Do you dream of gliding through the air? Then don't miss today's show when Chris explains how to build your own hovercraft. The project is ultrasimple -- your kids can put it together in the backyard.

What is a hovercraft?
A hovercraft is a vehicle that rides on a cushion of air produced by downwardly directed fans, causing it to glide over surfaces.

How a homemade hovercraft works
Air produced by a small blower inflates a plastic sheet. The sheet pushes against the floor to provide a ground-hugging "skirt." This skirt lifts the entire hovercraft.

A small plastic disk (or coffee-can lid) keeps the inflated plastic anchored so it doesn't tear loose from the center. The plastic disk also lifts up vent holes so air can escape into the center.

What you need before you start
You'll need the following items to build your hovercraft:

• One piece of plywood about 3 to 4 square feet, 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick
• Plastic sheet one foot larger than the plywood
• Leaf blower or shop vac
• Plastic disk such as a coffee can lid
• Bolt: 2 inches, 1/4-20
• Nut: 1/4-20
• Two fender washers
• Staple gun
• Duct tape

Hovercraft building instructions >