Handheld wood planes have very simple designs based on the principles of aerodynamics. They seem easy enough to put together, but it takes some practice to get the measurements just right. Start with a simple plane design and make a few versions, improving on each as you go along. Balsa wood makes a good lightweight material for this kind of plane. Balsa is inexpensive and readily available at local hardware or building supply stores.
Instructions
1. Cut a strip of balsa wood 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. This piece forms the body of the plane.
2. Cut the strip of balsa wood into a T-shape with 11 inches of its length 1/4 inch wide and the last inch 2 inches wide. The resulting body will look like a long noodle with a flat rectangle as the tail of the plane.
3. Cut the inside corners of the tail into two rounded edges, to achieve a rounded, rectangular tail with two sharp outside corners and two rounded inside corners.
4. Cut a second strip of balsa wood 12 inches long by 1 inch wide for the wing of the plane.
5. Cut the front outer corners of the wing into rounded edges.
6. Cut a wedge of balsa wood a little longer than 1 inch with an angle of 4 degrees. This will create the angle of incidence for the wings of the plane, helping it to stay in the air longer.
7. Glue the wedge vertically to the body of the plane about 1 inch from the end. Clamp the wedge in place until the glue dries.
8. Glue the wing to the middle of the wedge, leaving a little space remaining on either side. Clamp the wing in place until the glue dries.
9. Remove the clamps and test the plane.
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