How to Make Airplanes From Aluminum Cans
Old aluminum cans can be used to make different types of crafts at home. By cutting, bending and gluing the aluminum, you can create some very interesting works of art. A common aluminum craft is the pop or soda can airplane. The plane won't fly, but it looks great as decoration. Choose a variety of soda cans to create colorful, patterned airplanes.
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Things You'll Need
- 3 aluminum cans
- Water
- Scissors
- Marker
- Hobby knife
- Glue
- Piece of wood
- Nail
- Hammer
- Bolt
- Nut
Instructions
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Rinse each aluminum can with water. Allow the cans to air dry before starting the project.
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Position the tip of the scissors approximately a half inch from the top rim of the can. Poke the tip through the aluminum to create a small hole. Open the scissors and insert one blade through the hole. Cut around the can in a straight line to remove the top. Discard the top of the can.
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Poke a hole with the scissors into the second can, approximately two and a half inches from the bottom. Insert the scissors into the hole and cut around the can to remove the bottom.
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Create two holes in the third can. The first hole should be just below the top rim of the can, and the second hole will be just above the bottom edge. Insert the scissors and cut around the can at each hole, removing the top and bottom and leaving the majority of the middle portion. Discard the top and bottom of the can.
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Cut the middle portion of the third can in half, creating an aluminum sheet. Flatten the aluminum out on a hard surface.
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Draw one wing for the airplane on the shiny side of the aluminum sheet with a marker. Each wing should measure approximately five inches long. Cut and trace the wing onto the shiny side of the aluminum to create a second, identical wing. Cut out the second wing.
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Draw a tail for the airplane. The tail should be triangular with rounded edges and measure approximately three inches long at the widest point. Cut out the propeller.
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Draw a propeller for the airplane. The propeller can consist of two or more blades, whichever you prefer. Ensure that the propeller measures approximately three inches long, to be certain that it is large enough for the aluminum can airplane. Cut out the propeller.
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Cut two small, horizontal slits in the side of the first aluminum can. The slits should only be as long as the airplane wings are wide, allowing a tight fit. Ensure that the slits are straight across and level with each other.
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Cut a third horizontal slit in the bottom of the aluminum can. Be careful, as this part of the can is thicker. The slit should only be long enough for the smallest part of the tail to slip into.
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Slide one wing in each slit on the side. Line up each wing so it sits straight into the aluminum can. Put a thin strip of glue on the top and bottom of each wing, along the slit where it enters the can, to hold it in place.
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Slide the tail into the slit on the bottom of the can. Ensure that the tail is sitting straight. Put a thin strip of glue on the top and bottom of the tail, along the slit where it enters the can.
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Place the bottom piece that was removed from the second can onto a piece of wood, cut-side down. Position a nail directly in the middle of the bottom of the can. Hammer the nail into the can, creating a small hole. Remove the nail from the can.
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Place the propeller on the piece of wood. Position the nail directly in the middle of the propeller. Hammer the nail into the propeller, creating a small hole. Remove the nail from the propeller.
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Line up the hole in the propeller with the hole in the bottom of the can. Ensure that the propeller is facing with the color side out. Push a small nut through the hole and fasten with a nut. Leave the nut loose enough to allow the propeller to turn.
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Slide the cut end of the can with the propeller onto the cut end of the can with the wings. The can with the wings should fit tightly inside the can with the propeller. Put a thin strip of glue around the cut edge of the cans, securing them together.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear work gloves to protect your hands from cuts.
