How To Make A Delta Kite

Dowel Delta: Template, Tips, Step-By-Step eBook

Here's how to make a Delta kite! The Template and Tips might be sufficient, otherwise try the step-by-step eBook for making the MBK Dowel Delta Kite. Every kite in the Dowel series is made to be transportable, rolling up into a convenient long, slim package like a Sled.

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 Dowel Delta should not be much of a challenge! Everything you need, apart from the dowels perhaps, might already be lying around your house somewhere. I'm assuming you know how to make a Delta kite with low overall weight and appropriate knots.

The MBK Dowel Delta is a tail-less design that is 1.2 meters tall and has a wingspan of just over 2.6 meters. Like many other MBK kites, the horizontal spar is bowed. This Delta is a light to moderate wind flier.

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

How To Make A Delta Kite - Tips

• 5mm oak dowels worked well for me. You might look at using 3/16" dowels, which is pretty much the same.
• You might need a separate bag for each side of this kite, because of its size!
• For more durability, edge the sail (not the tabs) with sticky tape.
• The gap between the 2 tabs on each leading edge shows where to position the horizontal spar.
• Attach the rear end of the keel just inside the edging tape of the trailing edge.

The step by step instructions for this Delta are also included in an eBook covering the entire Dowel series. It's a nice reference if you want to eventually make a whole range of different kites, of similar size. The info is pitched at the beginner, with very detailed instructions on a range of kite-making topics. Including the technique for making the kites transportable. This is explained individually for each kite.

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 Dowel Series.

How To Make A Delta Kite - Flying!

You know how to fly, so I won't elaborate here. Except to say that we have had some really enjoyable flights with this sizable Delta, in very light winds. This kite will easily reach 400 feet above ground on a 50 pound flying line. With its central towing point, it's important to get an even curvature across the horizontal spar. The fresher the wind, the more this kind of im-balance will show up! The video shows part of the very first flight of this design.

In the picture over there, the Delta was being held on a short line while gentle late-afternoon gusts caused it to surge up and down a few meters at a time. Even in moderate breezes, the pulling forces on this kite are quite low despite its size.

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

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

Last updated: 9 Mar 2010