How to Build a Kite
Introduction
Going outside to fly a kite on a windy day is a blast. There is just something about watching the simplicity of a kite as it soars through the air that makes you realize just how great nature can be. But if you do not have a kite, you may never get a chance to experience the joys of flying such a deceptively simple device. You could always rush out to the store to purchase a brand new kite – but they are expensive, and you will never really know when you will get another chance to fly it again. On the other hand, you could always build a diamond kite, much like the one used by Benjamin Franklin in his famous electricity experiment, with materials you probably already have in your garden shed.
Materials
Building a kite is a very simple process that only requires a few materials and a couple of power tools. All you need is some string (strong and light like garden twine), glue, a large sheet (100 cm by 100 cm) of paper, two sticks of wooden doweling measuring 90 cm and 100 cm, and any kinds of decorative items like markers and ribbons that you may have lying around. Once you have gotten all of your necessary parts together, you can start building your kite.
The Frame
The first step to building a great diamond kite is to make the kite’s structure. You do this by taking your two dowels and making a cross with them. The shorter dowel is used for the horizontal while the longer dowel is used for the vertical portion of the cross. You should make sure that the vertical portion perfectly bisects the horizontal stick so that both sides are of equal length. Furthermore, a good tip from many kite building professionals is to make sure that the horizontal dowel crosses the vertical dowel at a point that is slightly ahead of the center of gravity. This will provide more balance and stability to your kite so that it flies higher and longer distances.
The Structure
When you have lined up your dowels properly, you should tie them together at the center with your string. Also use the glue to give your joint more durability. At the ends of each of your sticks, cut some notches to allow another piece of string to easily fit into without sliding out. You can use a saw or a wood file for the cutting, but always make sure that you wear the proper safety equipment when handling a sharp saw blade. Then stretch your string all the way around your kite’s frame. Make a loop at the top and bottom notches and then wrap the string around the kite’s frame a few times to make sure that the string will not come loose. Be sure that the kite’s frame is not warping under the tension of the string. Cut off any excess string you may have and glue down any loose ends.
The Sail
Now, lay your paper on top of the kite’s frame and cut the paper into the same shape as the kite. Be sure to leave a few centimeters of extra space for a proper fit. Fold the excess edges over the frame and glue them so that they are tightly fastened. Let the kite sit by itself for a few hours to make sure that all of the glue has properly dried before you fly it. Feel free to decorate your kite as you choose once the glue has set.
Decoration and the First Flight
Finally, you should cut a very long piece of string (at least 125 cm in length). Tie one end of the string to the top loop and let the string feed through the bottom loop. Tie a loop in the string directly above the cross point on your kite’s frame. Next, tie some ribbons to the end of the string approximately ten centimeters apart. When you are ready to fly your kite you can tie another string to the loop located above the cross.