How to Make a Rubber Band Plane
A rubber band plane is a model plane with a propeller that is powered by a rubber band. You need to build the plane using rigid but lightweight material, such as balsa wood. The rubber band is attached to hooks and is used to wind the propeller. To do this, you need to first assemble the pieces of the plane. Wood glue is used to create a strong bond that secures the pieces of the plane together
Things You'll Need
- 4-inch nose hook propeller
- 1/2-inch by 1-inch by 12-inch piece of balsa wood
- Rubber band
- Small metal hook
- 1 1/2-inch by 2-inch piece of balsa wood
- Wood glue
- 1/8-inch by 2-inch by 14-inch piece of balsa wood
Instructions
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1
Attach the end of the 4-inch nose hook propeller to one end of the 1/2-inch by 1-inch by 12-inch piece of Balsa wood.
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2
Place the rubber band over the hook on the back of the propeller. Pull the rubber band toward the back of the balsa wood.
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3
Place the small metal hook over the end of the rubber band. Twist the hook clockwise to secure it to the Balsa wood.
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4
Remove the rubber band from the hooks and set it aside.
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5
Apply a bead of wood glue along a short edge of the 1 1/2-inch by 2-inch piece of balsa wood. Position the piece on the back of the 1/2-inch by 1-inch by 12-inch piece of balsa wood for the tail fin. The glue will dry within 4 hours.
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6
Apply a 2-inch bead of wood glue along the middle of the 1/2-inch by 1-inch by 12-inch piece of balsa wood. Place the 1/8-inch by 2-inch by 14-inch piece of balsa wood on the glue. Allow the glue to dry.
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7
Place an end of the rubber band onto each hook. Turn the propeller clockwise to twist the rubber band.
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8
Release the balsa wood plane as if you were throwing a paper airplane.
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