- Fri Mar 18, 2005 6:42 pm
#7135
Yes YOU can build a hovercraft like I did using material that you probably have laying around in your garage. This is not a high tech hovercraft like you might be imagining but it will get you off the ground and give the kids a thrill.
Materials needed: Plywood (4'x4' minimum size), gas or electric leaf blower, a tarp bit enough to fit over the plywood, utility knife or sharp jack knife, 8" hose clamps (qty6), coffee can lid, 1/4" bolt 2" long and nut to fit bolt, some small nails (approx 6 or so) and a staple gun. You will also need a 5/16" drill bit and a 2" hole saw.
Cut a 4' diameter disk out of the plywood.
Drill a 5/16" hole in the middle of the plywood disk.
Cut a 2" hole, two thirds (approx) from the edge to the middle.
Lay the disk on the tarp and fold the material over the disk and staple down near the perimiter on the top to hold in place temporarily.
Undo the hose clamps and connnect them all together to form one big 4' diameter hose clamp.
Place the monster hose clamp over disk and tighten over tarp material around the perimiter of the disk and tighten the hose clamp.
Trim away any extra material on the TOP of the disk you feel is unsightly.
Nail in place the hose clamp (yes, nail through the clamp into the side of the disk) but be sure NOT to pound the nails ALL THE WAY in because you'll be pulling them out someday when you need to replace the tarp material.
Flip the disk onto it's side and rest it against something.
Poke the 1/4" bolt through the center of the coffee can lid (this will act as a large washer) and push the bolt through the tarp and through the 5/16" hole in the center of the diks.
Attach the nut to the bolt.
Cut 1" slits radiating from the center of the disk all over the tarp. Be sure to avoid the area where the 2" hole is.
Lay back down on the ground (flat ground like a garage or driveway) and place the business end of the leaf blower in the hole.
Stand centered on the disk and turn on the leaf blower.
You should raise up off the ground a few inches and have about 1/4"-1/2" gap between you and the ground that you are riding on.
You may need to add a few more holes if you do not get off the ground. A good sence of balance is needed also.
You may need somone to give you a push to get you going or use a pole, gondola style, to maneuver around.
Get creative and try other modes of propulsion. If you are using an electric leaf blower... sorry, your options are as limited as your cord.
Good luck and Email me and let me know how it went when you built it.
Chamworks@hotmail.com
Materials needed: Plywood (4'x4' minimum size), gas or electric leaf blower, a tarp bit enough to fit over the plywood, utility knife or sharp jack knife, 8" hose clamps (qty6), coffee can lid, 1/4" bolt 2" long and nut to fit bolt, some small nails (approx 6 or so) and a staple gun. You will also need a 5/16" drill bit and a 2" hole saw.
Cut a 4' diameter disk out of the plywood.
Drill a 5/16" hole in the middle of the plywood disk.
Cut a 2" hole, two thirds (approx) from the edge to the middle.
Lay the disk on the tarp and fold the material over the disk and staple down near the perimiter on the top to hold in place temporarily.
Undo the hose clamps and connnect them all together to form one big 4' diameter hose clamp.
Place the monster hose clamp over disk and tighten over tarp material around the perimiter of the disk and tighten the hose clamp.
Trim away any extra material on the TOP of the disk you feel is unsightly.
Nail in place the hose clamp (yes, nail through the clamp into the side of the disk) but be sure NOT to pound the nails ALL THE WAY in because you'll be pulling them out someday when you need to replace the tarp material.
Flip the disk onto it's side and rest it against something.
Poke the 1/4" bolt through the center of the coffee can lid (this will act as a large washer) and push the bolt through the tarp and through the 5/16" hole in the center of the diks.
Attach the nut to the bolt.
Cut 1" slits radiating from the center of the disk all over the tarp. Be sure to avoid the area where the 2" hole is.
Lay back down on the ground (flat ground like a garage or driveway) and place the business end of the leaf blower in the hole.
Stand centered on the disk and turn on the leaf blower.
You should raise up off the ground a few inches and have about 1/4"-1/2" gap between you and the ground that you are riding on.
You may need to add a few more holes if you do not get off the ground. A good sence of balance is needed also.
You may need somone to give you a push to get you going or use a pole, gondola style, to maneuver around.
Get creative and try other modes of propulsion. If you are using an electric leaf blower... sorry, your options are as limited as your cord.
Good luck and Email me and let me know how it went when you built it.
Chamworks@hotmail.com