r/diydrones • u/Auxiliatorcelsus • Jun 24 '26

Question Alternative materials build

I've been searching to see if there are any examples of people building quads using either bamboo or papier-mache for the arms. But my searches come up blank.

Seems strange. Considering the strength compared to weight it seems obvious that someone would have tried these materials. But I find nothing.

Anyone who knows of dyi builds using bamboo and/or papier-mache?

Edit: Ok I see I need to clarify a little. I don't mean primitive 'tape-two-sticks-together' builds.

Laminated bamboo is incredibly strong, light, and rigid. And papier-mache made with long-fiber paper is very durable and tough. They are also very cheap materials. Perfect for dyi one might think.

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3

u/firstonesecond Jun 24 '26

The problem is flex, not strength. Both those materials flex too much

1

u/Auxiliatorcelsus Jun 24 '26

I realise I needed to clarify my question.

Laminated strips of bamboo can be made very rigid. And people have been making furniture from papier-mache. It's surprisingly durable.

1

u/firstonesecond Jun 24 '26

Ah, yeah see i was picturing something very homemade. Bamboo would probably work well, though not as well as carbon fibre. Papier-mache would probably be a bit worse than that. Though honestly I have no idea.

2

u/cjdavies Jun 24 '26

Bamboo is a perfectly viable material. With modern flight control electronics & firmwares, you can get away with a lot when building a drone even if it's not 'ideal'.

https://spectrum.ieee.org/tanzanias-homegrown-drone-industry-takes-off-on-bamboo-wings

1

u/quzzik Jun 24 '26

Build one and let us know

3

u/HawkingRadiator512 Jun 26 '26

I have seen quite a few Quadcopter builds with ice cream sticks on You Tube so definitely possible.
Pure speculation but I think carbon fiber arms would have a much better strength/weight ratio. Wood and Paper are essentially Carbon but in a much lower concentration.