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Engine basics => Engine set up tips => Topic started by: Jack Mulinix on July 02, 2011, 09:21:21 AM
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Hi all, just wondering what 3 blade prop works well on a 46 la. And where one could get a aluminium 3 blade spinner, 2 inch flavor Thanks Jack
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Randy Smith at Aero Products has both items, and he will give you a good prop recomendation.
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Tru-Turn does have 3 blade 2" spinners, some even stocked by Tower. But Randy Smith's spinners are THE NICEST.
Frankly, I would suggest sticking with APC, Thunder Tiger Cyclone, or Graupner plastic props, at least until you get bumped to Advanced. $40-$50/prop isn't what you need at this stage. A longer landing gear will work. Tom Strom is going through the same issue with the Pathfinder kit...LG too short for the prop needed. The reason is that the plane was designed for .35 & .40FP's, and we're mostly using .46LA's and ST G.51's. ::) Steve
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Thanks Allan and Steve. was hoping did'nt have to mess with the gear. It was just a thought. Jack
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Trying a 3 blade is a fine idea, but I'd make sure you have enough prop clearance in case you need to go to a 2 blade
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The Master Airscrew 3 blade 10/5(~10/4 by conventional methods) is about right. The motor needs to run fairly fast(over 10,000 on the ground) or you risk getting into runaway territory.
Three blade is nice because it doesn't vibrate as much as a 2 blade. Especially helpful on a profile plane.
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Guys around here run them quite a bit slower than 10,000 rpm.
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You might try an old Tornado 10x6 three blader too, a black one. Works very well on my profile Stuka with an FP.40. y1
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Grish, (Tornado) had a 10 X 4 black 3 blader also, that might work just fine with the LA.46. There's a CF copy available. I believe they are made by a fellow in Minn. I know Burt Brokaw is a dealer for them.
I use one of them on my Torino with a Magnum .36. It works darned good.
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John's prop manufacturer is Eliminator props (Steve Wilk)...see the vendor's forums list. I get mine from Burt at NW CL Regionals. I have run some of the black 3 blade Tornados, and found no joy with them. The blades flex like crazy. That won't be a problem with the Eliminator CF copy, which I've also run. However, if you don't have a pitch gauge, or access to one, don't bother with CF props. I'm still hoping somebody with a laser cutter will make kits for the Hooptee Pitch Gauge. y1 Steve
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Steve, do you have drawings for that pitch gauge, I know a guy, who does cad work, and another guy who does laser cutting,, just maybe,,,
as to a three blade on the la 46, the REAL secret that Pat and I,, along with a few others, found with the LA 46 is to prop it to run in the 9500 to 9800 range, with a good load. We experienced some consistancy issues with even wide blade 11.5 x 4 apc and other props , the magic for us happened with the APC 12.25 x 3.75. Jack I would really suggest you just make a longer set of gear, or run bigger wheels. Three blade CF props for you I think would be a less than desirable direction. Like has been mentioned, without a pitch gauge, and some experience balancing three blade props,, you are adding another niche tecnology to your learing curve. I think, my opinion only, that your learing may be more productive sticking with a known power combination and working on flying. Just my two cents worth,, hopefully no offence is taken by my comments,, I want to see you get up to do battle with Steve and I,, soon!!!
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Thanks Mark none taken. Guess I Thought there were more options than just cf. The 12.25 is on it now.Just sitting, looking fresh. Thanks again Jack
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Think twice before opting for Master Airscrew 3-blade props. (unless your plane is grossly tail-heavy). I don't know what they are made of, but whatever it is, they are very heavy! Carbon-fiber props seem to be light, but expensive, and you have to always worry about breaking one! F.C.