I need help…. You’ll probably need to dig deep into the past for this one unless of course, youre a rocket scientist or physicist, and if you are…. Please keep reading.
I’ve entered into a contest for an art class (kind of an unorthodox project for a college-level art class.) Keep in mind, this isn’t homework. Once again, a project, not homework.
So, what’s the project you ask? Simple…. Build a kite. Well… a little more complicated than that.
Kite must fly for at least 3 mins
The edges must be straight
Even upon impact, the kite cannot break apart.
Use of butcher block type paper
I am provided with two 5/16 inch wooden dowels, butcher paper, string, hot glue
I may also use tape, rubber bands, a plastic hose, white fabric
I want to go a step further. They encourage us to make a box-style or diamond-shaped kite. I like the diamond…. Its basic…… but I want to make it bit&^$^&!
So far, ive constructed the cross shape with the dowels.front to back, the measurement is 36 inches. Side to side at the longest points, we’re looking at 36” (it can be changed of course.
My goal is to get strength in knots. I took out a knot-tying book and am tying the strongest knots I can in hopes that it will provide protection…… I could be completely wrong though…….
Alright, your turn…… I’m willing to scrap the kite completely and build according to ideas on here.
How should I do it? What do you think? Can you please walk me through? I want this thing to fly for at least 10 minutes!
My father has always sworn by box kites. I think that diamond shaped kites are much more attractive, but the box kites WILL get aloft easier, and stay aloft longer, in my experience. I never got to build my own kites, as my father loved to do this, and I was always all about flying kites, anyway. Don’t forget to make a tail, it will help the kite stay in the right position.
Another possibility is one of the various mostly-tail kites of Eastern design. You can find any number of different styles in books on kiting.
On the subject of tails: Almost all kites really do need them, never mind what claims otherwise you might hear. I usually improvise a tail even for those hang glider style plastic kites. Other than not having enough wind, the single most common cause of kite crashing is when the kite keeps spinning or turning upsidedown and diving: this is due to too much wind for the kite’s weight and trim. A tail automatically compensates for high winds by adding extra drag: without one you have to tailor the angle of your kite’s bridle to match the wind conditions. Also note that a tail is NOT supposed to be heavy: on the contrary, it should be as light as possible but catch lots of wind; this pulls the end of the kite back and flattens it against the wind.