Boomerangs are those nifty toys that are thrown and then comes back towards you. During the old times, these were used as weapons or for sports, but today, they are used by many people as outdoor playthings.
You can get boomerangs from toy stores easily, but if you want, you can also create one of your own. It’s a fun and easy project you’ll definitely enjoy doing. Don’t know where to start? Here are a couple of methods you can try.
Method One: The Kiddie Boomerang
While boomerangs are loved by all ages, they can be a bit dangerous if not used the right way. Kids love to have fun with these toys, but if you’re worried of letting them play with an actual wooden boomerang, here’s a cardboard alternative you can create.
Materials:
boomerang
Cardboard
Metal brad or stapler
Scissors
Glitters
Colored markers
Ruler
Procedure:
Get the cardboard and measure two strips that are 13 x 1.5 inches long, each. Using a pair of scissors, cut out these two shapes.
Lay down the blade, one on top of the other. You should be forming an X-shape.
Secure the center of the boomerang with a brad or if the cardboard is thick enough to be stapled, simply staple them. Make sure they are anchored well together.
About an inch from the end of each cardboard “blade”, fold up each of the boomerang.
Decorate the boomerang. Use colored markers, glitters or crayons. You can ask your kid to help you put with this part.
Method Two: Boomerang For Adults
This is the more complex, and more time-consuming procedure, more ideal for adults who want to have some boomerang fun. Even so, it’s guaranteed to give you a precise boomerang that’ll come back if thrown the right way. Here’s what to do.
Materials:
boomerangs
1 /4″ plywood (preferably birch), 20 x 16 inches
Clear lacquer or spray paint
Boomerang pattern
Orbital sander or sanding block
Scroll saw or coping saw
Procedure:
Choose a plywood that has several plys. Using birch is a great idea, since it’s strong and light.
Get a boomerang pattern. You can always get one from the Internet, but if not, make your own V-shaped pattern. When you have one, trace it on the plywood.
Use a coping saw or orbital saw to cut out the shape you made. Be very careful when using this equipment.
Give each of the boomerang’s side an airfoil shape, using an orbital sander or a sanding block. The airfoil’s direction depends on the hand that you use for throwing.
Blend the two airfold together, in the boomerang’s middle. Make the whole surface as smooth as possible.
Give the boomerang a final sanding using fine grit sandpaper. Afterwards, add clear lacquer or spray paint it, to give it a nicer appearance and to add protection.
Making A Successful Boomerang Throw
Now comes the best part of making this toy: throwing it! Here are a few tips to remember.
boomerang throw
Only throw a boomerang outdoors. You can cause numerous damages if you try using this indoors.
Hold the boomerang at its very tip, then throw it at a nearly-vertical and slightly outward angle, aiming just above the horizon.
When throwing the boomerang, do it as if you’re throwing a baseball, snapping your wrist quickly. Don’t attempt to throw it side-arm, or it will only go up, and swoop down to hit you.
When a boomerang comes at you too fast, don’t try catching it.
It takes practice before you can make a boomerang come back to you, so don’t stop trying.
For more information regarding throwing your boomerang, read how to throw a boomerang.
Playing outdoors will be a more exciting experience with a boomerang in your hand. After you’ve made one, throw it and watch it come back to you. You’ll surely impress your friends!