Propeller tracking - how far off-track is too much?

**RknRusty** Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:39 am

I have a new 10" wood prop and the tracking is off by 1/4". I was just wondering if I should return it, or is that an acceptable variance.

pkrankow Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:58 am

Frequently you can fix that by marking the hub with pencil on the crooked side then using sandpaper on a hard narrow block to remove some material to fix it. Of course you need to replace the finish and re-balance before you are done.

You may want to do both sides of the hub so they remain parallel.

1/4 inch at the tips is very little material at the hub.

Phil

**RknRusty** Tue Feb 12, 2013 9:05 am

I didn't think of that. Thanks, Phil, I was curious more than concerned. Other than being slightly less efficient, I'm guessing there's not much reason to bother with fixing that small of a variance for fun flying.

pkrankow Tue Feb 12, 2013 9:18 am

The hub being crooked can make one blade pull harder than the other which sets up a vibration even if the prop is balanced.

This can of worms also contains if the hub is crooked so one blade is steeper than the other. Fixed in the same manner, but harder to identify this as a problem. You need a means to measure pitch.

Phil

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Propeller tracking - how far off-track is too much?

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