How To Build A Delta Kite

2-Skewer Delta: Template, Tips, Step-By-Step eBook

Here's how to build a Delta kite! The Template and Tips might be sufficient, otherwise try the step-by-step eBook containing the MBK 2-Skewer Delta Kite instructions. In fact, the eBook covers the entire 2-Skewer Series of MBK kites.

The Template and Tips below should be enough if you are keen kite person. If you have put together a number of kites before, with a few different kinds of bridles, the 2-Skewer Delta will be quite easy. Everything you need, apart from the skewers perhaps, might already be lying around your house somewhere. I'm assuming you know how to build a Delta kite with low overall weight and appropriate knots.

The MBK 2-Skewer Delta Kite is a medium-sized delta 96 cm across and 58 cm tall, with a single tail. The spreader is bowed to give extra stability and shorten the amount of tail required. Hence it's a bit different to a store-bought Delta!

The 2-Skewer Delta is a very nice light-to-moderate wind flier. Watch it go straight overhead when a thermal comes through! However, like other Deltas it's not too stable in fresh winds.

The template shown above represents one side of the kite sail of course.

How To Build A Delta Kite - Tips

• 30cm bamboo BBQ skewers worked well for me. You might be working with 12" skewers, which is pretty much the same. Butt 2 skewers together for each spar, gluing on short lengths of bamboo to reinforce the joins.
• Try positioning the template so the edge of a bag becomes the center-line of the kite.
• For more durability, edge the sail (but not the tabs) with sticky tape. Over-doing it will increase weight and decrease stability though!
• Position a spreader just behind the upper attachment point of the keel.
• Tie a simple tail to the vertical spar. A length of about 4 times the height of the kite is a good starting point. Being an old hand, I'm sure you will experiment with more or less tail, depending on how the kite flies!

Just getting back to that eBook again, it's a nice reference if you want to try a whole range of different kites from time to time. The info is pitched at the beginner, with very detailed instructions on a range of kite-making topics.

However, the book is well-organized so the more experienced kite-maker can quickly scroll through and pick out bits of detail that are helpful or interesting. The long Table Of Contents helps too!

Click here for more info on the eBook 8 MBK Kites To Make - The Complete 2-Skewer Series.

How To Build A Delta Kite - Flying!

You know how to fly, so I won't elaborate here. Except to say that we have had many enjoyable flights with the 2-Skewer Delta! As long as you don't let out a huge amount of line, it will happily sail around at a 60 degree or more line angle in light winds. On a 20 pound line, this kite is capable of flying for ages between 300 and 400 feet. When the wind becomes too fresh for it, this Delta will warn you by flapping its wings!

Our original was made from bright orange 2-ply plastic, which worked well despite not being the very lightest sail plastic around. Bamboo has such a great strength to weight ratio.

Here's a picture of the MBK 2-Skewer Delta Kite, being brought down after its first test flight. The kite touched 50 meters altitude on a 50 meter line. Yes, it soars nicely on small patches of rising air! Have fun flying, and I hope you've enjoyed learning how to build a Delta kite.

Have fun flying, and I hope you've enjoyed seeing how to build a Delta kite the MBK way!

By the way, if you would rather make an even smaller Delta that is half as tall as the 2-Skewer design, why not try the 1-Skewer Delta kite instead. Or, going twice as tall, the nice big Dowel Delta kite could be just the ticket!

Last updated: 6 Jan 2010