Sports | Watersports » Instructions on how to Make a Power Kite

Source: http://www.doksinet Instructions on how to Make a Power Kite Power Kites also known as parastunters, flexifoils and parafoils can be both dual or Quad line. The unique cellular air frame harnesses the wind bringing a new excitement into the stunt and power kite realm. Portable, yet extremely powerful Some of these kites can be used in skiing, surfing, rollerblading, mountainboarding and wakeboarding. Power kiting is a thrilling combination of speed and flying that first appeared on the scene in 1970. The power kites are great for stunt flying as well as pulling beach buggies at great speed. Want to make your own power kite? Instructions 1.Look for power kite plans on line Stelios Alex for his free power kite plans that are available through his website. These kites are able to do cool tricks--far more than the normal every-day kite. 2.Choose a fabric for your power kite The fabric for the power kites main canopy should be very strong, such as polyester, or nylon ripstop. The

color or pattern is up to you Use Dacron for the inflatable tube panels which comprise the leading edge. Use Polyurethane or PVC or Polypropylene for the inflatable tubes. Purchase plenty of thick polyester thread to sew all the pieces of the power kite together. 3.Trace the pattern pieces to create one half of the main canopy onto the fabric youve chosen (either polyester or nylon ripstop). Remember to repeat this step twice for the other half of the power kites main canopy. Lay your pattern pieces for the inflatable tube panels for the leading edge of the power kite, the battens, and the panels of the wingtips on the Dacron, and trace around them. Use a ruler to add a five inch seam allowance around each pattern pieces 4.Number the fabric pieces you have traced with tailors chalk, starting with one and working your way upwards. The parts that are bigger and are nearer to the center of the canopy should have the lower numbers. The highest numbers should be given to the wing tips These

will be matched with the other half of the kite that are numbered in the same manner. Cut the fabric around the wider seam allowance with a hot cutting knife, which will prevent the fabric from fraying. Lay each piece of fabric out just as it would lie in the plans or when the power kite is finished. http://www.kitesfactorycom Source: http://www.doksinet 5.Sew the power kite together, starting with the main canopy Begin each seam from the leading edge of the wing and toward the back, not back to front. Construct the inflatable tube of the leading edge in the same manner. Once you have finished each straight-stitched seam, reinforce it by sewing a zig zag stitch over each seam. Fold over any raw edge and stitch it down so that they are not only hidden, but prevent the power kite from bursting. 6.Use a hot cutting knife to cut the fabric where the zippers will go This keeps the fabric from fraying. Choose only a plastic zipper for your power kite The power kite could land in the

ocean, where the salt water would corrode a metal zipper, weakening it. Sew the zipper where marked on Stelios plans. Be sure to sew with a straight stitch first, then reinforce it with a zip zag stitch afterward. 7.Begin making the inflatable batten by opening a hole for the valve, then reinforce it with a double layer of Dacron. Finish any raw edges Sew on the zipper at the tail end where the inflatable balloon will be inserted. Sew the inflatable batten together, but leave the excess fabric on the outside. Reinforce the front of the batten (on the leading edge) with an added layer of Dacron. Follow the plans and attach the inflatable battens onto the leading edge inflatable tube. Attach the wingtip batten to the canopy Leave one side open so you can insert the batten. 8.Close the leading edge of the inflatable tube by sewing from the center out to one end and then the other. Keep the excess fabric on the outside of the front of the tube Use extra heavy thread, as the front of the

inflatable tube will take most of the pressure inflicted on the power kite. Finish the excess fabric so that there arent any rough edges Attach the canopy to the inflatable tubes leading edge by sewing the excess fabric left on the outside of the tube. Begin on the trailing edge, and stop where it is marked in the plans. 9.Sew reinforcements on the front of the canopy to make the join or the seam connecting the canopy and the different panels even stronger. Use heavy-weight thread to finish the trailing edge and the tips by sewing around the edges. Attach the flying line connection straps onto the leading edge and the tail edge of the power kite. The straps need to be the length of the wingtip panels width. Use thick polyester rope to make pigtails that will be used to attach the connection straps. 10.Take your power kite flying and have fun! http://www.kitesfactorycom