wind socks

[janola]

I've just had a pretty great day, swanning around on a great queensland beach playing with some of the toys - so I just have to gloat

got up the spike ball, and pretty soon there were some kids having a great time under it. flew my airplane. And then took all that down to have mess about with a lifter and some lil fish I'd been making

Wanted to test out aluminium carabines. Turned out really well. Easy to attach an take off again. Considering I was on my own.

My fish went pretty well, I've spent some time making some 3 very different ones over the past month. With a pretty good clown fish (that I thougt was a fizzer) making a debut.

the q is how do I stop them spinning like crazy. I made a wee sock in the clown thinking that might help - filled it with sand, but it chucked it out.

Should I be making a 4 part pattern for more fatter things like this - making the body more rounded? rather than a 2 part convex shape.?

[janola]

My apologies admin. I was sure I put this post up in the one liners section, but seems not.

[Progcraft]

A picture would really help in this instance.

How long are the bridle lines, and how long are the fish?

Spikey Balls are a great magnet for kids. They just magically appear when the Spikey is near Here's mine: Crazy Spike

Cheers

P.

[John Barresi]

My apologies admin. I was sure I put this post up in the one liners section, but seems not.

No problems Jan, as you can see I have moved it to the new Beginners Questions forum under single line... Thanks for allowing me to notice that the category was absent.

[janola]

Thanks for the pic of your spike, I'd love to make some more of these types of inflatables. A lot of fun.

Heres a pic of the 1st sock in testing mode in the back yard. (not a great deal of wind, so its abit soggy)

The other 2 don't have inflatable fins.

All are around 1.5metre in length (4-5 ft) the bridles are all 3 line and around about a foot in total, attached to a lightweight bearing swivel. used 20lb dacron.

any ideas, I'd be happy to hear them.

[Progcraft]

Wow, that's a heck of a sock I like it.

First thing I'd suggest is to make the bridle longer. I'd double it.

As for the spinning, I think you might have a tough time stopping it. I think part of the spinning comes from the fact that the sock is not too symmetical around the opening. I mean, there's a lot of sock below the opening, not much above it. I think this is likely causeing the wind to apply uneven pressure and starts some movement, Then, that movement just turns into spinning. A longer bridle may help a little bit, but the important part will be to make sure they are identical in length to start with. Then, shorten the top line a bit to see what effect it has. Doing this should help keep more pressure on the top of the sock, while the weight of the sock (below the opening), holds it upright.

Just a whimsical thought.

P.

[hvkmike]

I'm looking at it & think you may have a couple solutions.

If Progcrafts bridle adjustments don't help....just move the eye to the other side(bottom).

THe dorsal & anal fins size may cause it to tip over(looks topheavy)....on the anal fin place a small weight inside.... a few buttons or something..just pin them in temp. to find best weight...can sew after you fine tune.

If it works at all that is.lol

Good Luck

Mike

[janola]

Its amazing what a fresh pair of eyes will do

While I can't move the eye in this one, (cause theres a hole behind it)

You're right tho Mike and Craft it IS top heavy.

One sinker later and longer lines, and we'll see on my next run out to the beach - tomorrow with any sort of luck. (perfect day today tho, went out for a quick blat down to the beach during lunch)

and you have both confirmed what I thought after my initial messing about.

I'm trying to get far too complicated. Best to come up with a 4 piece tapered tube and tack on the highlights and frilly bits once that works.

[windofchange]

I love the colors and patterns in the sock, very nice work you have done there. Well done!