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How to Make a Kite

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Learn How to Make a Kite

When it was first suggested that my husband should write about Kite Making and Flying, I must confess that I, like the rest of my family, was very surprised. I wondered what there would be to write about. After all, making and flying a kite are quite simple operations! One has only to tie together two sticks at right angles, cover them with paper or cloth, and add a tail! Of course, one must not forget a long piece of string, called the kite line. Having done these things, one has only to throw the kite up into the air on a suitably windy day and away it flies! Or—does it?

My husband hastily assured me that there was much more to the business than this, and, as he began to explain to me some of the technicalities of the subject, I realized that he knew far more about it than I had suspected. Here is just a few bits that you'll learn about how to make a kite:

1. The science of flying...to make a good kite that will fly every time you launch it, you'll need to know the science behind how things fly.

2. Easy instruction...you will follow easy-to-read instructions on how to assemble each section step-by-step.

3. How a certain spine is critical for the 'Tonking' kite...one of the many kites you can make is the 'Tonking', an oriental kite, which needs specific structure, a special spine which you'll be shown how to construct.

4. How to tie different knots...use these amazing assortment of knots, to keep the whole structure sturdy and secure. They will never come undone.

5. What tools, materials and accessories to use...you will be shown what are the best tools and materials to use to make the best kite. For instance, what type of wood makes the best frames, what sort of martial you should use to cover the frame and what string, knives, glue and other equipment used to make the strongest, easy-to-fly kites ever.

6. Tips & tricks....you'll love the tips and tricks in the book that will save you hours of frustration and anxiety by not knowing how to make your kite fly. Discover how to make it strong yet light enough for the smallest of winds to take it up into the clouds.

7. How kites fly...uncover the mysteries on why these funny looking boxes, diamonds and other shapes can fly. Understanding this theory will help you make a wonderful flying machine.

And there's loads more:

At this point, you might be wondering how you can get your hands on a copy to learn how to make a kite, just go to this website:
http://www.makeakite.net/

Make a Kit | What You Need

Tools, Materials, Methods, Accessories

We begin with a few words about tools, of which the following are recommended.

Tools

First, a fretsaw, for cutting the small joints which are sometimes used. Second, a small hacksaw, or a small tenon saw, for cutting lengths of wood. Third, for a hammer, use what is called a pin hammer. Other tools include a craft knife with spare blades; a small screwdriver; a small file; a hand drill, with bits up to £ in. diameter; a fretsaw drill or an awl for making nail and screw holes; a small brad punch to drive nails home; a rule; a pair of scissors; a soft-grade pencil; a few assorted paintbrushes. In addition, a woodworker's vice comes in handy, as also do one or two cramps for holding down glued joints.

Materials

In considering the various materials which are used we come first to wood for the framework. It is possible to make a kite from odd scraps of wood, or even hedgerow sticks, but in the long run it pays to use the best. The wood must meet with certain requirements, namely; it must be light in weight, smooth, strong, and flexible. Fortunately, this kind is readily obtained in the form of hardwood stripwood. It can be obtained at woodworkers' and model-makers' shops. It comes in lengths up to 8 ft. and is of different thicknesses. When you are buying wood it is a good thing to tell the shopkeeper what you want it for, and he will help you in the choice. This stripwood is most suitable for the purpose, because besides being light and strong it is also fairly flexible, though not to the same extent, of course, as cane.

Cane is often specified in kite making and this is why:

To read more on how to make a kite, just go to this website:
http://www.makeakite.net/

Methods Used to Make a Kit

Joints

The simple butt joint is all that is generally needed in kite making. It may be formed in two ways: first, by laying one piece of wood across another, and fastening together with glue and binding thread; second, by fastening two ends together with glue and a nail. When properly made, the butt joint combines simplicity with strength.

The halving joint is used to make a framework all on one level, that is, one part does not stick out above or below another. This makes for neatness, and enables the kite cover to lie flat upon all the framework. This joint, to be effective, must be made accurately. A good joint is one in which the parts need a gentle tapping home with a mallet. Both these joints are described and illustrated in the instructions for making kites in Chapters 1-6.

Gluing

When using glue, first read the directions on the container. It is surprising how many people don't do this, and then blame the glue because it won't stick. These directions usually state the approximate drying time, that is, the time to be allowed before the parts are brought together. Drying time is fundamental to successful gluing.

Don't use too much glue. Too much is nearly as useless as none at all, and far messier. After they have been set aside for a while to dry, the two parts are pressed firmly together. The ultimate strength of the joint depends upon the closeness of contact of the two pieces of wood. The aim is to expel all air bubbles, which are the enemy of good joints. The work is best done in a fairly warm room. It is an advantage to cramp the joints and to allow the glue to set hard overnight.

Metal cramps can be bought quite cheaply, and this is where you can get them at rock bottom prices -

To read more on how to make a kite, just go to this website:
http://www.makeakite.net/

How to Make a Kite

Learn How to Make a Kite

Contents at a Glance

Make a Kit | What You Need

Tools, Materials, Methods, Accessories

Methods Used to Make a Kit

Making a Kite Books

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Finding Kites on eBay

Kite Picture Links

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