How To Build A Rokkaku Kite
Step-by-Step - Page 1 of 3
The MBK 2-Skewer Rokkaku
This set of instructions on how to build a Rokkaku kite assumes you know absolutely nothing about kite making. You might already have some of the simple tools and materials required.
MBK 2-Skewer Rokkaku
MBK 2-Skewer RokkakuAnything you don't have is
easily bought. If not exactly what I used, then at least something
pretty similar!
The MBK 2-Skewer Rokkaku Kite is a medium-sized Rokkaku 58cm (23") across and 73cm (29") tall.
Some 'dihedral' on both the horizontal spars gives ample stability for flight without a tail.
Also, the bridle allows the lower spar to bend a little more when the wind picks up, giving a bit more stability when needed.
This 2-Skewer Rokkaku is an efficient light wind flier. Take it out when it seems there's barely enough wind to fly!
When looking at this kite, I am always reminded of the day when someone came walking across the flying field. They traversed the entire field from corner to corner without realizing that the Rok was directly above, at around 200 feet. With me staring at 'nothing'. :-)
Making Skewer Kites is my handy download of printable step-by-step instructions. This design and all the other 1-Skewer and 2-Skewer designs are covered.
Like to see a video clip? Just scroll down to near the end...
How To Build A Rokkaku Kite
Sail
Now's the time to read up on the 'tools' and materials required for making a Skewer kite, if you haven't already.
The template shown above represents one side of the kite sail. You will now transfer these measurements to the sail plastic as follows...
- Take a light plastic bag that will fit the entire Template shape within one side, and lay it flat on the floor.
- Mark dots on the plastic, corresponding to the corners of the Template. There is no need to use a T-square, since any small error will be duplicated on the other side of the sail. And it will make hardly any difference to how the kite flies.
- Using the marking pen, rule lines between the dots to create the Template shape.
- Flip the plastic bag over, and trace over all the black lines using your marker pen and ruler.
- Cut out a rectangular section of the bag containing the kite sail.
- Open out the bag and lay it flat on the floor - you can now see the complete sail outline, as in the first photo.
- Run clear sticky tape along every straight line, leaving most of the tape on the inside of the sail edges.
- Cut along the black lines with scissors, to create the sail. See the close-up photo.
Making Skewer Kites is my handy download of printable step-by-step instructions. This design and all the other 1-Skewer and 2-Skewer designs are covered.
I can tell you love kites...
Otherwise you wouldn't be all the way down here near the bottom of the page :-)
So, could you do me just a small favor?
Please sign up for my free monthly publication, "Tethered Flying". No other emails will be sent, and your details are safe with me. You do need to be at least 16 years old. There's...
- A huge "photo of the month" (via a link)
- 3 "tips of the month" (one each for beginners, parents and the more experienced)
- A "flight report of the month" (selected from my own flying logs, with a photo)
- A Monthly Special discount code for a big compilation How to e-book.
Looking forward to hearing from you...
P.S. My free kite-making e-book "Simplest Dowel Kites" can be downloaded as soon as you sign up.
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P.S. Keep an eye out for books by kite author Glenn Davison, a prominent kite person in the USA.
What's New!
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Flight Report:
Tetra TerrificAug 19, 19 08:31 PM
... after a few tweaks on-field! ... The breeze outside was somewhat less than forecast, but would support the 10-Cell Skewer Tetrahedral. Bamboo! Just in case of persistent low wind, the red Dowel Ro…
Wind Speeds
Light Air
1-5 km/h
1-3 mph
1-3 knots
Beaufort 1
Light breeze
6–11 km/h
4–7 mph
4–6 knots
Beaufort 2
Gentle ...
12–19 km/h
8–12 mph
7–10 knots
Beaufort 3
Moderate ...
20–28 km/h
13–18 mph
11–16 knots
Beaufort 4
Fresh ...
29–38 km/h
19–24 mph
17–21 knots
Beaufort 5
Strong ...
39–49 km/h
25–31 mph
22–27 knots
Beaufort 6
High Wind
50-61 km/h
32-38 mph
28-33 knots
Beaufort 7
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Hey - grab your free e-book first :-)
I'm referring to Simplest Dowel Kites, my popular kite-making download. It's a printable PDF file. Make a diamond, delta or sled. Each kite is capable of flying hundreds of feet up for hours on end.
Could you do me just a small favor though?
Please sign up for my free monthly publication, "Tethered Flying". No other emails will be sent, and your details are safe with me. You need to be at least 16 years old. There's...
- A huge "photo of the month" (via a link)
- 3 "tips of the month" (one each for beginners, parents and the more experienced)
- A "flight report of the month" (selected from my own flying logs, with a photo)
- A Monthly Special discount code for a big compilation How to e-book.
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