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How to Make Wooden Airplane Propellers

Wooden aircraft propellers are a recognizable component of classic airplanes. Although they were primarily used before World War II, many modern aircraft still use these propellers. Wooden propellers, like other propellers, use horizontal lifting force to produce thrust that moves the airplane forward through the sky. Both model airplanes and full-scale aircraft can use wooden propellers. You can make a propeller that is safe, reliable, effective and aesthetically pleasing.

Things You'll Need

Computer-aided design software
2-by-8 inch hardwood board
Saw
Paper templates
Scissors
Warm superglue
Draw Knife
Drill
Sander

Instructions

- 1
  Use the computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a three-dimensional model of your propeller.
- 2
  Print out the full-size paper templates onto a large, thin sheet of paper. If you do not have a suitable printer, you can have the templates professionally printed.
- 3
  Use your scissors to cut out the templates. Be exact.
- 4
  Glue the paper templates to the wood. Cut the wood along the templates using the saw.
- 5
  Remove the paper templates from the wood. Remove all paper residue from the propeller.
- 6
  Glue the wood boards together. Place the largest board in the center and the smaller boards on either side.
- 7
  Use a powered sander to sand the propeller. Be gentle on the propeller.

Aviation