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How to Build Wooden Toy Airplanes

The best wood for toy airplanes is balsa wood, because it is lightweight enough to make an airplane that actually flies. It is also easy to work with, so you can get the kids involved in making their own toys. Making wooden airplanes is also a good way of introducing concepts about flight, gravity and aerodynamics to kids, so it makes an ideal classroom activity. Kids can also get involved in decorating their toy airplanes with paint, stickers or even glitter for the girls.

Things You'll Need

Balsa wood, ¼ inch thick
Pencil
Ruler
Utility knife
Sandpaper
Glue
Paint/paintbrush (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Trace a 12-by-2-inch rectangle onto the balsa wood; then round two of the corners at opposite ends to get the wing shape. Draw a 3-by-2-inch rectangle and round two corners for the horizontal part of the tail and a 2-inch square for the tail upright. Round off two of the square's corners as well. Trace a 10-by-1-inch profile outline of an airplane body.
- 2
  Cut out the balsa wood, following the outlines drawn, using the utility knife. Sand the straight edge of the wings until it is half the width of the curved edge. Position the wings centered on top of the spine of the airplane body and glue in place. Let dry. Turn the airplane upside down and run a line of glue over each seam where the wings join the body---this adds extra strength.
- 3
  Turn the airplane back over and center the horizontal tail piece over the back of the plane, flush with the end. Glue in place as you did the wings. Center the vertical tail piece on top of the horizontal one and glue in place.
- 4
  Paint the airplane if desired and let dry. Hold the airplane from the midpoint of the fuselage. Pull back your arm and fling the airplane forward like you would a paper plane. If the airplane seems too light in places, paint on some glue to add weight. If it seems too heavy, lightly sand those spots to remove some weight.

Wooden Toys