Construction FAQs

This page has been prepared as a result of the questions you have asked concerning construction of the kites. All questions will be considered for inclusion here. If you do not want to see your comments listed here, please let me know.

Is it possible to add registration marks to the printed sheets?

I have started adding a grid of lines to the plans to aid in the layout. If you want a specific set of plans, let me know and I will regenerate them with the grid in place. The grid lines are 200mm apart horizontally and vertically

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Can I have the files in DXF format?

I can do this for you. Just ask. However, be aware that in tests, I have found that importing the DXF file into AutoCad, they do not tend to come out the right size. Check the dimensions of the objects before printing, otherwise you will end up with some very expensive wallpaper!

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What should I use to make my kites?

The best fabric available on the market today is Toray Chikara. It comes in around 20 colours and is fade resistant and double-coated so does not take on water, making it ideal for kitesurf kites. It is also very light (at about 43g/m2). However, you may feel that Chikara is too expensive if you are just starting out. In that case, you can use Carrington kite fabric or whatever equivalent is available (make sure it is around 40-45g/m2). This is a little heavier than Chikara but much cheaper (at least, in the UK). However, it does not last as well and is more prone to fading. For bridling, I use 45-60kg Dacron as it is inexpensive and supports "knotless loops". One down-side of dacron is that it is a bit stretchy. You can use Dyneema/Spectra (50-80kg) if you prefer but it is very slippery and difficult to knot. I also find it is prone to tangle very easily. You could also use sleeved Dyneema. Ideally, the loops should be stitched rather than knotted, if you can figure out how to do it (ask me and I will supply guidance or look here for pictures of how I do it). Finally, I finish the bridling with 230kg Hydro Line from Flexifoil (http://www.flexifoil.com).

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Where can I find all the materials I need to build a kite?

There are a number of good suppliers of kite making materials in the UK and Europe. In the UK, you could try Kites Up (http://www.kitesup.co.uk) or Chalkies (http://www.chalkies.co.uk). I have purchased fabric from all three and have been very satisfied with the service. (Any other traders out there who want to be listed? mail me and I will consider adding your name). In Europe, you can obtain fabric, bridle line, flying line etc from Vlieger OP in the Netherlands (http://www.vliegerop.nl).

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How much will a kite cost to make?

The main costs of the kite are the fabric and bridling. In addition, you need thread (must be nylon or polyester, ideally bonded nylon or polyester no. 60) sticky ripstop for reinforcement around the cross-vents and ribbon for reinforcing the vent openings and tip flares. If you want to use gauze on the vents, you need that too (in this case, you do not need to apply ribbon to the vent openings). Fabric costs between £3.00 and £3.50 in the UK for Carrington seconds, or around £6.00 for Chikara. You need around four times the area of the kite, so a 3m kite takes 12m of fabric. A 5m roll of sticky ripstop (ar around £5) will do 2-3 kites. I use 22mm nylon ribbon for the tip flares and 12mm for reinforcing the vent openings. However, you could also use sticky ripstop for this job.

For bridling, it is best to use 50kg sleeved dyneema at around 15p/m. You can also use 60kg Dacron (a 2000m spool costs around £60 from http://www.vliegerop.nl) and will do loads of kites! I reckon on spending around £100 to build a 4.5m kite.

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I still have questions. Where else can I get information?

If you need assistance, you should first send me an EMail and I will try to help you to move forward. I would suggest that you also try to get a good book on kite construction. Books such as "Stunt Kites" and "Stunt Kites II" are great at telling you the fundamentals of kite construction.

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If you do not find the information you need either in the construction notes or in the answers above, please Click here

Last revised: 08/08/2003