Jump to content
KiteLife Forum

Search the Community

Showing results for tags 'kite making'.

  • Search By Tags

    Type tags separated by commas.
  • Search By Author

Content Type


Forums

  • Hot Items
    • Current Drawings
    • Scheduled Events
  • Site Topics
    • News from the Webmaster
    • New Member Introductions
    • The Web Site (nuts and bolts)
  • Sport Kites
    • General Sport Kite
    • Beginners
    • Trick Flying
    • Quad Heads
    • Indoor Flying
    • Team Flying
    • Competition
    • Adjustments and Modifications
  • Single Line
    • General Single Line
    • Indoor Gliders
    • Beginner Questions
    • KAP - Kite Aerial Photography
    • Fighter Kites
  • Power Kiting
    • Power Kites
    • Kite Buggy
    • Kite Surfing
    • Kite Boarding
  • General Kite Stuff
    • Open Topic
    • Kite Videos
    • Kite Photographs
    • Kite Making
    • Kites for Sale, Swap or Trade
    • Local Connections
    • Favorite Kite Fields
    • Kite Travel
    • Kite Plans
  • Everything Else
    • Lifestyle
    • Web Sites
    • Off Topic
  • Manufacturer Support
    • Kite Forge
    • Polo Kites

Calendars

  • KiteLife Calendar

Categories

  • Video Tutorials
    • Outdoor Quad Line
    • Indoor Quad Line
    • Outdoor Dual Line
    • Indoor Dual Line
    • Flight Studies
  • Video Archives
    • 2011
    • 2010
    • 2007
    • 2006
    • 2005
    • 2004
    • 2003
    • 2002
    • 2001
    • 2000
    • 1999
    • 1998
    • 1997
    • 1996
    • 1995
    • 1994
    • 1993
    • 1992
    • 1991
    • 1990
    • 1989
    • 1988
    • 1987
    • Promotional

Product Groups

  • Converted Subscriptions
  • Subscription Packages
  • Entry Tickets
  • Clinics / Workshops
  • Accessories
  • Internal
  • Web Services

Blogs

  • JB's Flight Logs
  • Notes from the field
  • Getting Whump...
  • Flynhi (PipaKite)
  • Rob's Ramble
  • Freedom In The Sky
  • Flying on Long Island...
  • FrankieFlyin Rev Videos
  • Dragonfish's Kite Adventures
  • Bill's Kite Blog
  • My Family & Friend Miniature Kite Festival
  • My Kite Related Yakkity Yack
  • Exult's Gentle Breeze
  • Learning to Fly Dual Lines
  • SegelFlieger
  • Trip the Kite Fantastic
  • riffclown's kite blog
  • LED Night Kite flying Event in Ahmedabad
  • Flight Journal: Crystal Wilder
  • Here be dragons

Categories

  • Articles

Categories

  • For Sale / Trade
    • Kites (Single Line)
    • Kites (Dual Line)
    • Kites (Quad Line)
    • Accessories
  • Wanted / ISO
    • Kites (Single Line)
    • Kites (Dual Line)
    • Kites (Quad Line)
    • Accessories

Categories

  • Members
  • Members

Find results in...

Find results that contain...


Date Created

  • Start

    End


Last Updated

  • Start

    End


Filter by number of...

Joined

  • Start

    End


Group


Website URL


Skype


Favorite Kite(s)


Flying Since


Location


Interests

Found 9 results

  1. OK I know, this and that person made a few stitches into something kite like, that is on a larger scale quite small news - but not for me. And that is what the below is much about - a rookie's perspective on kite sewing. A small beginner practice project to get going and to determine difficulties. The span width of this mini speedwing is 34.5cm. Trailing edge hem turned out to be problematic. Another very small beginner practice project to get going and to determine difficulties. This truncated mini test kite bag had too little material when folding the lid around seam. Also, how should one hide the seam on the inside close to the opening? Why build such a small kite? The main reason is to practice and identify the problematic details/procedures while wasting close to a negligible amount of material. It also makes it easier to relate to texts like ( https://sites.google.com/site/kites4all/home/kite-sewing-101 ) and provide a better motivation and focus when reading up on the craft. If you start by doing early on, your eyes might also open up when studying your own (purchased) kites and their designs. The main remaining difficulty with the this kite project turned out to be to make the trailing edge hem so that it is in the same plane as the sail. The lesson from making a mini test bag is that when folding fabric over seams, more material than you originally thought might be required. I don't believe that absolute beginners (like me) are an extra good source of knowledge other than that that they bother about bringing up topics and things that they wonder about that the more skilled ones don't. Possibly the lack of knowledge of how things "should" be done can lead to that new approaches are tested. I also believe in sharing what didn't go so well so that it can be avoided. Therefore also images of test pieces, failures and dead ends will be included in below (future) posts. The methods displayed here is what I tried when making a first time mini kite. Suggestions?: Don't hide in the corner - Sing it out! Yes this is a cheapo, plastic, budget sewing machine equipped with a slightly to thick needle for the ripstop of this model speedwing. Yet, being a kite sewing rookie, I didn't feel limited by the tool. Perhaps it is because I've never seen high quality and fancy features sewing machine and is therefore blind here? Speedwing kite - what was (?) patented (anybody knows)? First of all did, I chose to do non free patented kite? I couldn't find any patent document with searches like "speedwing kite patent", "speedwing expired kite patent"... I don't know if there are any patents today, but I wouldn't think so. Why? Because it was already mentioned as a patented kite in Stunt Kites 2 by Servaas van der Horst from 1994, quote: "Since certain aspects of the Speedwing are patented the kite may only be built for your private use". The patents seems to be at least 24 years old. This post ( http://www.kites.tug.com/Archive/kites/potpourri/speedwing.adjustment.tips ) dates the speedwing bridle patent to older than 15th June 1993, soon 25 years ago (and it also give advice on tuning the Speedwing bridle). In any case older than the 20 year limit ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Term_of_patent ) and if this would be a design patent the valid time would be even shorter. If the patent is expired, then web pages like this (as of February 2018): https://www.kiteplans.org/planos/speedwing/speedwing.htm works like a lost fishing net (no matter how good the intentions were), lying tangled at the ocean floor needlessly suffocating swimming fish for years to come, by stating it is patented. Only recently I've seen speedwings being offered commercially, Cross Kite's Speedwing X1 and X3 or De Paddestoel Speedwing Progress. Statements of patents should be published with an expected expiration date or filing date IMO. Also it is desirable that it is thoroughly specified what is patented (or a link to the filed patent). How wide a patent is is of importance ( https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/03/why-the-roots-of-patent-trolling-may-be-in-the-patent-office/ ). List and discussion of tools/equipment The Sewing Machine This small compartment was very handy to keep the sewing machine gear in. A handy needle threader holder made out of construction polyethene/polyethylene foil tape. The not so old sewing machine was a Singer Simple 3210. The Singer Simple is very plastic but light to move around - can be slid on the table almost too easily. I gave a little more than 130 USD new for this tool. There are not much extra bells and whistles I guess, but I like the the storage space inside for small stuff that came with the sewing machine. An arrangement that I've found handy is to have the needle threader attached to a construction foil tape sticky side out tube on the right hand of the sewing machine. Finally, no matter the model of sewing machine, don't sit double folded over it for extended periods of time - put a couple of large books under it if necessary so that you sit comfortably when working. Some handling hints: Balance upper lower/thread tension and set quite low. Needle up actions: Starting/stopping and changing backwards/forwards direction. However never change direction by manually rotating the wheel backwards - the wheel should be turned against you always. When making a sharp turn, lift the presser foot with the needle down and rotate the fabric around the needle. Use tape or glue to secure the glossy/slippery ripstop before sewing. If you would use sewing pins to hold the pieces together, the holes after the needles would remain. The needle Not so sharp, surprisingly blunt needles - the sharpest of them (all 90/14 machine needles in the above image) was the one I had been using all the time. It was possible to see the reflection from the window in the tip, which was not possible or hardly not possible with the sharper (and not in the above image collage) hand sewing or sewing pins that I had. To the left in this collage is the microscope used here. After sewing the kite I looked into which needle I had been using and the state of the needle tip after the kite (and other mostly practice stuff pieces) and paper sewing. In this project I used the regular point (style 2020) needle that came with the sewing machine. It was of the dimension 90/14 (of a scale going from 60 to 110 (European standard) or 8 to 18 (American standard). A regular point needle will will go into the fabric threads, while a ball point style needle will go between the fabric threads. The ballpoint needle seem to be good for knitted fabric ( http://www.singerco.com/sewing-resources/machine-needles ). In the Make Magazine web-site I found a link to a graphical cheat sheet for choosing a machine needle ( https://makezine.com/2013/11/20/infographic-choose-the-perfect-sewing-machine-needle/ ): http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/blog/finding-perfect-sewing-machine-needle-infographic/ . The needle size table there seems to suggest that I instead should have gone for a finer needle than the 90/14 needle that is for slightly thick fabric (like flannel). Not until the kite was finished I examined how sharp or should I say blunt the needle tips were - no needle (the one I had been using or the spares - all 90/14 needles) tip would puncture your skin unless you applied some force. The point diameters were between about 0.14-0.22mm and the light from the window could be reflected in all of them. Quite unexpected was that the one that I had been using all the time was the sharpest! It had slightly more than half the radius of the bluntest (spare) needle! It appears like all the times I did practice stitches and practiced adjusting the thread tensions while sewing in paper didn't do any harm to the needle tip. I guess that one should change the needle and use a matching one when doing the much thicker nose and LE dacron. The microscope used here was a mini and budget one bought at a sale for about 7USD. With some practice it is possible to hold the camera/mobile so that the images can be obtained. Other Tools Some tools used for the project. The French curve and the caliper belonged to my father: A wood burning iron pen tool - for hot cutting the ripstop. Screw the tip in properly to conduct the heat well. A revolver single-hole punch pliers. Was handy when making the card board template for the opening in the sail for the spreader fittings. A french curve template for drawing the curve when making the rounded panels that will give a the sail a camber. A caliper and (folding) ruler for bridle measurements. An angle hook (instead of a non-existent set square) A thick thread to use instead of a compass (that was needed due to the lack of grid paper). A pair of scissors. A "lead" pencil to draw directly on the ripstop when "cold cutting" with the scissors. A book: Stunt Kites 2 by Servaas van der Horst from 1994 A kite: Speedwing X1 - a nice 3D reference. To be continued...
  2. Hi all! Here is the footage of the first flight of our newest monster, a Giant Wiener Doggo Kite, designed and made by dr.agon. The kite itself (with Caly the KAP dog appliqué) is 6 m by 1,5 m ripstop nylon, and the tail is 15 m by 3,6 m taft.
  3. I recently finished my first kite build, and I wanted to throw a public "Thank You!!" out to my kite making mentor: Elliot Shook, who allowed me to follow in his design footsteps, gave me guidance, techniques and encouragement. Without Elliot's generous mentorship this kite would likely still be flying only in my imagination. Holding my kite up to Elliot's work I still have a bit of fine tuning to do, but hey I still need an xtra vent, so I will get better. Elliot's eye for detail and build quality is definitely masterpiece material. I finished it just in time to take it to JB's OBX quad clinic and got to show it off to Elliot and all my best flying buddies. When the wind let up a bit (should have made an xtra vent for that weekend!!) I got to put it up with the sun behind it and it sparkled in the sun beautifully, and seemed to fly just fine. Nothing like seeing your own work flying and keeping up with the others in the sky. it flew just like a Shook should fly: smooth and un-phased by the bumps, in higher winds than I should have put it up in, and pretty as a can be. Also, Thank you to all of the folks who have pulled out kites to let me examine and photograph them, lent me your sails, and answered my questions about sewing and techniques - many of you were generous with your time and knowledge. The generosity of this community never fails to warm my heart and add lift to my efforts. To anyone thinking about taking the sewing plunge....I encourage it. I learned a ton, and kite making materials are not forgiving, so give yourself plenty of practice scraps and time. Oh the joy of flying a kite I built can not be described adequately. Thanks Again Elliot!
  4. until
    May 24th at 5pm-6pm PST (8pm-9pm EST) Please consider yourself cordially invited to a group chat with Ken McNeill (@kenmcneill)! Some of his well known exploits: Aerie Kiteworks (AirFX, etc) Blue Moon Kites (Mamba, etc) KMAC Fab (Ichiban, 61/49, etc) This renowned kite maker and designer will be on hand to try and answer any questions you might have about kite making to the best of his ability... All in the interest of sharing knowledge and excitement throughout the community! Tune in here - http://kitelife.com/forum/direct-line/
  5. From the album: Life-Time Achvements

    Team ADK registered a record in Amazing records and Records INDIA for successfully conducting Modern kite making workshop for more than 1000 students in single sitting in Solapur international kite festival, Maharashtra INDIA. web: http://www.ashokdesignerkites.com
  6. From the album: Life-Time Achvements

    Team ADK registered a record in Limca book of records , Amazing Records and Records INDIA for successfully conducting Modern kite making workshop for more than 1000 students in single sitting in Solapur international kite festival, Maharashtra INDIA. web: http://www.ashokdesignerkites.com
  7. From the album: International Kite Festival 2013 India

    Rotary Club of Solapur East, Maharashtra conducted a kite-making workshop for 1,017 students during the Rotary International Kite Festival 2012 at Shivaji Adhyapak Vidyala on Jan 21, 2012. set World Records India and Limca Book of Records, kite workshop was handled by Ashok Shah and Pavankumar Solanki ( Founder of Royal Kite Flyers Club ) . Students painted the kites, stuck tails and tied thread of manja. Through this event, citizens of Solapur who have a strong community spirit and bonding passed on two most relevant messages – Save the Girl Child and End Polio Now. Source : Limca Book of Records 2013 – http://www.limcabookofrecords.in/recorddetails.aspx?recid=1073 World Records India – http://www.worldrecordsindia.com/2012/04/most-number-of-student-in-kite-making-workshop/ If you are interested to organize kite workshop with world record certification send your detail on info@ahmedabadkiteflyers.org

    © Royal Kite Flyers Club

  8. From the album: Kite Club India - Mahindra Company Kite Workshop At Goa

    Vibrant Kite Flyers Club India Conduct Kite Making Workshop and Kite Flying Show For India's Reputed Company Mahindra Rise At Bambolim Beach, Goa. Contact For Kite Flying Show, Kite Cutting Competition, Kite Workshop, Led Kite Flying Show, Branding, Advertisement on kites, Branding with kite flying show , Kite Festival, Organize International and national Kite Festival in india. Kite Club India Flying Kites With No.. Of Celebrity. Kite Club India Kite Flyers India
  9. From the album: International Kite Festival

    Vibrant Kite Flyers Club India - Kite Flyers India | Kite Club India | Indian Kitist | Kite Fliers Ahmedabad Gujarat - Vibrant Kite Flyers Club. VKC - Vibrant Kite Flyers Club - Best Kite Club of Indian Kitist and Fliers from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India provides kite making, kite designing, kite competition and kite awareness and knowledge programmes. kite, ahmedabad, gujarat, tourism, kite flyer, kite flying, indian kites, kites india, indian fighter, kite festival, kite exhibition, kite making, kite painting
×
×
  • Create New...