Damon Mcknight
Boomerangs have been used in Australia for over 20,000 years and are still made in Aboriginal communities today. They are traditionally made from wood and used for hunting and fishing, but also have cultural significance. If you want to make your own Australian boomerang, you can use plywood, cardboard, or popsicle sticks. You'll need a pattern, which you can find online, and a saw to cut out the shape. The standard V-shape boomerang has an angle of about 107 degrees, but this can be adjusted to your preference. Once you've cut out the shape, you can decorate it with markers, crayons, stickers, or glitter. Finally, you can learn how to throw your boomerang correctly, facing the wind and aiming to the right at a 45-degree angle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plywood, Baltic or Finnish birch, cardboard, popsicle sticks, wood |
| Shape | Standard "V-shape" with a 107-degree angle, asymmetrical, one end rounded and one pointed |
| Design | Various Aboriginal designs, patterns, and art |
| Size | Approximately 16.5 inches (42 cm) from tip to tip |
| Function | Returning or non-returning, used for sport, hunting, or decoration |
| Technique | Throw at a 45-degree angle, with a 30-degree upward tilt, and a slight right tip |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right materials
Boomerangs have been used in Australia for over 20,000 years, and they are still made and used in Aboriginal communities today. The earliest boomerangs were asymmetrical, with one rounded end and one pointed end. The anterior surface was slightly rounded, and the posterior surface was flat. The rough surface was pigmented with narrow transverse bands on a solid ground.
When making your own boomerang, it is important to choose the right materials. The traditional Australian boomerang is made from wood, with plywood being a good option. When selecting plywood, opt for Baltic or Finnish birch, as these varieties are sturdy and can withstand the forces of being thrown. You will also need a saw that can cut curves, such as a scroll saw, band saw, coping saw, or bow saw.
If you are making a lightweight boomerang, you can use cardboard. You will need two strips of cardboard, each roughly 5" (13 cm) long and 2.5" (6.3 cm) wide. Alternatively, you can use popsicle sticks, ensuring they are slightly curved and glued together in the centre.
For decoration, you can use markers, crayons, stickers, or glitter. However, be careful not to attach anything that will weigh down your boomerang and affect its flight.
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Cut out the shape
To cut out the shape of your boomerang, you'll need to first decide on your material. Plywood is a good option, and you should use Baltic or Finnish birch for sturdiness. You can also use cardboard or popsicle sticks.
Next, you'll want to find a pattern. There are many types of boomerang designs to choose from, and you can find a good pattern online. Once you've chosen your pattern, trace it onto your plywood or cardboard. If you're using cardboard, you'll need two strips, each roughly 5" (13 cm) long and 2.5" (6.3 cm) wide.
Now it's time to start cutting. Make sure you have the right saw for the job. You'll need something that can cut curves, like a scroll saw, band saw, coping saw, or bow saw. Cut carefully along the lines of your pattern, making sure to cut out both the leading and trailing edges of the wings. These edges will depend on which hand will be doing the throwing. You can use a marking gauge to mark out these edges, or you can use your finger as a guide.
The quarter-round shape of the leading edge should extend about 1/4″ (6 mm) from the boomerang's edge, while the trailing edge should extend about 1″ (2.5 cm) to 1 1/2″ (3.8 cm) into the material. Remember, you only need to shape one face of the plywood, leaving the other face flat. The traditional Australian boomerang has positive dihedral, meaning it forms an angle between two plane faces.
In the middle of the boomerang, you'll want to blend the two airfoils together, creating a smooth transition between the leading and trailing edges, just like an airplane wing.
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Fold and shape
To make a real Australian boomerang, you will need to fold and shape your chosen material.
Begin by laying out the leading and trailing edges of the wings, which will depend on which hand will be doing the throwing. Use a marking gauge or hold a finger against the edge to mark the distance that the contour retreats from the boomerang's edge to its top surface. The quarter-round shape should extend about 1/4″ (6 mm) from the edge, while the trailing edge should extend about 1″ (2.5 cm) to 1 1/2″ (3.8 cm) into the material. Remember that only one face of the plywood needs to be shaped, and the other face should be left flat. The traditional Australian boomerang has positive dihedral, meaning it forms an angle with two plane faces.
In the middle of the boomerang, blend the two airfoils together. The boomerang should have leading and trailing edges, resembling an airplane.
Next, open both ends and fold down the edges into two triangles. Unfold the triangle on the right, leaving the left one folded. Open the right side and tuck the corner in. Then, open the left triangle, close the boomerang, and place the left edge into the pocket you formed on the right. Flatten every edge once created. Repeat this process for the other side, ensuring that every crease is streamlined. A neat model will fly better.
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Decorate
Now comes the fun part: decorating your boomerang! This is your chance to get creative and make your boomerang unique. Here are some ideas and techniques to consider:
- Painting: Use acrylic or spray paint to add colour and design to your boomerang. You can go for traditional Aboriginal dot painting or create your own modern design. If you're not confident in your freehand painting skills, try using stencils or tape to create clean lines and shapes.
- Carving: Carefully carve designs into the surface of the boomerang using a small knife or wood carving tools. You can create patterns, shapes, or even try your hand at carving traditional Aboriginal symbols. Practice on a scrap piece of wood first to get a feel for the technique.
- Burning: Use a wood-burning tool to etch designs into the boomerang. This technique creates a permanent, precise design and is a great way to add fine details. Practice on a separate piece of wood first to get used to the tool and create a steady hand.
- Inlaying: If you're feeling adventurous, you can inlay materials into the boomerang for a unique, textured look. Carefully cut small grooves into the wood and insert thin strips of contrasting wood, shell, or metal. This technique takes patience and precision but can create a stunning, one-of-a-kind boomerang.
- Staining: Instead of painting, consider staining the boomerang to enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain. Choose a wood stain in your desired shade and carefully apply it to the surface, following the instructions on the product. You can even use multiple stains to create a unique, multi-toned effect.
- Sealant: Finally, protect your artwork by applying a clear sealant over the entire boomerang. This will preserve your design and ensure your boomerang lasts for years to come. Choose a sealant suitable for outdoor use and follow the application instructions carefully.
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Throwing technique
Throwing a boomerang is a skill that requires a specific technique and plenty of practice. The throwing motion is similar to throwing a football. It is important to get a feel for the wind and adjust your throw accordingly. Ideally, you want a calm day with winds between 0 to 10 mph (16 km/h).
Use either arm to hold the boomerang in a pinch or cradle grip, ensuring that the painted side faces you. Throw the boomerang overhand and at eye level, making sure to give it some spin and toss from an angle that's nearly perpendicular to the ground. Spin is more important than a hard or forceful throw. The boomerang should begin to spin as it leaves your hand.
When throwing, pick a point in the distance that is the correct angle off the wind and throw. If there is more wind, come closer to vertical. If you are right-handed, throw to the right of the wind, and if you are left-handed, throw to the left of the wind. If there is too much wind, the boomerang will land behind you, and if there is too little, it will land in front.
When attempting to catch the boomerang, use good judgment. Do not try to catch it if it is coming in fast. Only attempt a catch when the boomerang is hovering softly towards you.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need plywood, preferably Baltic or Finnish birch, and a saw that can cut curves, such as a scroll saw, band saw, coping saw, or bow-saw.
The traditional Australian boomerang has a positive dihedral, meaning an angle formed by two plane faces. The boomerang should have leading and trailing edges, like an airplane. The standard "V"-shape boomerang has an angle of 107 degrees, but this can be adjusted to be more or less.
First, trace your pattern onto the plywood and use a saw to cut out the shape. Then, lay out the leading and trailing edges of the wings based on which hand will be doing the throwing. Mark the distance that the contour retreats from the boomerang's edge to its top surface. Finally, blend the two airfoils together in the middle of the boomerang.
You can decorate your boomerang with markers, crayons, stickers, or glitter. However, avoid attaching anything that will weigh it down.
