Small Fish Kite

Next, bring the cane down to a position which is 3 in. from each end of the bottom crossbar, and tie securely. Complete the shaping by bringing the cane to the bottom of the backbone, bind round and tie. In order to make a neat bottom joint, score the cane with a sharp knife, 1/2 in. from its ends, and with the knife, shave the ends of the cane flat to a length of 1/2 in. The ends will now quite easily bend to a sharp angle, to fit flush with the backbone (see Fig. 13). Now secure the cane to the top crossbar with strong thread.

Next mark on the backbone a position which is 31/2 in. from the top. Place the ruler on this position so that it lies across the framework, parallel to the crossbars, and mark corresponding positions on the outer curved cane. These marks indicate where the inner curves, F and G, are fixed. The two canes required for this measure 2 ft. in length. Flatten the ends of these to a length of 1/2 in. with a sharp knife and flatten slightly the curved cane, E, on the inside by the pencil marks. Begin the shaping with the cane, F. Glue and bind one end to the outer curve, E. Bring the cane in a curve across the backbone at the point which is marked off in pencil. Flatten the cane slightly where it rests on the back­bone. Glue it down and further hold it in place with one or two turns of thread. Glue small blocks to the backbone on each side of the cane. Now bring the other cane, G, to the same position and lash the two canes securely to the backbone with strong thread.

Take the cane, F, in a continuing curve to a point on the centre crossbar, which is 1 in. from the backbone. Place a small block under the cane at this point. The end of the cane is brought to the right-hand end of the bottom crossbar, to which it is securely bound. Repeat the procedure for the other cane. Note that where this cane crosses the centre crossbar, a small block is inserted to fill the gap.

Two other curved parts, H and I, are needed to complete the framework. They are each 10 in. in length and are flattened at both their ends. Bind them to the outer curve, 2 in. below the centre crossbar, and also to the backbone, 2 in. from the bottom. Check all the joints to make sure they are firm, and make sure that all the curves correspond on each side of the backbone.