Want a fun project to do at home for yourself or your kids? Making a hovercraft is easy and inexpensive, and the end result will be a lot of fun! Read the instructions below for a good guide to building your own hovercraft.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making the Board
Step 1. Cut a circle out of plywood
Purchase a strong square-shaped plywood and cut out a circle with a diameter of between 91-121 cm. You may have to use a jigsaw to cut circles out of plywood, but you can use another method that is more comfortable for you.
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Sand the edges when you're done cutting to scrape off any bits of cut that could injure you.
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Step 2. Cut another circle
You will need a circle smaller than the plywood, roughly 15-30 cm in size. This circle will be used later.
Step 3. Cut a hole in the main circle
At a distance of about half way between the center point and the rim of the circle, trace with the tip of the leaf-blower (a type of gardening tool) over the larger circle. Cut the circle you've traced with a jigsaw (you may have to drill holes first before you can use the saw). Get rid of the leaf-blower once you're done checking the results.
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Check by inserting your leaf-blower into the hole. If the leaf-blower doesn't fit properly, you can seal it later with tape.
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Method 2 of 3: Making the Air Cushion
Step 1. Cut your plastic pads
Cut in a circle with a diameter of about 30 cm wider than the main circle. Wrap the excess plastic around the edges of the circle and secure with a staple gun about 10 cm apart.
- If desired, you can use masking tape to attach any extra plastic that remains and seal any gaps around the edges of the circle.
- The plastic covered part will be the bottom of the hovercraft.
Step 2. Reinforce the plastic
Turn the board over so the plastic-wrapped side is facing up. Take a piece of tape and use it to cover an area of about 2.5 cm square in the center of the circle. Make sure this area is slightly larger than the small circle you created in Step 2 in the previous section.
For example, if you are using a 15 cm diameter circle, reinforce it with 2.5 cm square of plastic
Step 3. Fit the smaller circle to the larger circle
Use the wooden bolts to fix it right in the center on the underside of the hovercraft. These bolts should not be longer than the depth of the two circles. Use approx. 5 bolts to make sure the loop is tight.
Step 4. Cut holes in the plastic
Make 6 holes in the plastic at least 5 cm from the edge of the smaller circle, but still in the area that has been reinforced with tape. This will allow air to flow, creating the necessary cushioning for the hovercraft to float. These holes should be 2.5 cm wide.
Method 3 of 3: Finishing Your Hovercraft
Step 1. Enter your leaf-blower
Turn the board over and place the end of the leaf-blower in the appropriate hole.
Step 2. Glue the leaf-blower into place
Use tape to seal the hole tightly and attach the blower firmly to the board.
Step 3. Turn on the leaf-blower and enjoy the ride
You may first have to lift the hovercraft to help with the first useful airflow to fill the bearings.
