Introduction: Making an Airplane Shelf for Kids Bedroom

I have seen this on the internet and I though it would be nice to make one for my newborn baby's bedroom.

I have used pine to make it and it turned out nice.

If you want to make one as well you will need:

  • Wood (I used pine but you can use any species you like
  • Wood glue
  • 6 mm, 8 mm drill bits
  • Drill
  • Lathe (if you have one)
  • Band saw or jig saw or hand saw
  • 6 mm wooden dowel
  • Sand paper
  • Rasp or hand plane

Here is a video showing the whole process:


Step 1: Cutting the Two Shelves

The first thing you have to do is to cut the two shelves.

The dimensions are 70 x 12.5 x 2.0 cm.

You can use only a hand saw but the power tools make it easier and faster and that is why I used my band saw to cut the wood in half. I also used my jointer and planer to mill the wood to its final dimensions. Of course only a hand plane can be used instead of a planer.

Step 2: Wing Struts

Now you need to make two struts. One on each side of the wings. The plan for them provided in the first step. Use your band saw or a jig saw to cut them out.

Step 3: Wings Assembly

Place one strut 8 cm in from the end of the board. Use some wood glue and 6 mm dowels to secure them in place as shown on the video.

Step 4: The Engine

The engine is just a cylindrical piece of wood. Take a 7 x 7 x 13 cm piece of pine and make it cylindrical on the lathe. If you do not have a lathe you can make it using a hand plane.Use a hand plane or a rasp to make a flat surface on one side. this will help you glue the engine on the lower wind.

Step 5: Propeller and Spinner

The template for the propeller is provided in the attached pdf. Cut it out on your band saw or with a jig saw and give it a good sanding.

The spinner is a 4 cm round piece of wood,like button but beveled. Make the spinner and drill a 6 mm hole right in the center but do not drill all the way through. 1 cm deep is more than enough!

Step 6: Final Assembly

Drill a 6 mm hole right in the center of the engine. Apply some wood glue in the hole and inside the spinner's hole as well. Use a 6 mm wooden dowel as a shaft and assemble all the pieces as shown. It is all done.

Now you can paint it if you want, or use a clear varnish like I did.

Of course you can make landing gear if you like to make it more complete.

Thats it! Hope you liked it and have fun making one.

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Furniture Contest 2017