My first build

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[stapp59]

I know a lot of folks here build kites and this one is not that special but it is my first complete build and I'm pleased. 

I think Paul Shirey was tired of me cutting holes in his kites so he offered me a Sano 'kit' of cut panels and Dacron reinforcements.  I added the thread, frame and bridle.  It took me a few months to get the shop together and one long weekend to do the actual project.  My build is on the right.




Pics here: http://picasaweb.google.com/stapp59/SanoBuild#

[Schook]

 
Nice job Steve.

jim

[chilese]

If you're going to get a kit kite, a Paul Shirey model is a fine choice.

Love to see those stacked. 

[DD]

Paul was talkin about a "build your own" kit at cleveland, been tempted to try that myself. Looks Nice, glad to see you got it done.

[art]

1st rate, you should be proud.

[tommymcmillan]

Great job! Love the vibrant colors.

[stapp59]

Thanks for the comments folks!  Added a link to some additional build pics.

@Chilese, Have not thought about stacking them but pairs would be nice in the right winds. They are framed as Std lights with P100 LEs and 3PT spreaders.

My favorite stack is a set of three Mambas.  Recently converted them to full variable vents to better control the amount of foot dragging pull in bigger winds!

[Flying Fish]

Good job, Steve! They will look really nice in the sky as a pair; get the wife interested!

I built my first kite earlier this year (a Wazo 3-liner) and I know the feeling of seeing your firstborn take to the sky for the first time.

[Tony]

What a great job - much respect - to you

I hope to aspire to the quality that you have achieved - mucho impressed with your skills!


how hard was the stiching? - how much overlap did you use between panels? - did you glue the seams before stitching?

so many questions..... so little time

I look forward to seeing your next build:D

again GREAT JOB - be PROUD! 

[stapp59]

What a great job - much respect - to you

I hope to aspire to the quality that you have achieved - mucho impressed with your skills!

Appreciate the comments Tony!  You'll find several examples of excellent builds in this section of the forum as well as links to building techniques and plans.  Ian has links posted at the top of this section.

how hard was the stiching? - how much overlap did you use between panels? - did you glue the seams before stitching?

so many questions..... so little time

I look forward to seeing your next build:D

again GREAT JOB - be PROUD! 

You need a good machine and some practice time. There is no substitute for either.  You get good with practice on quality equipment.

Panels are taped together with double sided tape 1/4" wide.  Sewing the panels is actually one of the easier steps.  The initial taping takes more time than running the fabric through the machine.

If you are serious, read all the links mentioned above.  Attend a builders workshop if possible.  Invest in a good machine, several models are recommended for kite building. Find some plans for a kite you want to build.  Buy enough material for at least two kites and plan to make some mistakes at first. Part of the process 

After this project, I have even more respect for the master builders out there.

[Tony]

Thanks for the great advice - much appreciated

now it's time to delve into the forums and learn stuff

[oyehut1955]

very nice steve.. now..  how does it fly???

love the white sail.. how long did it take you?

[stapp59]

very nice steve.. now..  how does it fly???

love the white sail.. how long did it take you?

Thanks Deb.  Had it out just this evening.  Flies just like a Sano should.  Still one of my favorite kites.

It took a long weekend to put the whole thing together.  Will certainly get faster with experience. This could get addictive 

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