An Unusual Question

[crokett]

One of my kites is a 4-line stunt kite. Kinda neat to watch it fly backwards. Anyway, haven't flown in a loong time but wanted to this weekend. I lost one of the handles. Was thinking of making a replacement set. The existing handle is aluminum about 1/2" dia. Looks something like this:



Each handle has 2 150lb test lines attached, one each end. I guess that means the handle has to withstand up to 300lbs total pulling on it. I can get the profile from the existing handle but wanted to know how wide a piece of wood has to be to withstand that without shearing. Assume it is oak or walnut, 3/4 stock. And to get the profile, would a bent lamination or simply cutting it to shape be stronger?

[Copper]

I don't have a direct answer to your question, but do you really think a kite is going to be able to pull 600 lbs (300lbs on each lever)? If so, would you be able to hang onto it in the first place?

My guess is that solid wood would hold better. Laminated ply would likely splinter on the outside of the bend faster but I'm not sure what the splintering point would be on either. A test would be to put a piece across a couple of sawhorses and put a bunch of weight in the middle.

[sacherjj]

Having been dragged across the beach with one of these, they can pull darn near 300 pounds when you get them going too hard in high winds.

I don't think the strength is a problem for the handle. Your biggest concern if a very nice smooth path for the line. Any serious edges will cause the line to snap. The shape of the handle will control the characteristics of the kite handling a little. I would probably start with a straight piece and add a little wood on the string side to recreate the "V" shape if handling wasn't as good with a straight piece.

[Greg in Maryland]

David

When I was practicing Aikido (a Japanese martial arts) we had long staffs (called a Jo) made out of hickory. These staffs were routinely subjected to intensive strikes and blows and never cracked, disintegrated or even dented. Hickory would be my choice.

Greg

[bmyers]

I think I'd go with steam bent hickory. If you cut out the shape, somewhere along the line there will be a section of grain that won't hold up because it's a cross-grain pull.

Hickory is a popular wood for tool handles where alot of force gets pounded through there. Maybe a replacement handle for a sledge hammer would work?

Hard edged through holes won't be good but your not really attaching a kevlar line the handle itself I assume. There will be a short piece of nylon loop attached between the handle and the kevlar?

I'm old school I guess, I only have 2 line arm pullers but you can stack them. Its fun digging trenches at with beach with your heels.

Have fun!!

Bill

[crokett]

I ended up buying a new set of handles this weekend. Thought about it on the way down and if I waited till I could make some handles I wouldn't be flying that kite for the next few years at least.

Bill, my collection also has a double stack of 6' flexifoils. Used to have an 8' one but it got stolen a while ago. Have a couple 2 line-stunters in addition to a 4-line delta stunter. It is not quite as responsive as the Revolution but it is still neat to watch it fly. Then I have all my single lines and the assorted line laundry.