KITES
(This is only a sample. The handbook will contain graphics etc.)
The construction and flying of kites can be an enjoyable pastime for the young and old alike. Kites come in all shapes and sizes and can be constructed from many different materials. A creative mind can design and build a flyable kite in almost any shape, and assembling and flying a kite can be an informative and educational experience.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
1. Book A book about kites.
2. Sail Material There are many different materials that you can use for kite making including "ripstop" (urethane coated nylon), Tyvek, plastic trash bag, cotton poplin and various types of paper.
3. Spar Material Wooden dowels are by far the most common material used for spars. There are also many other materials available for the serious kite flier including fiberglass, bamboo, epoxy tubing, aluminum carbon tubing and graphite tubing.
4. Glue You will need glues to assemble different pieces of your kite. Super-glues, Elmers glue and glue guns all work well in kite construction. You may also need some tape with certain types of sail material.
5. Scissors and Knives You will need scissors to cut your sail material. A knife or small saw will help you cut and notch the structural members of your kite.
6. Straight Edge A straight edge will help you make accurate, straight lines.
7. Flying Tether There are several different types of flying line available including low-stretch cotton, waxed linen, braided nylon and twisted or braided Dacron. The larger the kite, the stronger the line you will need.
TERMS TO KNOW
Tether The tether is the line by which you maintain control of the kite. Sail The sail is the expanse of paper or other material that catches the wind. Spar A spar is a structural member that supports the sail. Most kites have two spars a vertical spar and a horizontal spar. Bridle The bridle consists of two short lines that are connected from points on the upper and lower vertical spar to the tether. Although some kites do away with the bridle system, it has an important advantage of being able to adjust the tow point for wind conditions. Tail A tail is attached to the bottom of the kite to provide extra weight and drag to stabilize the kite and keep it pointed upward. Drag Drag is the force that the wind exerts against the sail of the kite. It is the resistance to the kites forward movement. Lift Lift occurs because of the wind pressure or drag exerted on the angled surface of the sail. Gravity Gravity is the downward pull of the earth. Lift is required for the kite to overcome gravity in order to fly. Gravity versus lift will determine the flying height.HELPFUL INFORMATION
There are many tricks to flying a kite well which may only be learned through experimenting with your own kites. Some useful information and flying tips are provided to help you get started.
A kite has, essentially, three basic characteristics. A structure designed to gain lift from the wind, a tether to keep the kite from blowing away, and a bridle of two or more lines to control the face of the kite so as to maintain the proper angle to the wind. Most kites also have a tail.
If you are experiencing trouble getting your kite to rise in the air, your tether may be attached to your kites bridle at a point too low. Try adjusting it up in small increments until the kite shows that it wants to climb. You can also try reducing the tail length if there seems to be too much downward drag on the kite.
If your kite rushes upward, swoops in tight circles, and then crashes down, your tether may be too high. Try adjusting it downward in small increments until the kite stabilizes. If your kite oscillates from side to side or shows other unstable behavior, try using a longer bridle and make sure the bridle is of even length and tension.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
It is a good idea to wear gloves while flying a kite to avoid the line burning your hand.
Whenever possible, try to fly your kite in an open field away from trees and power lines.
If your kite does become entangled in power lines, do not ever try to retrieve it.
Avoid flying kites in wet or stormy weather, or with a wet flying line.
Avoid using metal in the construction of your kite. An exception would be small screws or nails.
Avoid flying your kite over public streets, or areas congested with people.
Avoid flying your kite in a field strewn with rocks or other obstacles which can trip you.
Avoid walking blindly backwards when flying your kite.
Also avoid flying kites in close proximity to airports.
HOW TO BUILD A BASIC BOWED KITE
Below are instructions on how to build a bowed, two-stick kite. The materials for the spars and sail may be substituted with those of your choice although this may alter the assembly instructions slightly.
1. You will need two sticks for spars to build this kite. The first should be a length of twenty-six inches for the vertical spar. The second stick should be a length of twenty-two inches for the horizontal spar.
2. Saw a half-inch notch into each end of each spar. Wrap some tape around the spar at the bottom of each notch to keep your spar from splitting. When you attach the spars, the notches should be aligned with each other so that a string can be drawn around the four ends of the spars.
3. Measure seven and half inches down from the top of the vertical spar and put a mark there. Measure eleven inches from either end of the horizontal spar and put a mark. Lay the horizontal spar on top of the vertical spar where both marks are aligned. Fasten the two spars securely together with a piece of string so that they are perpendicular to each other.
4. Taking a long piece of string, tie a knot about six inches from the end of the string. Slip the string inside the notch on the top of the vertical spar. Pull the string so that the knot slides up against the notch but not through it. Wrapping the string around the outside of the kite, slip the string into the other three notches ending up at the top of the vertical spar again. Slip the string again through the top notch and pull the string taut. Do not pull so tightly that the spars begin to bend. Tie the string off at the top notch with the string pulled taut. Make sure the spars are still at right angles from each other.
5. Take a large, plastic trash bag and lay it on the ground. The plastic trash bag is going to be used for the sail material. Place the kite frame on the sail with the vertical spar on bottom. Adjust the frame so that the top of the vertical spar is even with one edge of the sail. Cut the sail slightly larger than the kite frame so that there is about one inch of sail that can be folded over the string all the way around. Fold the edge of the sail over the string and secure with Scotch tape, strapping, or another secure tape.
6. Now we want to bow the kite. Take a piece of string and tie it securely to one end of the horizontal spar. Slip the other end of the string through the notch on the other end of the horizontal spar. Bend a two to three inch bow into the horizontal spar, pull the string taut while holding the bow in the spar, and tie off the string so that the bow remains after the string is tied.
7. The next step is the bridle for the kite. Turn the kite so that the sail side is facing up. Take another piece of string about four feet long. Tie one end to the notch on the top of the vertical spar. Tie the other end to the notch on the bottom end of the vertical spar.
8. Wrap some more tape around the end of each spar outside the strings to further strengthen and secure the spars. Attach the tether line to the bridle slightly below the intersection of the two spars. You should attach the tether line to the bridle with a knot that can be loosened so as to allow adjustments up and down the bridle.
THINGS TO LEARN
1. Read a book about kites.
Title
Author
2. Draw a picture of a basic kite and label the different parts.
3. Explain how lift affects the flight of a kite.
4. Explain how gravity affects the flight of a kite.
5. Explain how drag affects the flight of a kite.
6. Make and fly a basic kite.
Date Completed
