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Re: Kite build project

Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 6:28 pm
by BigPaul
Excellent work, great to see it in the air.

Let see it in anger. :D

Re: Kite build project

Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 8:35 pm
by Gigi;)
@zmax kudos for the kite! :)

SInce I came from hobby design world (kite-stuff.org) I'd be happy to support you with drtuba.eu items! Have a lot of stuff, contact me if you need anything.

:thumb: :bye:

Re: Kite build project

Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 8:56 pm
by Gigi;)
PS: you'll remove flutter with simple triangle cut-offs between struts at TE (but play with correct lengths 1st) or place a simple batten there (maybe a better option for a start). I'd get rid of that Y front lines because you will get better behaviour from the kite if front lines are full length.

Re: Kite build project

Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 10:21 pm
by zmax
Thanks for the tip Gigi. I'll have to try that. Looks like you made several kite yourself. Your kites look very good! Nice video too. I like the progression of your kite designs, and looks like your construction has improved with each kite.

Re: Kite build project

Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 7:37 am
by Gigi;)
You're welcome! Sadly I have no time to do hobby stuff anymore...

:bye:
zmax wrote:Thanks for the tip Gigi. I'll have to try that. Looks like you made several kite yourself. Your kites look very good! Nice video too. I like the progression of your kite designs, and looks like your construction has improved with each kite.

Re: Kite build project

Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 7:54 pm
by Bille
AWESOME Build there --zmax-- !!!

FUN wasn't it ??
Learning something New, is as Fun as the Build !
Gigi;) wrote:PS: you'll remove flutter with simple triangle cut-offs between struts at TE (but play with correct lengths 1st) or place a simple batten there (maybe a better option for a start). I'd get rid of that Y front lines because you will get better behaviour from the kite if front lines are full length.

Yes , All the above is true ; also, just the width of a pencil line off on the
applying of your seam-stick & parts will translate into a wrinkle on the TE.

After Ya figure out your TE, (trailing edge) you can apply This stuff to it and
keep it the intended way you designed for many years , they also sell seconds
to keep the price down.
http://www.kitebuilder.com/catalog/prod ... 5d3b2eaa6c

Bille

Re: Kite build project

Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 7:57 pm
by Bille
I Also got a Kite-Build going on ; will post progress on it
in a few weeks .

Bille


Ps : this place Also sells a good variety of Cool stuff, including
the reinforced Mylar sandwich.

http://www.sailrite.com/

Re: Kite build project

Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 2:51 am
by shawn13
Very cool and interesting!

Re: Kite build project

Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 11:31 pm
by reyrivera
Cool, glad somebody posted this thread, thanks zmax.

I have a few questions for people who are kite builder hobbyists here. I posted the same message on yahoo groups inflatodesign, re-posting it here just in case I get a faster response:

I am using the surfplan hobby software, and I just finished building the layout for a 3 meter inflatable bridled kite, printed the plan, taped the 90+ pages of layout pattern, and finally, the patterns have been cut to their appropriate individual pieces.

My materials have arrived (ripstop cloth, dacron, lines, bladder material, etc.), and I am now ready to trace my pattern to the cloth, cut and sew.

I noticed that the patterns do not include the sewing points for the bridle connections and valve positions for the leading edge and struts.

1) Is there a way in surfplan to include these items in the layout? Or, did I
just make a mistake on my plan and accidentally remove these marks?

2) If the sew points for the bridles are not shown in the hobby software, do I have to make the marks on my own in the pattern and then transfer the marks to cloth?

Regards,
Rey

Re: Kite build project

Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 10:05 am
by TopLine
I did a home build back in 2004 when two line inflatables were pretty much all you could buy on the market. No software back then to design off. As a sailmaker I had access to high quality Dacron and nylon rip-stop for materials (actually it was free off-cuts from customers jobs over-orders). I used one of my old Naish 7 meter two line kites to template off and salvaged the bladders. Re cut the wing tips to allow forward attachments for front lines and rear attachments for rear lines. I had to buy a Carbon tube to drill the center out and run chicken loop and bridle system off. The kite to myself and the guys a kited with flew awesome. I ended up winning some beach race's that were run that season. I did not have much cash back then as a young keen sailor/sailmaker and could not afford new kites every season.

My kite lasted about one summer until the bladder finally gave out to many times. After that it was not worth buying a new bladder to keep her in the air.

I did not ever make another as I estimated about 15-20 hours to complete it and lucky for me I started working for an oil company and can now afford new gear any time I need it. I am still keen to try another couple of kite builds planned off CAD software. I would just like to find some place I can get custom made Bladders? Anyone know?

To fabricate a really good project you will need a fair amount of professional know how, also highly recommend a commercial style Machine that can stitch straight and 3 step zig zag. Also a good quality nylon thread and large wood table or floor for pinning it all out straight.

Its a lot of fun making and flying your own creation, especially when out on the water with your own brand blazing on the wing tips - So many people could not believe that it can be done just in a garage.

If you need performance out of I kite, you really are best to just buy a production model.

Happy building who ever takes it on. Good times :D