| The Rokkaku kite
comes from Japan, and means six sided. They are usually either 1 metre or 2 metres in size, but this smaller size is quick and simpler to make. It requires some skill and patience, but can be made in a couple of hours. The materials can be found fairly easily too. For workshops cut out and prepare a template beforehand. | |
|
Materials: |
| How to make your kite:
Clear the table and lightly tape the corners
of the sheet of Mylar to the table to keep it under control.
Make sure you lay it best face down to the table.
Lay your template onto the sheet and anchor it in place with four baked
bean cans.
Mark up using a fine point felt tip pen - don't forget to mark the
bridle points.
Remove the template and lay tape all along the outline using the
Diamond Tape, overlapping the edge by approx. one third. Also tape over
the bridle points. The reverse of the bridle points will need taping over
later too.
Remove the tapes securing the kite to the table and carefully cut out
the outline. Take care to work accurately as this will effect the final
balance. Pierce holes for the bridle and place tape over the other side of
the holes.
Cut the spine spar to length and tape in place with approx. one and
half inches of tape top and bottom and one centrally.
Cut one cross spar to length and then cut other to match so they are
identical. Tape these in place at each end and add a small piece midway
between the spine and the edge.
Using a large needle thread up some bridle line and thread through the
bridle points, tie to the spine and the cross spars with a knot on the
diagonal.
Use a spot of super-glue to lock in place.
Mark one and a half inches in from each end of the cross spars for the
tension cords. Tie up a small loop and tie at the mark at one end of each
cross spar. Tie a length of line long enough to use as a tensioning cord
to the mark at the other end of the cross spars. Use some super glue to
secure these in place. The tensioning cords are tied in a slip knot to
tension the kite - approx. one and a half inches of bow seems about right.
A small plastic ring, a button or a proper line tensioner can be used to
correctly tension the tensioning line.
Hang by the bridle and check the balance. Small errors can be adjusted
by adding a piece of tape to the lighter side.
Now is the time to go out and fly your kite. | |
IMPORTANT - never fly near airports, railways or major roads. Keep away from animals, and do not fly your kite over other people. Keep to a 60 metre height limit - you may need permission to fly above this height. | |
Please acknowledgdge The Midlands Kite Fliers if you do copy out the plan. Thanks.