Look up in the sky on a windy Spring or Summer afternoon and you could find it polka-dotted
with colorful kites. And down on the ground, you'll see plenty of kids (and adults) struggling with clumsy kite string winders…or, worse yet…loose strings.
Our example contains a 3-1/2" diameter center cylinder that will reel in about 11" per revolution. "High-Flyers" preferring to reel-in more string with each revolution can compute this distance by multiplying the diameter of the cylinder by 3.1416. For example, a 12" diameter cylinder will reel-in over 37" per revolution!
The simple design of this winder makes it easy for you to build a larger model by modifying some of its dimensions.
· Start by turning a long cylinder on your lathe to 3-1/2" diameter….then cut off 3-1/2" long sections to make several cylinders. Turn these sections into spools by gluing a hub on each end.
· Drill a 1" hole through the centers of your spools.
· Assemble your winder frames with he handle at one end and the string feeder at the other. This feeder has a slot routed in it to help feed the string onto the spool evenly.
· Use dowel stock for the cranks and handles and pass the axels through the frames with the spools in place and the axels fixed to them with dowels or wood screws.
· Install wooden or hardboard washers between the sides of the frame and spool ends to maintain clearance.
· Drill one of the frame sides for locking pins. If you wish, these pins can be attached to the frames with string to keep them from getting lost.
Suggested retail price: $20 to $25 (more for larger sizes)
Continue to Assembly...
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