How to Make a Propeller From Aluminum

Soda can propellers complete the airplane craft project.

Capture the allure of soaring aircraft by transforming an aluminum soda can into a model airplane's aluminum propeller. With a few tools and some aluminum cans, making the propeller can be fun for both adults and children who love aircraft. While this craft project results in fun soda-can embellished airplanes, children who want to make these soda can propellers need to do so with adult supervision.

Things You'll Need

• Empty soda cans
• Heavy-duty scissors
• Permanent marker
• Craft knife
• Hammer
• Nail

Instructions

1. Pierce the middle of one empty soda can with the craft knife. Carefully cut the soda can in half without crushing the aluminum.

2. Place the bottom half of the can upside down on your work surface. The bottom of the can is the face of the propeller.

3. Draw hash marks that are 1/2 inch apart and 2 inches long around the bottom, or cut edge, of the soda can.

4. Cut the hash marks with scissors. Take extra care to not crush the aluminum can during this process.

5. Fold the pieces outward to make them fan out around the bottom of the can. These pieces should fan out around the propeller face like flower petals.

6. Place the aluminum propeller face-side up so it is resting flat on your work surface. Put a nail in the middle of the propeller face and gently tap it through the soda can. This will allow you to attach the aluminum propeller to a model airplane.

References

• Making a Propeller Mold
• B.C. Air Originals: Construction Plans
• Make Your Own Model Airplane Propeller