∞ flat line winder for kite string ∞

This kite line winder is designed for a figure eight winding technique. Winding line in a figure eight ∞ folds the line so that there is no twist. Line can also be thrown off the winder rapidly:

throwing line fof the winder

The winder is 450mm (18”) long and can hold about 500’ of 150lb dacron line (150m of 70kg line).

Here’s a quick flight, letting line out and winding in:

how to make the winder

Go to the Github repository and download the SVG or DXF file in the root directory of the repository. All design files are in mm and were made with QCAD.

Cut from 1/2” (12mm) plywood or similar material. Drill out the pink drill holes with a 1” (25mm) hole saw or drill bit, and finish the cuts with hand or power tools. Or use a CNC mill.

The design can be converted to convenient inch measurements by assuming 1” = 25mm.

about this design

This design was inspired by sport kite winders and the G-Kites Wooden Line Winder. Winder features I want:

One person can both wind line and fly the kite.
Line can be given to the kite smoothly.
Line twisting is minimized or eliminated.
Fits in a 5” (130mm) cardboard tube with a kite.
Has no moving parts.
Can be made with basic tools.
Material efficient and easy to make in batches.

contribute

Replicate the winder and document your use of it. Please reach out and share.
Fork the Github repository and improve the design or documentation.
Add or comment on issues in the repository.
show me kite and balloon stuff.

All contributors are asked to abide by the code of conduct.

things to change

Consider moving the handles. Their current placement was chosen for rigidity, as cutting out a middle handle can lead to warping.

Winder with a handle in the middle, looking very nice before it warped

The side handles are convenient for letting line out, and the middle handle is a bit easier when winding line in. I don’t know which has better ergonomics overall.

Licensed under the CERN OHL 1.2.