How to Build a Delta Kite

Step-by-Step—Page 3 of 4

The MBK 2-Skewer Delta

How to Build a Delta Kite
Keel

Dacron line in 20 to 50-pound strength is suitable for all the Skewer Series kites.

Mark out a triangle on some spare plastic, as per the dimensions on the template.
Cut out the triangle and tape down two lengths of flying line onto one side, as visible in the photo. Use sticky tape, not electrical tape.
Now flip the plastic over and tape down another two lengths of flying line, directly over the first two.
Also lay down tape along the remaining edge of the keel, on both sides of the plastic.
Reinforce the keel by sticking down and wrapping extra bits of tape where the pieces of line come out, making sure the plastic remains flat.
Where the four pieces of line come together, tie a Multi-Strand Simple knot close to the plastic, then tie another one further out, as in the photo.

Using a spare skewer, poke two holes in the plastic sail 0.55 SL (16 cm, 6 3/8 in.) from the nose of the kite. One hole on either side of the vertical spar.
Thread the upper keel lines through and tie off tightly.
Poke the bottom two holes in the plastic, using the keel itself to find the exact spot, thread the lower lines through and tie off tightly.
With the keel flat against the plastic sail, add sticky tape between the knots, attaching the keel to the sail plastic. Then flip the keel over and do the other side.

How to Build a Delta Kite
Tail

The 2-Skewer Delta - attaching the tail.

Have you read the page on making kite tails? Assuming you have:

Make up a tail from a black garbage bag, making sure it is at least four times as long as the delta kite itself.
Attach the tail by poking one end between the bottom of the vertical spar and the sail plastic.
Pull the rest of the tail through the loop, but don't over-tighten—see the photo.

How to Build a Delta Kite
Spreader Bow

The 2-Skewer Delta - bowing the spreader

Cut off a piece of flying line about 1.0 SL (29 cm, 11 1/2 in.) long, and another one about 2.0 SL (58 cm, 23 in.) long.
Tie the lines to the spar and pass the longer line through the two loops—see the photo below.
Put a bow into the spreader, securing the truckie's knot with a couple of Half Hitches. Each tip of the spreader should be at least 0.1 SL (3 cm, 1 in.) above the tabletop.
Put a drop of glue on both the knots that have been tied against the bamboo; they must never come loose!

Hint: To stop the knots slipping along the bamboo, it helps to prop up one end of the spreader to 0.2 SL (6 cm, 2 1/4 in.) and weigh down the middle of the spreader with a heavy object, before gently tightening the line. See the photo above. Leave until the glue is dry.