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by rdw777 Fri Nov 22, 2024 9:24 am
Cox Engine of The Month
Carving Props
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Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
Carving Props
I’ve carved balsa props for rubber FF and some catapult glider wings…. But never a prop for a gas model…. I found an article on OZ that had a simple formula…. Of the woods that was appropriate it listed was hard Mahogany and I had some so I gave it a go………..A 4x3 for 020…
I finished it with Sig Lite Coat…. First coats were very thin to penetrate best possible….
Next to a Cox 4.5 x 2.5…
I have not ran it yet… Letting the dope cure…. If it works out I’ll try it on Pageboy…
Anyone else tried this? I’m open to pointers, articles, cautions… etc…
I finished it with Sig Lite Coat…. First coats were very thin to penetrate best possible….
Next to a Cox 4.5 x 2.5…
I have not ran it yet… Letting the dope cure…. If it works out I’ll try it on Pageboy…
Anyone else tried this? I’m open to pointers, articles, cautions… etc…
rdw777- Diamond Member
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Posts : 1720
Join date : 2021-03-11
Location : West Texas
Re: Carving Props
I figured it was you Robert , i am a member over at HPA and there is a lot of people from all over the world on there forum , most it seems are FF guys there are some tips there and people that do make there own props . >> https://www.hippocketaeronautics.com/hpa_plans/details.php?image_id=12023&mode=search had a article but in PDF and want open here ... Your prop looks good hope it works as expected..
getback- Top Poster
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Posts : 10442
Join date : 2013-01-18
Age : 67
Location : julian , NC
Levent Suberk- Diamond Member
- Posts : 2265
Join date : 2017-12-24
Location : Türkiye
Re: Carving Props
Hi rdw777,
Beautiful work, thanks for sharing.
I've tried it. 1974? Pushy Cat, OS.15, the only pusher prop I could get was an 8-6, that did not work.
Found some info in model mags, and set out to carve my own wood 'pusher 8-4'...
Everything went well.
I got to the stage of your first photo, put it on the plane to admire it... Then realized, it was a RH pitch !
The LH prop was easier to do with that practice.
It worked, and flew the Pushy Cat to several under powered flights...
At that time, the pusher thrusts on that OS.15 had done it's toll.
Last pusher plane I've tried...
The prop making was interesting. Marking it out carefully, then shape to that.
Not sure what wood I used (the article said to avoid knots !) Sealed with Buterate dope.
I do remember that it was as 'flexible' as the all nylon props of the day...
Some wood props were were advertised as 'Hard Rock Maple'... Mine was probably semi fine grained ceder or spruce !
As usual,
Your results may vary...
My hint,
Make sure it is a LH or RH while marking it out, then, carve away...
Take care,
Have fun,
Dave
Beautiful work, thanks for sharing.
I've tried it. 1974? Pushy Cat, OS.15, the only pusher prop I could get was an 8-6, that did not work.
Found some info in model mags, and set out to carve my own wood 'pusher 8-4'...
Everything went well.
I got to the stage of your first photo, put it on the plane to admire it... Then realized, it was a RH pitch !
The LH prop was easier to do with that practice.
It worked, and flew the Pushy Cat to several under powered flights...
At that time, the pusher thrusts on that OS.15 had done it's toll.
Last pusher plane I've tried...
The prop making was interesting. Marking it out carefully, then shape to that.
Not sure what wood I used (the article said to avoid knots !) Sealed with Buterate dope.
I do remember that it was as 'flexible' as the all nylon props of the day...
Some wood props were were advertised as 'Hard Rock Maple'... Mine was probably semi fine grained ceder or spruce !
As usual,
Your results may vary...
My hint,
Make sure it is a LH or RH while marking it out, then, carve away...
Take care,
Have fun,
Dave
HalfaDave- Platinum Member
- Posts : 615
Join date : 2022-12-06
Location : Oakville, Ontario
akjgardner- Diamond Member
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Posts : 1602
Join date : 2014-12-28
Age : 65
Location : Greensberg Indiana
Re: Carving Props
Nice work on the gun stock Bob ….. Looks like it was “let in” at the factory for a custom order…. I’ve got a couple of stocks that need repair and refinish…. What do you use for finish?…. The prop pitch is set by the height of the prop blank
Thanks for the articles Eric ….. I like to read so that will keep me occupied for awhile
Love the artwork on the book Levent, And nice that you still have it…..The image of the boy with the knife reminds me of my dad teaching me, Always cut away from you….He taught us how to sharpen too…. Funny, We all carried pocket knives as kids, And I still do today…. A little Buck knife I’ve carried most of my life….
The article I stumbled onto was for a pusher as well Dave….. I just back tracked the information and made it the size and shape I wanted….
Thanks akg ….It was a satisfying little project….. I’ll probably make some more…
Thanks for the articles Eric ….. I like to read so that will keep me occupied for awhile
Love the artwork on the book Levent, And nice that you still have it…..The image of the boy with the knife reminds me of my dad teaching me, Always cut away from you….He taught us how to sharpen too…. Funny, We all carried pocket knives as kids, And I still do today…. A little Buck knife I’ve carried most of my life….
The article I stumbled onto was for a pusher as well Dave….. I just back tracked the information and made it the size and shape I wanted….
Thanks akg ….It was a satisfying little project….. I’ll probably make some more…
rdw777- Diamond Member
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Posts : 1720
Join date : 2021-03-11
Location : West Texas
Re: Carving Props
Sig Lite Coat, is that a clear dope?
I used a variety of finishes, an oil especially designed for gun stocks as well as an assortment of stains, poly, varnishes etc.. At times I would just rub in Howards Feed-N-Wax.
It wsn't beneath me to paint the really busted up ones, but occasionally I would just let the repair show.
I used a variety of finishes, an oil especially designed for gun stocks as well as an assortment of stains, poly, varnishes etc.. At times I would just rub in Howards Feed-N-Wax.
It wsn't beneath me to paint the really busted up ones, but occasionally I would just let the repair show.
Last edited by rsv1cox on Thu Jun 15, 2023 10:07 am; edited 1 time in total
rsv1cox- Top Poster
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Posts : 11251
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
Re: Carving Props
Many years ago, about 40. I needed some 6" x 6" props for FAI Speed and could not find what I wanted so decided to make some. There was a machine called a Duplicarver that looked like it would work. I copied it and machined one up for myself. I used a router on the one side of the arm and the stylus on the other. It worked OK, but not as good as I hoped, little scallops all over. I made a double turntable and a brace so the prop would not vibrate. Here is the machine that is still made now. https://www.duplicarvers.com/q.aspx?p=Cc250-Clone-Carver&q=14 Made up a pitch gauge as well by photocopying the front plate and machining the rest. Took forever. I used maple.
aspeed- Platinum Member
- Posts : 796
Join date : 2013-01-18
Location : Leamington Ont. Can.
Re: Carving Props
$800 US is a bit pricey for me @aspeed, those $4 props are looking cheap to me, now.
GallopingGhostler- Top Poster
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Posts : 5724
Join date : 2013-07-13
Age : 70
Location : Clovis NM or NFL KC Chiefs
Re: Carving Props
Hi All
'Rock Hard Maple' is very hard to get,
Even harder, to carve into a prop.
You results may vary,
Take care,
Have fun,
Dave
'Rock Hard Maple' is very hard to get,
Even harder, to carve into a prop.
You results may vary,
Take care,
Have fun,
Dave
HalfaDave- Platinum Member
- Posts : 615
Join date : 2022-12-06
Location : Oakville, Ontario
Re: Carving Props
I got my maple from a Lowes that sold flooring by the sq. ft. Good for motor mounts too.HalfaDave wrote:Hi All
'Rock Hard Maple' is very hard to get,
Even harder, to carve into a prop.
You results may vary,
Take care,
Have fun,
Dave
aspeed- Platinum Member
- Posts : 796
Join date : 2013-01-18
Location : Leamington Ont. Can.
Re: Carving Props
Yes it is very expensive, that is why I made it myself. Used the cheapest but properly sized B&D router for $50. Still have it and it takes up a lot of space. Probably put it on Kijiji soon. Maybe I will get lots for it since the price has gone up so much over the years? Doubt it.GallopingGhostler wrote:$800 US is a bit pricey for me @aspeed, those $4 props are looking cheap to me, now.
aspeed- Platinum Member
- Posts : 796
Join date : 2013-01-18
Location : Leamington Ont. Can.
Re: Carving Props
You did good then aspeed by making your own tool. I used to do a lot of do it yourself, but older I get, notice I am not as enthusiastic as I was before.
Goes for kits too.
Goes for kits too.
GallopingGhostler- Top Poster
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Posts : 5724
Join date : 2013-07-13
Age : 70
Location : Clovis NM or NFL KC Chiefs
Re: Carving Props
I was a bit younger 40 years ago. Not sure I would do that now either. Was never one for kits. Usually did them from scratch. Lately I just get orphans at swap meets and do the least possible effort to get them in the air. I like building, but have too many planes to build any more. That Duplicarver would be good for making something like the hollow log fuselage or wood cowls, but I never used it after doing a couple props with so so results. To stay on topic not that it is important, I used to make indoor props with .020" C grain balsa blades that were wrapped around a beer can at an angle, and glued it to a short stick to make a prop. They worked pretty good, wing was covered with condenser paper.
aspeed- Platinum Member
- Posts : 796
Join date : 2013-01-18
Location : Leamington Ont. Can.
Re: Carving Props
Hi aspeed,
The 'Rock Hard Maple' may have been a local hobby shop ploy,
To get us to buy the wood props in stock.
They snapped like twigs, compared to the white nylon props that were basicly crash proof.
A 6X6 prop?
Seems impossible to get the wood grain right...
Levent,
My same 'Swiss Army' knife has been sharpened to half its original blade area.
My key chain, 50yrs later ! Nice SS that takes an edge...
rdw777,
That was the basic info I had. Drill a hole in a piece of wood, carve/measure/repeat.
Good luck on your test run.
This is why I like CEF,
Take care,
Have fun,
Dave
The 'Rock Hard Maple' may have been a local hobby shop ploy,
To get us to buy the wood props in stock.
They snapped like twigs, compared to the white nylon props that were basicly crash proof.
A 6X6 prop?
Seems impossible to get the wood grain right...
Levent,
My same 'Swiss Army' knife has been sharpened to half its original blade area.
My key chain, 50yrs later ! Nice SS that takes an edge...
rdw777,
That was the basic info I had. Drill a hole in a piece of wood, carve/measure/repeat.
Good luck on your test run.
This is why I like CEF,
Take care,
Have fun,
Dave
HalfaDave- Platinum Member
- Posts : 615
Join date : 2022-12-06
Location : Oakville, Ontario
Re: Carving Props
Ok knives - pocket and otherwise.
I'm not a knife guy, but I am a bayonet guy which share the same ID terms. Interesting if you don't know them already. Got me going when I was ID'ing my Dad's knife (yellow handle) and mine looking at the "Ricasso" for the manufacturers markings. Dad's Imperial (Irish manufacture) and mine Camillus (USA manufacture.)
Dad's Imperial knife was the "fish" version, curious as Dad was not a fisherman yet he carried it or one just like it all his life. Mine went with me only on camping trips.
Apologies for the drift Robert but bayonets are so interesting, a history lesson in themselves. Many came with the military surplus rifles that I collected from all nations. Researched every one.
I'm not a knife guy, but I am a bayonet guy which share the same ID terms. Interesting if you don't know them already. Got me going when I was ID'ing my Dad's knife (yellow handle) and mine looking at the "Ricasso" for the manufacturers markings. Dad's Imperial (Irish manufacture) and mine Camillus (USA manufacture.)
Dad's Imperial knife was the "fish" version, curious as Dad was not a fisherman yet he carried it or one just like it all his life. Mine went with me only on camping trips.
Apologies for the drift Robert but bayonets are so interesting, a history lesson in themselves. Many came with the military surplus rifles that I collected from all nations. Researched every one.
rsv1cox- Top Poster
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Posts : 11251
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
Re: Carving Props
Apologies for the drift Robert but bayonets are so interesting, a history lesson in themselves.
No problem Bob, Love history and I always like to learn something new ….. Years ago I read up on the history of swords beginning in the Bronze Age ending up with modern day Samurai….. The progression of the metallurgy alone was amazing…
I’m really not a knife guy either….. Just slightly more than a utilitarian tool to me…. I guess since they were commonly given as gifts or belonged to a relative makes them special…..A few more of mine….The bottom is a semi sharp Old Timer and stays on the workbench for mundane duties…. Surprising how much I reach for it…. Second from bottom is a little Kabar that belonged to my Grandfather…The blue Case is my
“dress knife “…. (My weird humor, Might have to trim a thread off someone’s jacket at church or something )….. The top is the one that carved the prop…. It’s just an old kitchen paring knife I got at a flea market for a couple of dollars…. Made by Dexter…But it’s shaped like a whittler and sharpens easily….. Close enough for me
The Swiss Army knife is a classic Levent…. I didn’t know Buck still made the 303, Thanks for sharing that…. The main blade on mine is worn/sharpened back a ways and all of the ribbing on the handle is gone but it still serves well…. Hinges are still tight as they ever were….
Thanks for sharing your prop experience aspeed…. Yep, CL speed guys would know a thing or two about that…. I think that is where some of the most advancement of home made performance props came from….Yes, serious competition could be expensive… Especially at FAI level…. I’m sure it was a fun time ….You sound a little like me…. Indoor flying…. Condenser paper….. Wide variety of interests….
No problem Bob, Love history and I always like to learn something new ….. Years ago I read up on the history of swords beginning in the Bronze Age ending up with modern day Samurai….. The progression of the metallurgy alone was amazing…
I’m really not a knife guy either….. Just slightly more than a utilitarian tool to me…. I guess since they were commonly given as gifts or belonged to a relative makes them special…..A few more of mine….The bottom is a semi sharp Old Timer and stays on the workbench for mundane duties…. Surprising how much I reach for it…. Second from bottom is a little Kabar that belonged to my Grandfather…The blue Case is my
“dress knife “…. (My weird humor, Might have to trim a thread off someone’s jacket at church or something )….. The top is the one that carved the prop…. It’s just an old kitchen paring knife I got at a flea market for a couple of dollars…. Made by Dexter…But it’s shaped like a whittler and sharpens easily….. Close enough for me
The Swiss Army knife is a classic Levent…. I didn’t know Buck still made the 303, Thanks for sharing that…. The main blade on mine is worn/sharpened back a ways and all of the ribbing on the handle is gone but it still serves well…. Hinges are still tight as they ever were….
Thanks for sharing your prop experience aspeed…. Yep, CL speed guys would know a thing or two about that…. I think that is where some of the most advancement of home made performance props came from….Yes, serious competition could be expensive… Especially at FAI level…. I’m sure it was a fun time ….You sound a little like me…. Indoor flying…. Condenser paper….. Wide variety of interests….
rdw777- Diamond Member
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Posts : 1720
Join date : 2021-03-11
Location : West Texas
Re: Carving Props
Thanks Levent, I bookmarked it. Mine is marked Imperial New York.
Bob
Bob
rsv1cox- Top Poster
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Posts : 11251
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
Re: Carving Props
I can't currently put my hand on it, but many years ago I carved a wooden prop with nothing more than a hacksaw, utility knife and sandpaper. I had a well-used nylon prop that had a damaged blade so I used it to get the specs and shape as close as I could. It was carved from a piece of broom handle. No idea what wood it was, but I figured that a broom handle would be pretty hard and springy. Looks real nice oiled up, but I doubt I would ever use it on an engine. Not when you can buy nice looking wooden props so cheap from China.
Still, wasn't a bad exercise, despite taking many hours to do.
Still, wasn't a bad exercise, despite taking many hours to do.
Last edited by Oldenginerod on Fri Jun 16, 2023 6:01 pm; edited 1 time in total
Oldenginerod- Top Poster
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Join date : 2012-06-15
Age : 62
Location : Drouin, Victoria
Re: Carving Props
That’s cool Rod….If you come across it please take a photo…..Lots of pathways to take with model airplanes…. I guess that’s what keeps it interesting to me
rdw777- Diamond Member
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Posts : 1720
Join date : 2021-03-11
Location : West Texas
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