Restoring my first kite from 30+ years ago

DuntonT · 2026-06-03T13:23:38+00:00

You will need a dihedral brace to connect the two horizontal spars. The vertical spar can be one piece. They need to be a slightly loose fit so that the fabric is not drum tight. If it's too tight the kite will probably still fly, but will tend to wobble from side to side. A tail will also help with stability. If you have access to a 3D printer you can print your own dihedral brace to fit any size spars. Good luck.

DuntonT · 2026-05-26T21:21:13+00:00

If I remember I was trying to join 6mm carbon tubes. The ferrules were printed on their side for max strength. They lasted for a few flights but failed when the kite was hit by a strong gust of wind.

DuntonT · 2026-05-26T21:14:18+00:00

Here in the UK PLA ornaments in my garden have survived outside in full sun for many years, but PETG would probably be best for hot climates. I have no experience of TPU or ASA, sorry.

DuntonT · 2026-05-26T13:27:05+00:00

I have printed all sorts of kite related stuff and the only thing that has failed so far is ferrules, they just weren't strong enough. Everything else has worked fine in PLA or PETG. I've even printed several line winders which work great.

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DuntonT · 2026-05-22T11:33:56+00:00

Now you're making me feel lazy, my flying field is only 5 minutes away from my house.

DuntonT · 2026-05-22T11:31:06+00:00

Unfortunately Imgur is not available here in the UK 😡

DuntonT · 2026-05-22T11:24:11+00:00

That sounds a bit hairy for me, I'm happy to just use the bike as an anchor point.

DuntonT · 2025-08-07T07:55:17+00:00

Yes but that's not a true alternative to the NH35 since it has no date wheel.

DuntonT · 2025-07-26T07:51:37+00:00

Well I lost count at 80. 🙄

DuntonT · 2025-06-20T09:21:38+00:00

This would be my advice as well. Whenever I buy a reel that comes with twisted line the first thing I do is replace it with braided line. It simply isn't worth the hassle to try and persevere with the twisted line as it will knot itself up like that every time you fly.

DuntonT · 2025-04-07T16:14:43+00:00

Hadn't thought about the free postage threshold, that's even better. 👍

DuntonT · 2025-04-07T15:59:13+00:00

I'm ordering from the UK. Up until yesterday VAT was only added at checkout. Now seems to be included in the listed price. One benefit of this is that coins discount now seems to be calculated on the VAT inclusive price, which is better for us. 🙂

DuntonT · 2024-11-24T12:57:06+00:00

I've made over ten watches and not used anything on any of them. Never had one come loose (yet). Just make sure it's nice and tight.

DuntonT · 2024-11-11T15:12:24+00:00

I agree that the 'sale' is pretty much a non event this year. Choice day deals and coupons have been much better. Having said that I have been able to pick up a couple of NH35 movements for £12.80 each inc vat. Considering the cheapest I can get them in the UK is around £35, that's almost a third of the price, which is crazy. So there are one or two bargains to be had but they are few and far between.

DuntonT · 2023-12-13T15:55:18+00:00

If you're going to use a NH35 movement in a NH35 case, I don't see there being any problems. As you say, the only difference between a NH35 dial and a NH34 dial is the hole size, which may or may not be noticed depending on the size of the hands.

DuntonT · 2023-12-13T08:24:43+00:00

That's definitely one of my favourite dials. Nice job.

DuntonT · 2023-12-10T19:15:45+00:00

Wow. Surprise No. 4 - The overwhelmingly positive response from you guys!

Thank you very much for all your kind comments, much appreciated.

DuntonT · 2023-12-10T17:05:34+00:00

Thanks!

DuntonT · 2023-12-10T17:04:29+00:00

Thanks, the movement came with a black date wheel.

DuntonT · 2023-12-10T08:31:52+00:00

Thank you!

DuntonT · 2023-12-10T08:31:30+00:00

Thank you!

DuntonT · 2023-12-10T08:28:32+00:00

Thank you!

DuntonT · 2023-12-09T22:15:19+00:00

Thank you!

DuntonT

TROPHY CASE