I've been doing my own kite repairs for a while. And for a few friends too. Mostly canopy tears, re-attach canopy to LE, LE tears etc....... I've been using self adhesive coated 50 mm wide Ripstop and heavier self adhesive coated sheets of Ripstop material to patch the LE. (from Kitepower) Then I use an industrial combo Plain / Zig Zag machine sew around the repair patch. I am using Dabond UV Resistant Polyester Thread V69 Marine for canopy & V92 for LE
I just had a new challenge from a friend. The steering line attachment point and about 15 cm of the kite tip completely ripped off the kite in yesterdays high winds (Victoria). I've patched it and it should be ok. But it would probably be better to re-build the tip from scratch. So for future reference I would like to know what is the material and weight of material of the very stiff and typically black material used to make the wing tips on kites. And if I get challenged to replace a whole canopy panel, what is the weight of cloth used for the canopy.
Had a look on the net for typical sail cloth available for purchase. It seems it's mostly made of PET fibre. AKA Polyethylene, or a brand name Dacron. Still can't find out what weight of cloth is used in kites.
Any of these look like the right stuff for either job?
5.0 oz All purpose Dacron 10 oz All purpose Dacron 1.50 oz Black Ripstop Nylon sailcloth. 0.75 oz Nylon Ripstop sailcloth 0.50 oz Nylon Ripstop sailcloth 4 oz Dacron 6.4 oz Dacron Supercruise
I'd recommend using Dimension Polyant brand bonded dacron of around 4/5 oz weight and for the sailcloth do not use any nylon.almost all kites now are made with double or single ripstop polyester, of approx 1.5-1.75oz weight. Try Bainbridge for sailcloth, not sure who sells DP in Vic??
