Taketombo - Bamboo Dragonflies
Making a Taketombo (bamboo dragonfly)
A copy of these instructions with diagrams is included in any set of Taketombo purchased from GoodsFromJapan
1. Put the piece of bamboo in the slot in the block of wood, so that the curved line is uppermost. Cut down the straight line, along the middle.
2. Cradle the block of wood in your fingers, leaving your thumb free.
3. Hold the knife just tightly enough so as not to drop it.
4. From the middle of the curve, cut along the curved line with your thumb on the knife, pushing away from yourself.
5. Turn the block around and cut the other side (as in step 4)
6. Cut along the line precisely to ensure a smooth edge.
7. Use sandpaper to smooth the four corners.
Use the knife to smooth the edges of the wing.
8. Balance the wing on the side of a glass to check the weight is same on each side. If one side is heavier, sand down the heavier side.
9. When both sides are even, the wing should balance on the glass as shown in Fig. 9 (in the instructions).
10. Wrap aluminum foil around the center of the wing. Using a lighter, heat the foil then twist each side in opposite directions, about 20 degrees each way.
11. Make a hole in the center of the wing piece and insert the end of the stick into the hole. Color the edge of the wing with a red pen. Hold the taketombo between your palms and spin it. If you see one straight red line (and not two), that means it is balanced, and you can glue it in place. If two lines are visible, reheat and twist again.
Attaching the wing piece to the stick
1. Both ends of the wings must be at a 90 degree angle.
2. Correct the angle by heating the wing piece up. Then check the balance of the wings. Make sure that both ends are at a 90 degree angle to the stick. Mark the edges of the wing with a red pen. When spun, the motion of the wings should be such that you see only a single red line.
To fly the Taketombo
i) The lower end of the stick should be against the center of your right palm.
ii) Hold it lightly against your right palm with the middle joints of the fingers of your left hand.
iii) Rubbing your hands together and keeping your fingers splayed outwards, briskly push your left hand forward while pulling your right hand back. Tilting your hands slightly forward while performing this motion will send the Taketombo in a forward direction. Experiment with different angles of tilt to refine control of flight direction.
Disclaimer - Taketombo are suitable for children of around 8-years-old and over and should be flown away from the body and from other people. It is recommended they be used outdoors. GoodsFromJapan accepts no liability for injury or damage caused by these products.
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