Fly High with Toy Foam Gliders

Few things are more satisfying than being entertained by a game or toy you made yourself. Not only do you save a few dollars, half the fun is just thinking up the idea and implementing it. One toy most of us are familiar with, the airplane glider, is a perfect example. We’ve all had fun with the gliders you punch out of thin foam sheets; who hasn’t? But for people who are ready to move on to something bigger and better, they have the opportunity to build their own custom gliders by hand.

Building gliders is an accessible hobby that can appeal to all sorts of people, as all it takes is some affordable polystyrene foam, a cutting instrument, creativity, and some space outside to fly. Made of expanded polystyrene, gliders can be carved from spare packaging foam or insulation board, or high-end planes can be built from raw foam for detailed projects. Massive gliders have been built with wingspans larger than 10 feet, while others build incredibly intricate and precise gliders that span mere inches from wingtip to wingtip. EPS foam makes sense for a glider medium due to its rigidity, ability to keep its shape, and minimal weight that maintains mid-air stability. It is produced in multiple densities as well, making it great for finding affordable materials to test out ideas, as well as more rugged formulations that will hold up to crashes for time-tested designs.

Making your own foam toy glider is a hobby you can always work on too, since tweaks can be constantly made, trying to get a little more distance, or smoothness in each successive flight. On the other hand, a simple glider makes for great family fun – fun that’s easy and affordable for people of any age and skill level.