Dubro Spinners

[kevin king]

So, after so much time spent building  this vector 40 from a kit around a 1.75 inch Dubro spinner I am stuck with 2 blade props? That 3/16" gap when using an aluminum spinner is unsightly. Anyone else had this problem? Any solutions ? The model is already painted, so I think I will ask an 3/16" balsa skirt around the aluminum backplate to simulate and narrow the gap. What a nuisance. Never again.

[Dave_Trible]

So, after so much time spent building  this vector 40 from a kit around a 1.75 inch Dubro spinner I am stuck with 2 blade props? That 3/16" gap when using an aluminum spinner is unsightly. Anyone else had this problem? Any solutions ? The model is already painted, so I think I will ask an 3/16" balsa skirt around the aluminum backplate to simulate and narrow the gap. What a nuisance. Never again.

I consider the Dubro -style spinner the problem-any with that skirt below the prop.  If you just use flat backed spinners to begin with you will be better off in general.   The issue now is just about all of these come from China through Ebay.  Dubro might still be making spinners but I don't know of any other domestic manufacturer left.  The last couple I got from True Turn before they quit cost $50.00 each.   Aluminum and carbon spinners from China (I like KY Hobby I think it is) are less than $20.  You can order them in two, three or NO blade cutouts in carbon.  You will probably be better off extending the nose out to a flat back spinner.  Leave yourself around 1/32" or a bit more clearance to the spinner.   Then you will have options for spinners and props.

Dave

[peter jurczyk]

I believe A Main hobbies has dubro spinners in 3 blades. A main is a hobby store I have bought from and hope that helps.
https://www.amainhobbies.com/dubro-3-blade-spinner-white-2-dub541/p74962

[Steve Helmick]

ANY plastic spinner with a plastic backplate is not very satisfactory, IMO. 1) The backplate is so thick that there is little if any prop shaft left for the prop nut. 2) They tend to slip and throw the prop or cause you to take an attempt on an official. 3) They're heavy...which might be a good thing, but heavy AND rotating isn't ideal.

The plastic cone/aluminum backplate spinners are pretty hard to beat, but don't come in 3 blade form. Mike Haverly used the backplate and drilled/tapped a couple more holes (changed all to 4-40 SHCS while at it) to fit a plastic cone from a Dubro (I think) plastic spinner for his two Jack Sheeks "Freedom 45" Classics. 

Though I don't really like the looks of the typical aluminum spinners with the single screw in the nose, that's what I generally use. I think it would be possible to make a pointy spinner tip with a bit of machining on the tip of the cone, some all-thread, and JB Weld....but I haven't done it. I have re-machined spinner cones, backplates and such. Cones are kinda sketchy, but I machined a chunk of aluminum to nest on the lip and glued the cone on with Bondo, did the mods and heat gunned to remove. We used real Bondo in the machine shop at Boeing for doing this sort of stuff, but could use a lot more Bondo. Bondo is barely strong enough, so I'd suggest something stronger...epoxy & micro balloons or maybe even JB Weld. Heat will loosen the epoxy ok. Even CA could work.    Steve 

[kevin king]

Dubro doesnt make 1.75" 3 blade spinners. Even the 2 blade spinners have to have alot of grinding to get a prop to fit. I guess I am stuck with the two blade props. I did add a balsa skirt to some of my aluminum 3 blade backplates. I will give that a try too. A 46 needs a large prop, and Trying to make it fit in side a. 1.75" spinner is a PITA anyway you look at it.