How to Build Your Own Box Kite

First, use your Dremel Multi-Tool and an EZ SpeedClic Plastic Cutting Wheel (SC476) to cut the dowels to size. Cut 4 dowel rods to a length of 90 cm each. These will be used for the sides of your box kite. Then cut 4 more dowel rods to 50 cm. These will form the kite’s crosspieces. That’s done – now let’s move on to step 2!

Next, swap out your cutting wheel with the High Speed Cutter 6,4 mm (125), and cut the vinyl tubing into 5 cm pieces. You’ll need 8 of them. Then, bore a hole through each tubing piece about 2 cm from the end. The holes should be just big enough for the dowel rod to tightly fit into them.

Now, with all the vinyl tubing pieces fully prepped, we’ll be using them as joints for your dowel rods. Slide them over the 90 cm dowel rods, placing them approximately 15 cm from each end, as shown in the image. Piece of cake, right?

For this next step you’ll need your plastic sheeting. No worries if you can’t get hold of some. A good alternative would be to use a dust sheet  – even a bin bag would do! Cut a piece of sheeting measuring 30 x 150 cm. Use packing tape to stick the shortest sides together to form a loop. Next, fold the plastic sheet in half lengthwise. With scissors, cut a notch in the middle and at either end to create holes for attaching your tubes. Do the same with another 30 x 150 cm piece of sheeting. Well done, you’re almost ready for take-off!

Position one of the 90 cm dowel rods inside the cut plastic sheet, lining up the vinyl tubing joint with the one of the cut-out notches. Secure the rod in place with packing tape. Repeat for the remaining 3 corners, as shown. Hint: it’s easier with a helping hand! Secure the second sheet to the opposite ends of the rods to complete the outside of the kite.

Your box kite is about to take shape! Insert the 50 cm dowel rods that you cut in step 1 into the vinyl tubing joints to form two crosses. This step can be a bit tricky: you’ll need to carefully bend 2 of the 4 rods into place to stretch the outside framework. Secure the intersection of each pair of dowel rods with wire or cable ties, as shown. Is everything tightly secured? Great! Now onto the final step of this project.

Time to add some finishing touches! You can decorate your kite however you’d like: we spray-painted ours in bright red and blue to keep it light and airy, but you can pick any colour and create any pattern you like. Just get creative. The final thing you need to do is attach a flying line to the lower notch of one of the 90 cm dowel rods, and you are ready to fly!