Kitebuilder.com

Progcraft · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 6:49 pm Post subject: Wood dowels

G'day all.
So, I've come across Ramin, Poplar, and Oak dowels. I've used the Poplar for two kites and am useing Ramin for my new one.

What do you use for dowel? Any particular wood you prefer?

P.

KiteSquid · Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2004 9:25 am Post subject:

Carbon is my favorite "wood" to use in my kite building....

Seriously, Spruce is good and so is bass wood.

Bamboo, though technically a grass, works well too.
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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.

kiteguy · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2004 11:23 pm Post subject:

I prefer Ramin, because they are straight, cheap, and readily available. They are less stiff, but I find that plastic drinking straws make them much stronger. Kind of like thread wrapping, only much quicker.
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Dave Ellis
Kites + Kids = Education

Stan · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 764 Location: San Diego

Ramin are probably the best for consistancy. They seem to have replaced birch for common dowels. Rockler sells maple, birch, walnut and other woods that cost more than synthetic spars and weigh more.
Bamboo works well if you can find a source with a good selection, and don't mind the extra work of splitting and shaving them.

Stan