Tools
Hardboard
This cheap thin hardboard is available in every DIY-shop. The hard side is used to cut the fabrics. On the soft side we put up our print-out of the kite.
Paper sticking tape
The ideal tape to glue all the pages for the mould on the hardboard. During the composing of the sail parts we also use this tape to fix the parts on the right spot.
Soldering Iron
We use this to cut all the fabrics (sail, dacron, lines). Using a soldering iron instead of a knife we get the benefit of melting the fabric a little so it doesn't wear out. Best is a 40 Watt model. A model with a higher wattage will burn and disfigure the sail. Less wattage will probably mean you can't get through the dacron to cut it.
Extra: We make V-shapes on the top of the soldering iron, so it has a sharp edge to cut easy.
Cutter
Contact glue in a tube (preferred transparent)
You can use other glue, we recommend contact glue because it hardens completely. When using other glues, it's possible that the needle and thread get dirty and block your sewing work.
Pencil
Measuretool
Metal rulers
Set square or triangle
Sewing machine
We use mainly 3 different seams when sewing a kite:
the three-step zigzag seam: to sew the sail
the zigzag seam: to sew the lower part of the leading edge.
the straight seam: to sew the Velcro, the nose and the fortification of the Central-T
Fine en thick thread made of 100% polyester.
The fine thread is used for sewing the sail. For sewing the leading edges, the Velcro and the nose we better use a thick thread.
Needles “80” en “100”
Needle “80” is used with the fine thread. We try to keep the punctures in the sail as small as possible, to prevent tearing of the sail.
For the thick thread we use a needle “100”.
Big stopper needle without sharp point
To place the leechline
Small and strong thread/line
We need one that doesn't stretch too much, to use as a leech line.
Decouviet (unstitcher)
In case of an error or bad sewing, we can remove the tread with a 'decouviet', to unstitch it.
Puncher grip
Ideal tool to make holes that need to be precise. You may use other tools, but stay clear of the soldering iron, these holes will always be way too big.
Metal saw
To saw all the carbon spars.
Superglue
To glue the ferrule and other parts to the spars.
Lighter:
To singe the ends of bridle lines, this prevents wear out.
Option: French Curves:
Perfect for drawing curves on paper and sail. Extra: Use the plastic tool on top of thick paperboard and cut out the shape, when using a soldering iron.
Option: Bridle ruler:
A wooden ruler (minimum 1 m - 3.5 feet) that has a nail close to one end. We can write down measures on the wood or glue a ruler on top. This tool is very handy when cutting a bridle and putting all the marks on the right spots
