How to Build a Riding Hovercraft

Okay, you probably can't build a "Back to the Future" hoverboard, but with adequate handyman skills, you could build a small hovercraft to ride on in the home. It would ride on a cushion of air like hovercraft boats do.

Things You'll Need

• Large plywood board
• Thick plastic sheet
• Hard plastic disk
• Jigsaw/spiral saw
• Wood screws
• Power drill
• Razor knife
• Permanent marker
• Duct tape
• Staple gun & staples
• Leaf blower

Instructions

1. Cut a disk out of plywood, about 48 inches in diameter. Use a circular saw or jigsaw. Sand the disk edges so they'll be smooth.

2. Drill a hole in the disk and widen it with the saw. The hole must be large enough to fit the blower end of a leaf blower (minus the long hose).

3. Place the disk over a circular sheet of plastic 6 feet in diameter. Fold the edges over and staple the plastic to the wood. (Spread the staples 4 inches apart.) Seal the plastic onto the wood with duct tape.

4. Turn the disk over. Attach a hard plastic disk (like a coffee can lid) to the sheet and wood, using 4 wood screws.

5. Make 6 vent holes around the hard plastic disks, 2 inches in diameter each. Draw them with a permanent marker and then cut them out with a razor knife.

6. Flip the new hovercraft back over so the plastic is underneath. Insert the leaf blower into the hole on top and turn it on. Air should fill the plastic sheet and the wood disk will float on it.

Tips & Warnings

• Seal the blower hole with duct tape if too much air is escaping out of it. You can also use the tape to strengthen the vents underneath so they won't tear.

• Always wear safety equipment like goggles when operating power tools.