How to Build a Homemade Wood Airplane
If you’ve built model airplanes from kits and are ready for a new challenge, consider building a homemade wood airplane from scratch. There are a number of plans available for purchase at hobby stores and online. However, you can also find many websites offering free downloadable plans. For those who want to be truly challenged, you can design your own plans. Whether it’s a fun weekend project with the kids or indulging a solo hobby, there’s a satisfaction from building your own model from scratch that goes beyond using a kit.
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Things You'll Need
- Model airplane plan
- Balsa wood
- Pen or pencil
- Craft knife
- Wood glue
- Safety glasses
- Sandpaper
- Cutting board
- Tissue paper
- Airplane paint
- Tape
Instructions
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1
Transfer plans onto wood. Lay the plan on the wood and trace over the parts with a pen or pencil. Use enough pressure to leave a clear imprint in the wood so there is no confusion when it’s time to cut.
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2
Cut the balsa wood with your craft knife on the cutting board. Be sure you wear your safety goggles. It’s a good idea to label the pieces so you don’t have to guess or try to remember what piece is what later.
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3
Sand the pieces until they are smooth. Make sure there are no rough edges for your own safety and for a better model airplane.
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4
Glue the pieces together with wood glue. Putting the pieces together directly over the plans will make it easier to put everything in the right place. Tape the pieces together while they dry.
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5
Wrap the tissue paper around the plane. There is specialty tissue paper for airplane models but gift wrap tissue also works. Use a thin line of glue around the edges of the frame to cover each piece with the paper. Then lightly mist with water and let dry.
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6
Paint your homemade wood airplane.
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Tips & Warnings
You may prefer to cover and paint each piece before gluing them all together.
Always be careful when using a knife. A dull blade requires more pressure, which makes it more likely for your hand to slip.
Whenever cutting or sanding wood, wear your safety goggles.
