Arts & Crafts General Arts & Crafts How to make a Box Kite
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How to make a Box Kite |
| Written by Bill Hanks |
 I remember as a young boy always flying a Kite on a windy day in March or early April. We would load up our kite, string, and cloth tail and head for the nearest park that had a large open space. Most of the kites were all of the same shape. However, they would vary in size and color. There was always one boy that had a strange looking kite though. It looked like an over sized shoe box. I always thought to myself that he would never get it off the ground. Was I ever wrong. Once I saw the results I asked my dad to teach me how to construct a Box Kite.
A Box Kite is very similar to the 1900 version of the Wright Brothers aircraft. It is an excellent way to get a feel for aerodynamic forces. Kite flying is a delicate balance between weight and aerodynamic forces. The kite structure is made of sticks and string. The wood can be made of bamboo or balsa or a strong but light plastic tube. There are four main leg lengths of equal length. The width of the leg sticks (thickness) should be between 1/8 and 3/8 inches. Then there is four cross pieces (sections), that are made from sticks. All four of these have to be equal in lengths. The frame structure is held together by string where the legs are joined together by the cross pieces. This kite has four cross sections. However, some kites have only two. This is to keep the kite light weight. The kite must be strong to withstand the strong wind currents. The surface covering is attached to the string. Once the kite is strongly constructed a bridle string is connected to each end of the kite. The bridle string is then connected to the control or lift line. The lift line is the longer line that is used to elevate the kite to great heights. The dimensions on the size of a Box Kite can differ. I always use the following, 14 inches by 14 inches wide and 36 inches in length. You can also go by 16 inches in width. Just remember the width has to be identical at both ends of the Box Kite. The surface covering on a Box Kite is critical. I have used everything from newspaper to plastic. Keep in mind that it is attached to the string and goes over the legs. I suppose for stability you could also connect it to the wooden legs but, I have never done it that way. When the surface covering goes over the string area, it should be slightly longer because it has to go around the string. This is so it can be glued to the part of the surface covering to be held in place. I have experimented with different glues and cements. I have found that it doesn't matter as long as it is strong glue. Another tip on covering construction is to cut or have two pieces of paper or plastic that can be laid over each other. This way you can equal size. The surface coverings go at each end around the main structure. Give the glue plenty of time to dry. (up to a day,) The Box Kite was invented in 1892 by the name of Hargrave from Australia. His main goal was to use a Box Kite to lift observers for wars and battles. Although he is given a lot of credit, the fact is that both the Chinese and Japanese had the same idea years before. If building your own is not for you, you can always purchase them at a hobby or kite shop. You can even get them over the Internet. Below is a list of helpful web sites for you. Like the Wright Brothers did, you may have problems at time getting the Box Kite up where you want it. But once you do, it will be an exhilarating experience for you. www.worldwindkites.com
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