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Progcraft · Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2004 2:52 pm Post subject: Re: Tried that...what a mess.

I'd bet it's the fabric-store Ripstop. It's a bit strecty right?
I had the same problem when building a box delta. I quickly learned to not use that fabric anymore for thngs that require a great deal of accuracy

Kitesquid · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 7:02 am Post subject:

Now that I reread the original question of Fred, I do notice that he is using "Apparel Grade" fabric.

It is NOT satable. it streatches on the bias a lot more than spinaker fabrics do..

Buy some fabric from Kite Studio, and you will be a lot happier kite builder.
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

Fred · Joined: 10 Aug 2004 Posts: 70 Location: Derry, NH

I picked up a Fiskars rotary cutter this weekend. Well...what'd'ya know? It's basically a pizza wheel . . . only a real dangerous one. Smile

The thing works great! I do need more cutting mat/surface though as moving the little mat the that came in the 'kit' disturbs the material alignment. But I can see how this puppy would cut through a number of layers -- SHARP! ...and fast.

Also, I received a number of suggestions regarding the gummy-needle-goober problems I'm experiencing. I pretty much cleaned-out Ben Franklin's supply of 90/14 needles this weekend. I bought a big jug of alcohol to soak needles in. Now I'm getting use to stopping to swap out gummy needles. I'm also trying to position the seam-tape so I don't have to sew through it quite so much. Taken as a whole...it's an improvement.

...still plenty to learn. Thanks for the suggestion, folks! I appreciate the help.
_________________
Kiting since 1964...
TreeProof since 1979.

Kitesquid · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 7:16 am Post subject:

Check into the rotary cutter sharpeners. Cheeper than buying new blades.

I also removed the corse side and replaced it with even finer sand paper... SHARP disks!!!
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

Stan · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 545 Location: San Diego

Fred, keep an eye out for rust on the needles. Alcohol can encourage the red menace. A drop of oil in the mix might help.