Just a quick note about the APC E props and repitching them. I just finished setting up an 11x5 and 12x5 from an 11x5.5 and 12x6. These props repitch very easily with an ordinary monokote heat gun. For those who have not done this first the "Disclaimer" as always do this at your own risk. Now the APC props all repitch well, I have done this for props used on IC piped setups, 4strokes and now electrics. The E props repitch the easiest as the hub and blades are thinner and easy to heat.
The method I use is to first set up the pitch gauge (Prather is the brand I use) for the pitch I want at the 75% blade station from the hub (i.e. on a 12" diameter prop I set the pitch for station 10 on the gauge (this is about 3.5 inches out from the hub center). I set the blade measuring bar at the desired pitch at this station and clamp it in place with a small "C" clamp. By clamping it you get the same pitch for both side of the prop. To repitch I heat the blade from the hub out about 1 1/2 inches on both side of the blade moving the heat around this area. With the heat gun on high it only took 50 sec of heat (25 each side) to get it warm enough to tweak. To tweak the blade I have it installed on the pitch gauge mount (this is removable from the base of the pitch gauge) and holding the center in one hand, put a small rag (or wear a glove) on the other blade then grab it about mid blade and twist in the direction you want to move the pitch. It only takes a small twist, I then put the prop on the pitch gauge and check the pitch. It only takes a couple trys to develop the feel for how much to twist but it is best to start small (I'd say the twist is about 1/16", you kinda twist and release) don't gorilla it. Once you get the first blade cool it, either just blow on it or use a wet rag. This sets the new pitch. Do the second blade the same way.
Some guys like to check and set up several stations along the blade but I have found that the 75% rule works very good.
Best, Dennis
Topic: Repitch of APC E props (Read 725 times)
