Author Topic: Trimming props - best methods (Read 1894 times)

Dennis Toth · « **on:** July 06, 2014, 06:42:29 PM »

Guys,
Wondering what methods you have used to trim APC props to smaller diameters? I have used a stick gauge that Windy came up with (a piece of motor mount with the 1/4" bolt in one end with different lengths marked down it). This is a simple way to get both blades the same length.

Now this gets the correct diameter. What I have seen is the tip shapes and airfoil shape at the cut end can cause loss of performance vs. the original molded tip. Anyone find a method to keep the APC prop performance when cutting them down?

Bests, DennisT

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #1 on:** July 17, 2014, 10:34:59 PM »

Well, I needed an 11.5" diameter prop, starting from a 12.25 x 3.75 APC (see picture) for my piped .46VF. I first had to drill out the center hole to fit a .250" dowel pin, and then made a template out of poster board. Scribed around the periphery (bottom surface) with a #11 (indexing off the hole and TE). Belt sander took the outline to the scribe lines, and I started scraping the top of the prop with a fairly sharp knife blade. I found out the APC material will actually file quite decently, but scraping works great, followed by a little sanding, balancing, and polishing. Works fine!

But yes, the next step is some 3 blade Brian Ether flat backs or maybe an UC. We'll see on that. But for now, I've got a pretty useful baseline prop.

Steve

RandySmith · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2014, 01:02:27 PM »

Get a prop scribe, and use a fine tooth metal hacksaw blade in one of the small blade handles, Stanley and other make them and you can get them from Walmart of most hardware stores

Randy

Author Topic: Trimming props - best methods (Read 1894 times)

Dennis Toth

Trimming props - best methods

Steve Helmick

Re: Trimming props - best methods

RandySmith

Re: Trimming props - best methods