How to Make a Wooden Taketombo

This guide will show you how to make a taketombo, a traditional Japanese wooden helicopter toy that spins through the air and flies straight for an impressively long distance. It's a simple but fascinating project that's fun for all ages. Best of all, you can build it using basic tools and materials you likely already have at home. Whether you're looking for a weekend craft, a STEM activity, or just a cool flying toy, this project is a great place to start!

1. Thin wooden sheet – I used 3mm plywood, but any lightweight wood will do.
2. Wooden dowel – For the handle and shaft.
3. Cutting tool – A scroll saw works great, but any method for cutting wood will get the job done.
4. Sanding tool – A belt sander speeds things up, but regular sandpaper works just fine with a bit more effort.
5. Drill and drill bits – For creating a hole in the blade.
6. Pliers – Helpful for shaping and holding the blade.
7. Container of water – Used for soaking the wood to help bend it.
8. Heat gun – For shaping the wood after soaking. A hairdryer may work as a substitute.
9. Superglue or wood glue – To securely attach the parts together.

Start by cutting a thin rectangle from your wooden sheet using a scroll saw (or your preferred cutting tool). In my experience, narrower blades tend to fly straighter and more smoothly. A good size to start with is around ¾ inch wide by 4 inches long, but please experiment with dimensions to see what works best for you.

Use a belt sander to smooth the surface of your wooden blade. The smoother it is, the better it will fly. Be sure to round off the corners—this small step can significantly improve flight stability. I’ve also found that adding a slight taper to the edges helps the blade cut through the air more efficiently, improving both lift and distance.

For an extra-smooth finish, lightly go over the surface with 220-grit sandpaper by hand.

Once you're happy with the shape and finish, drill a hole through the center of the blade, sized to match your dowel as closely as possible. A snug fit will help ensure the blade stays secure during flight.

Fill a container with tap water and submerge your wooden blade for several minutes. As it soaks, the wood will begin to absorb water and become more flexible and pliable. This step is important, it makes shaping the blade much easier in the next stage and helps prevent cracking or splitting.

Set your heat gun on a stable surface and turn it on. Using pliers to hold both ends of the soaked blade, gently bend it into a slight curve over the heat. The soaking step makes the wood more flexible and helps it retain the shape better than dry wood would.

Carefully apply heat while maintaining the curve until the wood begins to dry and hold its new form. Once it feels fully dry and set, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely before moving on.

Apply a small amount of superglue or wood glue to the hole in the blade, then insert the dowel, making sure it fits snugly and is centered. Allow the glue to dry completely.

Once assembled, take a few minutes to sand down any rough edges or excess glue to ensure a smooth, comfortable finish. For an easier and faster launch, try sanding flat spots on all four sides of the dowel near the base,this gives your fingers a better grip for spinning.

Now you're ready to fly! To launch your taketombo, hold the dowel between your palms, spin it quickly, and let go. With a little practice, you’ll have it soaring through the air in no time. Have fun!