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Author Topic: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.  (Read 3650 times)

Offline Avaiojet

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3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« on: February 13, 2013, 11:08:41 AM »
I've been reading about 3 blade props on both Forums. On both Forums.

YES, I'VE ALREADY USED BOTH SEARCH ENGINES. I'll say it again. YES, I'VE ALREADY USED BOTH SEARCH ENGINES.

 As per what I read, I see mixed reviews to say the least. As usual?

I have no experience with 3 blade props, so, for me, This Thread will be my learning experience.

Hopefully, the Thread will be for sharing, more recent information, about 3 blade props ONLY. No point in comparing two blade props with 3 blade props.

The goal is simple. Q & A.

What 3 blade props have you used?

What engines have you used them on?

What sizes, good bad or indifferent?

Here's a start.

Anyone ever use these 3 blade props?

Eliminator props?

Charles
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Offline Will Hinton

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2013, 12:12:46 PM »
Charles, all the three blade props I have used have been on PA engines, the 61, 65, and 75.  I've used Bolly, Gator, Mesnik (sp?) and find them all to be okay depending on the airplane and desired results.  I fly VERY slow, though not as slow as Mike McHenry! and Randy Smith says diameter is king for slow.  On my 75 I currently use a 14 X 4.25 and that is, at least for me and my style if flying with a 660 sq" ship at 63 ounces, the ultimate prop.  The 65, on a ship nearly identical, it's a 13.75 X 4.25, same results.  Hope this helps.
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Online Trostle

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2013, 12:44:00 PM »
What happened to Brett's informative post that was in direct response the the question asked.
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Offline RC Storick

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2013, 12:49:57 PM »
Quote from: Trostle on February 13, 2013, 12:44:00 PM
What happened to Brett's informative post that was in direct response the the question asked.

Quote from: Brett Buck on February 13, 2013, 10:14:15 AM
   There are adequate search engines that will tell you whatever you need to know about this topic without requiring a multi-page thread rehashing old information for your convenience.

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?action=search2

http://www.clstunt.com/htdocs/dc/dcboard.php?az=search&select_forum=

   Brett

   



Well it was a good responce however doing a search my self came up empty.
« Last Edit: February 13, 2013, 01:29:47 PM by Robert Storick »
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Offline Chris Wilson

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2013, 03:02:22 PM »
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Offline Brett Buck

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2013, 05:40:01 PM »
Quote from: Robert  Storick on February 13, 2013, 12:49:57 PM
Well it was a good responce however doing a search my self came up empty.

    I got 269 hits and a "too many posts" warning on SSW and 6 pages worth here. They may not all be entirely on-topic and contain incidental references, but that certainly encompasses the collected knowledge. Once the relevant posts are found and absorbed, any remaining questions would presumably be more focused. That seems more efficient than as  rehashing hundreds of man-hours of composition and editing just to compile it for Charles' personal use. But, as you wish it...

   I will be happy to respond to intelligent specific questions. I think I have done my bit for the state of the art on the topic, so I am disinclined to re-do it all for consolidation purposes.

    Brett

p.s. Virtually all of the references I was able to look at in the last 5 minutes showed which prop was used on which engine and how it worked. That is EXACTLY the question asked. This is why people get irritated with Charles. I am happy to help as long as people are willing to help back. But I am not Charles' handmaiden and I am not going to play 20 questions for his amusement. 
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Offline RC Storick

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #6 on: February 13, 2013, 06:13:51 PM »
I understand. I just typed in the words 3 blade prop and didn't get much. I could have searched farther but I don't need to know about them. I am hoping the problem is solved of the deleting of posts.
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Offline Clint Ormosen

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #7 on: February 13, 2013, 06:37:46 PM »
.......or we can just cut to the end.

 Charles, you will NOT need a three blade prop of any kind on your Loser. Stick to simple. Two blade props work great.
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Offline Mark Scarborough

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #8 on: February 13, 2013, 08:02:43 PM »
and Charles, if you are using an LA 46,, use a .272 to a .280 venturi, a ST ( or Randy Smith) needle valve assembly ( to maintain venturi throat area) something like 10% nitro fuel with 22% oil ( 11 castor 11 synth),,, an APC 12.25 x 3.75 prop spinning at about 9800 rpm......

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Offline Avaiojet

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #9 on: February 14, 2013, 06:23:35 AM »
Quote from: Mark Scarborough on February 13, 2013, 08:02:43 PM
and Charles, if you are using an LA 46,, use a .272 to a .280 venturi, a ST ( or Randy Smith) needle valve assembly ( to maintain venturi throat area) something like 10% nitro fuel with 22% oil ( 11 castor 11 synth),,, an APC 12.25 x 3.75 prop spinning at about 9800 rpm......

Mark,

Someone else, I don't rember who, mentioned the .280 venturi also. Might have been in engine set-ups.

Are guys drilling out theirs or are they purchasing them with different ID's?

I'm sure you're recommending a two blade prop, correct?

Thanks for the reply.

Charles
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Offline Steve Helmick

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #10 on: February 15, 2013, 01:31:38 AM »
Quote from: Avaiojet on February 14, 2013, 06:23:35 AM
Mark,

Someone else, I don't rember who, mentioned the .280 venturi also. Might have been in engine set-ups.

Are guys drilling out theirs or are they purchasing them with different ID's?

I'm sure you're recommending a two blade prop, correct?

Thanks for the reply.

Charles

I agree entirely with Mark and Clint. I would also highly recommend that one should first experiment with two blade props to find a really good baseline, before one ventures into the field of 3 blade props. Once you find a 3 blader that has worked for you on a particular engine setup and a similar size/weight airframe, then sure, start with whatever. They do act a little different, a little smoother from a vibration standpoint, a little smoother corner, perhaps a little quieter, but really, most of us wouldn't notice any of the above. Do they look cool? I suppose, if your engine is not running. They are a PITA to hand start in the traditional flippity flippity mode, but if you are using an electric finger, they're fine if you can pay the extra price and are not bothered by the increased likelyhood of breaking a blade off. 

I tried a couple of 12 x 4N Bolly 3 bladers cut to 11" dia on my .46LA and found no joy with them. They may have worked with more pitch, but I'm apparently a klutz with a pitch gauge. I don't know of any 3 blade props that are plug & play on a .46LA.  Props I would suggest: TT Cyclone 11-4.5, and the following APCs: 11.5 x 4, 12-5 (clipped to 11.5"), 12-4, or 12.25 x 3.75...all 2 blades. 
Find the one that works best and buy a spare or two.
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Offline Bill Morell

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #11 on: February 15, 2013, 08:00:03 AM »
Quote from: Steve Helmick on February 15, 2013, 01:31:38 AM
I agree entirely with Mark and Clint. I would also highly recommend that one should first experiment with two blade props to find a really good baseline, before one ventures into the field of 3 blade props. Once you find a 3 blader that has worked for you on a particular engine setup and a similar size/weight airframe, then sure, start with whatever. They do act a little different, a little smoother from a vibration standpoint, a little smoother corner, perhaps a little quieter, but really, most of us wouldn't notice any of the above. Do they look cool? I suppose, if your engine is not running. They are a PITA to hand start in the traditional flippity flippity mode, but if you are using an electric finger, they're fine if you can pay the extra price and are not bothered by the increased likelyhood of breaking a blade off.  

I tried a couple of 12 x 4N Bolly 3 bladers cut to 11" dia on my .46LA and found no joy with them. They may have worked with more pitch, but I'm apparently a klutz with a pitch gauge. I don't know of any 3 blade props that are plug & play on a .46LA.  Props I would suggest: TT Cyclone 11-4.5, and the following APCs: 11.5 x 4, 12-5 (clipped to 11.5"), 12-4, or 12.25 x 3.75...all 2 blades.  
Find the one that works best and buy a spare or two.


Entirely to logical of a approach and doesn't go with the concept of the most likely intended model.
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Online Matt Colan

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #12 on: February 15, 2013, 10:44:12 AM »
Quote from: Steve Helmick on February 15, 2013, 01:31:38 AM
I tried a couple of 12 x 4N Bolly 3 bladers cut to 11" dia on my .46LA and found no joy with them. They may have worked with more pitch, but I'm apparently a klutz with a pitch gauge. I don't know of any 3 blade props that are plug & play on a .46LA.  Props I would suggest: TT Cyclone 11-4.5, and the following APCs: 11.5 x 4, 12-5 (clipped to 11.5"), 12-4, or 12.25 x 3.75...all 2 blades. 
Find the one that works best and buy a spare or two.


On my grandfather's P-47, we are running a 12-4.33 majic three blade cut down to 11 inches, and it runs and performs great!  On my LA 46 down here at school, I'm running the recommended prop for the PA 40UL, which measures 11.25-4.25.
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Offline dirty dan

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #13 on: February 15, 2013, 12:23:01 PM »
Quote from: Robert  Storick on February 13, 2013, 06:13:51 PM
I am hoping the problem is solved of the deleting of posts.

Snipped...

I would certainly hope this ongoing problem has been solved. Such actions show little or no respect for those who are responding to Aviojive's input and questions. Should he not like some of the responses I'm wondering if he might be well advised to refine his questions, especially when it comes to specifics.

As for myself I am exceedingly interested in single-blade props for a CL Stunt application and expect--no, demand--all of you supply any and all data toward this effort. I would be more specific as to model, engine and so on but it's just soooo much trouble...

Dan
 
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Offline Randy Cuberly

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #14 on: February 15, 2013, 12:29:39 PM »
Quote from: dirty dan on February 15, 2013, 12:23:01 PM
Snipped...

I would certainly hope this ongoing problem has been solved. Such actions show little or no respect for those who are responding to Aviojive's input and questions. Should he not like some of the responses I'm wondering if he might be well advised to refine his questions, especially when it comes to specifics.

As for myself I am exceedingly interested in single-blade props for a CL Stunt application and expect--no, demand--all of you supply any and all data toward this effort. I would be more specific as to model, engine and so on but it's just soooo much trouble...

Dan
 

Hey Dan...I think they would work just great...however the landing gear to clear the 16-17 inch blade might be a problem... LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~ :## :##

Randy Cuberly
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Offline dirty dan

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #15 on: February 15, 2013, 12:59:49 PM »
Quote from: Randy Cuberly on February 15, 2013, 12:29:39 PM
Hey Dan...I think they would work just great...however the landing gear to clear the 16-17 inch blade might be a problem... LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~ :## :##

Randy Cuberly

Agreed. But I'm thinking that might involve way too much advance planning, so my idea is to ignore the problem until the very last.

Dan
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Offline Randy Cuberly

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #16 on: February 15, 2013, 01:04:53 PM »
Quote from: dirty dan on February 15, 2013, 12:59:49 PM
Agreed. But I'm thinking that might involve way too much advance planning, so my idea is to ignore the problem until the very last.

Dan



UUUHHhhhh...Yeah, good plan, especially since it should be worth 10 or 12 posts try to fix it! LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~

Randy C.
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Offline RandySmith

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #17 on: February 15, 2013, 03:07:39 PM »
Quote from: Randy Cuberly on February 15, 2013, 12:29:39 PM
Hey Dan...I think they would work just great...however the landing gear to clear the 16-17 inch blade might be a problem... LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~ :## :##

Randy Cuberly


Nope , NO problem, 
I have them in stock....

Randy
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Offline Randy Cuberly

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #18 on: February 15, 2013, 03:10:34 PM »
Quote from: RandySmith on February 15, 2013, 03:07:39 PM

Nope , NO problem, 
I have them in stock....

Randy

UUHHHhhh...The props or the gear? n~

Randy C.
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Randy Cuberly
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Offline RandySmith

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #19 on: February 15, 2013, 03:26:37 PM »
Quote from: Randy Cuberly on February 15, 2013, 03:10:34 PM
UUHHHhhh...The props or the gear? n~

Randy C.

I have many gears in stock that will clear the large diameter props, and I have 16 17 18 19 and up 1 blade props here, ....
YOU will need to make your own counterweight !!

Randy  :-)
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Offline Lauri Malila

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #20 on: February 15, 2013, 03:52:36 PM »
 Yves F. in France has experimented with 1-blade stunt props, I try to find some photos.
 We tried accidentaly a single blade prop in our MB engine couple of years ago. Bert Metkemeijer flew, I launched.
 I don't know what went wrong but a few seconds later the engine flew to Team Race circle, allmost hitting its maker, Rob M.

 L
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Offline Steve Helmick

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #21 on: February 15, 2013, 04:22:05 PM »
It occurred to me that the best of all worlds would be a 3 blade CF prop with one blade removed and a suitable counterbalance attached. This would A) Look kewl, 2) inspire many questions and much awe from spectators, iii) reduce the likelyhood of breaking off a blade to no higher than the usual two blade prop, and IV) be much easier to hand flippity flippity than a 3 blade propeller. Unless one can find a 4 or 5 blade CF propeller with one blade broken clean off...of course. Could be a start to a whole new thread, a plus. SH^ Steve
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"The United States has become a place where professional athletes and entertainers are mistaken for people of importance." - Robert Heinlein

In 1944 18-20 year old's stormed beaches, and parachuted behind enemy lines to almost certain death.  In 2015 18-20 year old's need safe zones so people don't hurt their feelings.

Offline Randy Cuberly

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #22 on: February 15, 2013, 10:18:55 PM »
Quote from: RandySmith on February 15, 2013, 03:26:37 PM
I have many gears in stock that will clear the large diameter props, and I have 16 17 18 19 and up 1 blade props here, ....
YOU will need to make your own counterweight !!

Randy  :-)

A friend of mine (mr Jim Hoffman) has a saying about stuff like that..."Pioneers get arrows in their heads".

I'll pass...in fact I'm not even going to ask why...I'm afraid I might get interested in the answer. LL~ LL~ LL~

Randy C.  <=
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Offline Peter Ferguson

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #23 on: February 16, 2013, 12:53:34 AM »
I don't know what went wrong but a few seconds later the engine flew to Team Race circle, allmost hitting its maker, Rob M.

Now this is the kind of stuff that interests me. machine vengence!
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Offline RandySmith

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #24 on: February 16, 2013, 07:44:35 AM »
Quote from: Lauri Malila on February 15, 2013, 03:52:36 PM
Yves F. in France has experimented with 1-blade stunt props, I try to find some photos.
 We tried accidentaly a single blade prop in our MB engine couple of years ago. Bert Metkemeijer flew, I launched.
 I don't know what went wrong but a few seconds later the engine flew to Team Race circle, allmost hitting its maker, Rob M.

 L

Diabolical !!!!!    :)
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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #25 on: February 16, 2013, 11:43:28 AM »
Why dont we just try a carbon fiber 8 blade prop.  That should do it....
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Offline Lauri Malila

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Re: 3 Blade Props and "ONLY" 3 Blade Props.
« Reply #26 on: February 16, 2013, 12:20:39 PM »
I must add that it was NOT one of my homemade props.
By the way, the first series I made had duraluminium retaining rings, the second ones had kevlar rings. The latest series I'm finishing at the moment has them in carbon.

L
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