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Here is a kite of unusual design, which looks very attractive in flight. The time and care needed in the construction will be amply repaid by its performance. Being a multi-frame type, it is important to maintain the correct proportions of every part.
The first stage is to make the framework. The backbone A, in 1/4 in. square stripwood, is 1 ft. 6 in. in length. The crossbars, B, C, and D are formed from thin split cane. B is 1 ft. 3 in. in length, and C and D are 1 ft. Groove them at the ends. The crossbars must now be formed in a bow shape. This is achieved by applying dry heat to the bars whilst the shaping is being done. The curve is retained by means of bowstrings, tied to each end of the bars. The depth of the curve for the largest crossbar is 11/2 in. at the centre, and the curves on the other two must correspond to this. Check that this is so by laying the smaller bars in turn on the larger one. The curves on all the canes should match.
Fix the crossbars to the backbone. The larger one is lashed to the centre of the backbone. The two smaller ones are attached at points 3 in. from the top and the bottom of the backbone. Glue 1/2 in. blocks of stripwood to the latter on either side of the crossbars, to help to hold them in place. Smear the binding string with glue to stiffen it, and treat all further bindings in the same way.
Centre cane, such as is used in basketry and cane furniture, is used for the shaped framework, because it is easy to form in sharp curves. Use cane which is 3 mm. in diameter, and before
shaping it, soak it in water for an hour. The outer curve, E, requires a piece which is 4 ft. in length. Lash it at its centre to a point which is near to the top of the backbone. Glue a small strip-wood block to the backbone just below and touching the joint, which will act as a buffer for the cane. Cover the joint with a glued strip of cloth, and treat all the ends of the framework in the same way, as shown in Fig. 13.
Now with a pencil mark a position which is 21/4 in. from each end of the centre crossbar. Glue small blocks to the bar, on the inside of the pencil marks. Bend the cane round, so that it rests against the blocks, and lash it securely in place.
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