Historical Kites - Bamboo Useage

[TBHinPhilly]

I am interested in building reproductions of several historical kites with original materials. Kites from the turn of the century were quite frequently constructed with muslin or cambric fabric and bamboo frames that were tied with hemp cord or wire. Even though these were among the lighter materials available, given their relatively heavy weight (as compared to modern kitebuilding carbonfiber and rispstop nylon) the kites were quite large in order to provide sufficient sail lifting area.

I would like to know what is the lightest, stiffest bamboo that would be good for this purpose. I am also looking for a source for poles of the appropriate bamboo in 8 to 10' lengths.

Thanks

[greg kono]

I don't know which is the lightest or stiffest, but I think a thin walled bamboo such as Tonkin or black bamboo would work well and be easy to find. Moso would work if you are planning on splitting it. Here's a description of a few bamboo poles and a source on the west coast. http://www.bamboohardwoods.com/items.asp?Cc=POLES

The Japanese kite makers use Madake for their kites, but I haven't had much luck finding a local source for poles.

[Archer]

Which historical period are you looking at for making your kites?
I make kites for the period prior to 1600 AD.

Archer

[hank1333]

Hi TBH,

I have some yadake ("arrow bamboo" psuedosasa japonica) in my yard (in Radnor.) It is light and stiff. I'd trade some for a kite -- even a simple one.

Are you making historical Amercan or Japanese kites? Sorry if this is a dumb question. This bamboo is very narrow, and not as strong flexible as split madake.

Hank