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Steve D · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 513 Location: USA GA Newnan

Mornin' folks.

I need to shorten the spars for della porta #2 since I made the sail a little smaller than the original dimensions. I'm using Avia Carbon. I don't have access to a spar cutter but can probably get my hands on a Dremel tool and can get a hack saw for sure. Any tips on how to go about it? Seems I remember reading to wrap the spot I want to cut with tape to prevent splintering...

Thanks for the help...

Kitesquid · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 8:27 am Post subject:

The best way I have found is to use an abrasive wheel...no taping is nessesary.

You can find them to fit your dremel.

If you cant find one, you can use a FINE tooth hack saw, like 36 TPI or higher. 50 TPI is better...

Wrap the area to be cut with electrical tape and slowly cut the spar.

Rotate it so you are cutting twards the center of the spar..

Take your time.
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

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

Steve D · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 513 Location: USA GA Newnan

Thanks Squid! Just the info I was looking for...

Kitesquid · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 9:34 am Post subject:

Glad I could help...

I have also heard of people scoring a pultruded Carbon or fiberglass tube with a sharp knife and breaking them, but I have not tried this approach, so I cannot vouch for it, and I am not willing to try it except maby on some scrap....
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

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

Steve D · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 513 Location: USA GA Newnan

Anyone recall which thread it was that had photos of a couple of types of spar cutters? One was the version Steve sells and the other was a home-grown version made with a metal ruler and a small cut-off saw...

kitepoor · Joined: 05 Sep 2003 Posts: 125

for a field repair, I just scored the outside with the file on my leatherman tool and snapped it off. Ugly, but at least I got a kite back in the air. It amazes me how much stuff can screw up on the first flight of a new kite!!!! (Of course that could be because I don't know what I am doing!)
_________________
Randy
How come the nicest kite weather comes
when I have the most work to do

Steve D · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 513 Location: USA GA Newnan

Kitesquid · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:20 pm Post subject:

Wills4th · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 8 Location: USA VA Waynesboro

I couldn't find hack saw blades with fine teeth. I happened to be in a model shop one day and saw what looked like a knife, but on closer examination it was a saw blade - FOR METAL Shocked

and came in either 40 tpi or 54 tpi. Cost of the blade and a handle was about 12 Bucks US.

Now I have a portable spar cutter, doesn't need electricity so it works on the kite field, and leaves a very smooth cut end.
_________________
Good Winds to Ya <>~~~~~
Will

kitepoor · Joined: 05 Sep 2003 Posts: 125

Hey you live close to me. What store was that anyway?
_________________
Randy
How come the nicest kite weather comes
when I have the most work to do

stevef · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 5:37 pm Post subject:

Mountain Man · Joined: 04 Sep 2003 Posts: 458 Location: NB Canada

in the shop I use the band saw ! I wrap tape around then cut ! but I also turn slowly so that it will be scored all the way around before cutting trought!

On the field I have a small hack saw or metal blade saw ! it work super ! I have made a block of wood to cut ! I will put a pic tomorow ! it as a small v cut in the piece of wood to sit the spar in ! Here again I wrap a piece of tape any kind .... then cut turning the spar as I go ! always get a clean cut !

I use a fine sandpaper to finish it and round the ends a bit to remove the sharp ness !

hope this helps! Wink

_________________
Bernie
the Mountain Man

"Line Art is beautiful and fun to make"
"Fly a Kite!"

Charles Bojarski · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 7:37 pm Post subject: Cutting Carbon Spars

I found that both a Snap Saw by Atlas or either the fine or rough X-Acto saw blades work fine. I wrap the area with masking tape first and cut slowly.

Both types of saws are available thru you local hoppy sho.

Good winds...CharlieB

knotronda · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:54 pm Post subject:

There really is no need for me to put my two cents worth in but I'm a girl and I just wanted you all to know I was here. (hahahahaha)

I have a wonderful cutting block my husband made of HDPE (High Density Poly Ethyleen (sp?)). It has a grove down the center and also has a piece that slips over the spar to keep fingers from the cutting action. I have a fine toothed exacto saw and I rotate the spar as I make my cuts. (Not bad for a girl?!!?!)

If you don't have sanding paper around, you can use an emory board. They are cheap and portable. I keep a few in the kite kit.

knot(ty)ronda

stevef · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:31 pm Post subject: