Introduction: Model Planes From Balsa Wood

I always liked planes and I also enjoy models. So I though, why not make a plane model from wood? It's a simple and fun weekend project to make. I hope you enjoy making it!

Supplies

Balsa wood (ideally 0,8cm), wood glue, super glue, sandpaper, a utility knife, a pencil and a ruler.

Step 1: Cut the 0.8cm Balsa Wood for the Body of the Plane

Measure and mark the places that will be cut and cut two pieces. I made it 14-2cm but you can make it shorter if you want a smaller plane.

Step 2: Glue the Two Pieces Together

Now, glue the two pieces together in order to make the body. I used wood glue for this. I don't recommend using super glue because it makes it difficult when sanding and wood glue works best for this purpose. Using a wood clamp works best for the glue but you can use rubber bands as well to hold it together.

Step 3: Sand the Middle Piece

This is the most important step. First, sand the piece to get rid of the excess glue. Then, fold the sandpaper as shown and sand it by turning the piece to give it a round shape. After it gets a cylinder shape, round the front of it by folding the sandpaper like a pencil sharpener and then sand it by turning the piece again. For the back of the plane body, you can cut it a little and then sand it down to smooth it.

Step 4: Cut the Wings and Other Pieces From the 3mm Balsa Wood

Draw and cut the pieces. I put the plane on an a4 paper for ratio. You can print it and trace the lines to make it easier. You can use the previous piece you cut to trace the same of it like i did with the wings.

Step 5: Sand the Pieces

Sand the pieces a little to get rid of sharp edges.

Step 6: Make and Sand the Motors

First, cut some identical pieces then, glue them together. You can use rubber bands to hold them when they dry. Sand the pieces a little and cut the excess wood. Then, sand it again but make a rounded shape on one side.

Step 7: Glue the Pieces Together

When sticking the pieces together, i recommend using super glue because it makes it very durable and dries super fast. Wood glue works too but you need to hold the pieces until it dries. Or you can put something to hold it like I did with another glue that took some time to dry (you can put like a pen or something to prevent the wings to fall off). Glue the motors to the wings first and then you can put them all together.

Step 8: You've Made It!

And thats all it! I hope you enjoyed making this project.