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KiteSquid · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:50 pm Post subject: Thread Wrapping of Tubes

In another thread Randy (kitepoor) asked me about thread wrapping spars, so I thought I should start another thread... so here goes:

Oh, BTW thread wrapping is done to add hoop strenth to tubes were they are internaly ferulled....

And to add visualy to an otherwise plain spar.

Steve D · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 820 Location: USA GA Newnan

Cabela's Catalog is another good source for rod wrapping thread and epoxy finishes. You can also use spar varnish from a hardware store as the finish over the wraps but it will take several coats. On the flip side, it tends to be a bit easier to work with than some of the fod finishes available.

To turn the spars think about using a rotisserie motor for an outdoor grill....

KiteSquid · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 1:51 pm Post subject:

Make sure that what ever you use to coat your spars is flexible, clear and easy enough for you to work with or it will be an un-enjoyable experience for you.

Try to find a custom rod builder in your area to learn from. I could not find one so I did most of my research here:

http://www.rodbuilding.org

BTW It was Glen Haynes who showed me this path to go down... it was at a Keystone Kiters workshop and he was wrapping the ends of a spar for a kite. I asked a few questions and got some wonderful input and ideas.

To turn many rods at once I made a pair of circles on a common shaft that had shock cord to hold threaded rods. I placed on them a nut, a washer, a round bead coated with a release agent so the epoxy would not bond to it, the spar, a bead, a washer, a nut. This was centered on the threaded shaft and tightened finger tight... coated and then hooked under the shock cord.

The common shaft was attached to a 16 RPM motor and left overnight. This way I could turn eight spars at once... it speeded up my process, but I should have made a larger wheel to accept 20 or more spars to really speed up the process... Hind sight is 20/20, while my foresight is very myopic.

As Steve D says, a rotisserie motor has plenty of power and turns at about the right speed too, but I would not recommend the battery operated ones. Try yard sales and plug it in to check it before you buy it if you don’t already own one.
_________________
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.

wdrwilson · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 2:04 pm Post subject:

Hi Squid,

Do you have a picture of your spar rotation aparatus?

Cheers,
Bill

KiteSquid · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 2:22 pm Post subject:

Nope, but I might take one tonight if I remember, and can find my camera, and.................... I'll try...
_________________
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.

stevef · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 5:12 pm Post subject:

Here is a picture of our "thread wrapping station" at Kite Studio. Thread wrapping is done on the machine in the front... after the epoxy is applied, the spars are set into the rack on the wall to dry.

Four motors are mounted on pegboard. This way it easy to add hooks at different spots to accomodate different spar lengths. You can also temporarily "ferrel" a couple rods together to dry several spars with one motor. You should also notice that each motor has a fan to help speed the dry. The fan turns MUCH faster than the spar.

The fore mentioned Clemens Tackel was about 5 minutes down the street from us and when they were in business we stocked many of the supplies for doing thread wrapping... unfurtunately when they closed their doors I stopped carry the supplies.... the demand in the kite market just wasnt there to continue carrying these items. The slow cure epoxy though, I can still order if anyone is interested.... and I have to place an order for our regular 30 minute epoxy next week, so let me know....

Another VERY good application for Thread Wrapping is on the tapered Feather Flag POles.... thread wrapping GREATLY extends their life span....
_________________
Steve Ferrel
Measure once, buy twice!

knotronda · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:01 pm Post subject:

I did some thread wrapping and did not have a clue what I was doing. I did not know there was somewhere to go for information. Thanks for all the help. Look out judges, here I come!

knot(ty)ronda

KiteSquid · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 9:33 am Post subject:

If you want to see what i think is the apex of thread wraping.... it is weaving, and some of the pictures that can be worked in is amazing and time consuming.

Look HERE to see a japanese man's site. he makes some wonderfull dragons, but he has HOURS in them...

The site is not the easyest to navagate, but well worth the time..

Go to the library and look fishing rod building especaly Clemens' books on the subjuct are easy to find....
_________________
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.

windjunkie · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 86

Squid,

That is an awesome site! I might have to look into this...
_________________
If we had enough string, I bet it would fly...

Jimbo64 · Joined: 01 Sep 2004 Posts: 10

This is an absolutely incredible hobby, I've been doing it for almost 20 years now. It can get expensive, but the reward is very enjoyable.

I'm sure I will find some cool ways to incorporate this into my kite future, lol.

C-ya, Jimbo.