Date:	Sat, 15 Oct 1994 19:57:00 -1000
From:	sean.parker@windmill.com (Sean Parker)
Message-Id: <59.156.3964@windmill.com>
Organization: The Windmill Company BBS - 806-792-6116
Subject: Big Wind Kite?

I've been playing around with making several of the different kites in 
_The Penguin Book of Kites_ (who hasn't?).  I'm trying to fit all 
materials into a pauper's budget.  Some of the materials may be a bit 
sub-optimal, but I don't feel bad if I screw up a prototype made of only 
plastic sheeting, dowels, string, tape and hot glue (also using 
newspaper and bamboo).  I also *like* making kites out of simple 
materials.  I'm not sure why.

Given my preferred materials (budget), what would you suggest I make to 
handle really strong winds (today was 20mph with gusts to 40mph.  About 
the time my kites started seriously upward, the gales gave 'em a big 
body slam)?  Should I forget my current construction methods?  Is the 
wind just too strong for normal-sized kites (roughly 3 feet long or 
wide)?

I made a box-delta that handled the big winds pretty well until the spar 
snapped.  I'd really like to hear opinions and experiences.

Down but never daunted,
Sean
---
 * CMPQwk #1.4 * UNREGISTERED EVALUATION COPY


 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =