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How to Make Rubber Band Powered Balsa Wood Airplanes

Many craft projects can be made by using Balsa. Balsa is a lightweight wood you can use to make an airplane, powered by a rubber band. The wings of the Balsa airplane need to be light to lift the airplane into the air. To do this, you need to construct the frame for the airplane. However, a design is needed to determine the placement of the rubber band.

Things You'll Need

1/8-by-3/8-inch Balsa
Tape measure
1/16-by-1/8-inch Balsa
Wood glue
6-inch nose hook propeller
Tissue paper
Masking tape
1/8-by-36-inch rubber band

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the 1/8-by-3/8-inch Balsa to 36 inches with a tape measure. Cut the Balsa to this length with a utility knife.
- 2
  Measure and cut two pieces of the 1/16-by-1/8-inch Balsa to 12 1/8 inches. Cut two more pieces to a length of 3 inches.
- 3
  Measure and cut two pieces of the 1/6-by-1/8-inch Balsa to 3 inches. Cut two additional pieces to a length of 2 1/2 inches.
- 4
  Assemble the cut pieces in Step 2 to form a rectangle. Secure the corners of the Balsa together using wood glue. This is the wing of the airplane.
- 5
  Assemble the cut pieces in Step 3 to form a rectangle and glue the corners of the Balsa. This is the rudder for the airplane
- 6
  Glue the rudder you made in Step 5 onto one end of the 1/8-by-3/8-inch Balsa. Measure 3 inches from the opposite end of the Balsa, then glue the wing into place.
- 7
  Place the nose hook onto one end of the 1/8-by-3/8-inch Balsa. Twist the small hook included with the nose hook to the bottom of the 1/8-by-3/8-inch Balsa, 1/2 inch in front of the rudder.
- 8
  Wrap tissue paper around the wing and the rudder. Secure the tissue paper to the wing to and rudder with masking tape. Place a rubber band onto the hooks.

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