Accessories

Fig. 22  larger view

In this section there will be found instructions and illustrations for making a number of things which add to the enjoyment of kite flying.

Reel

A reel or winder may be regarded as a necessity. It is not merely something upon which the line is wound. If the line is thought of as being the 'motor', then obviously the reel assists it in its important function. Obviously, the size of the reel will be governed by the size of the kite, and the amount and thickness of the line. Therefore the measurements given here may be suited to indivi­dual requirements.

The reel shown in Fig. 22 is of a convenient size. As will be seen, it is a revolving spindle type, with a simple locking device, which enables the operator to have a hand free at times to attend to other things.

The reel is made up of eleven separate parts, and is constructed as follows. Cut two 4 in. diameter circles from 3/16 in. plywood, as at A. Cut 7/8 in. diameter holes through the centres. The spindle, B, is formed from I in. diameter round rod, and measures 61/4 in. in length. Cut two side pieces, as at C, measuring 5 in. x 41/8 in. Use wood, 1/2 in. thick.

Drill 7/8 in. diameter holes through them at the positions shown. Make them slightly over-size, by means of a round file, so that the spindle revolves freely. The base, D, measures 5 in. x 41/8 in. and is made from wood, 1/2 in. thick.

Fit the spindle to the circular pieces. The left-hand piece is glued 5/8 in. from one end of the spindle; the right-hand piece, 11/4 in. from the other end. Attach the side pieces to this unit. Place thin washers on the spindle between these sides and the circular pieces. Next, add the base, D. Use glue and 1 in. fine flat-headed screws, and counter-sink the holes for them. Place the base between the side pieces, otherwise the subsequent measurements will be wrong.

The handle is in two parts, E and F. E measures 33/4 in. x 2 in. and is cut from wood which is 1/2 in. thick. Cut two 7/8 in. diameter holes, 1/2 in. from the top and the bottom. Make them slightly under-size, to ensure a good fit for the spindle, and the rod, F, both of which should need tapping home with a mallet.