DIY Stand for a Model Airplane
Radio-controlled airplane hobbyists often need to work on their models, either to repair damage or to tweak performance. When doing so, it is convenient to have a sturdy stand to hold the airplane model so you don't risk breaking the landing gear or other parts, or just in case you need a third hand. You can make a simple but strong and attractive stand with just a few pieces of wood.
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Things You'll Need
- Ruler
- Two 12-by-12-by-1-inch pine boards
- 24-by-3-by-1-inch pine board
- Saw
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Wood stain
Instructions
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1
Measure the front of your plane's fuselage with the ruler. Mark on one of the 12-by-12-by-1-inch pine boards a V shape that is 1 inch wider and about half as deep as your plane's fuselage. Cut this shape out with the saw.
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2
Measure the rear section of your plane's fuselage, in front of the tail but behind the wings, and mark on the second 12-by-12-by-1-inch pine board a V shape that is 1 inch wider and about half as deep as your plane's fuselage. Cut out that shape with the saw.
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3
Cut a notch in each of the 12-by-12-by-1-inch pine boards opposite the V shape. Make the notch 1 inch wide and 1 1/2 inches deep.
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4
Cut two notches in one long side of the 24-by-3-by-1-inch pine board. Make the first notch 1 inch from one end of the board. Adjust the location for the second notch based on the length of your airplane's fuselage and where it will be held by the finished stand. Cut off any excess pine board.
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5
Sand all your wood pieces to eliminate splinters, being careful not to expand the width of any of the notches. Slide the two 12-by-12-inch boards into the notches on the long pine board. The bottoms of all three boards should be even and flat on your workspace table top. They should fit snugly, but strengthen them with wood glue and let them dry for at least a couple of hours.
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6
Apply wood stain to protect your stand for work and to give it a finished look for display.
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Tips & Warnings
The exact shape of the V cutouts may vary, depending on the shape of your plane's fuselage. If necessary, make the shape curved or square.
