller to the can bottom with the nut and bolt. Cement the bottom to the can with no top.
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9
Draw a tail on the leftover flattened aluminum and cut it out. Slide it into place in the slit in the back of the plane body and apply cement. Slide the wings into place on the sides and apply cement.
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10
Cement model landing gear to the bottom of the plane and allow to dry before giving the propeller a spin.
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Tips & Warnings
Use extreme care when working with aluminum to avoid cuts.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
