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Homemade Props

T

TCL Customs

Active member
Ok Guy if you have any experiance i have another topic for yall.. anybody thats built their own prop or knows how to build one give me a lil info on how to and or what type of materials to use.. and how to figure pitch ect.. ect...

thanks again guys

peace
-randy
 
TCL, wooden props are ground on a special milling machine so that each blade will be cut exactly the same as the others.

Pitch is just a measure of the angle of the blade based on the distance that propeller would travel forward in one revolution, just like the pitch of the treads on a bolt or screw.
In theory, a prop with a pitch number of 34 would travel forward 34" in one revolution.

The best wooden props, like the Sensenich, are an amazing piece of craftsmanship.
I have an ultralight propeller that is made of 52 layers of maple veneer, bonded together and finished with epoxy.
 
You can make a wooden prop but it is a lot of work when making your first one First of all you have to have a design, shape and dimensions. Then you need to make jigs for every six inches of prop. You laminate the wood together cut the shape on a band saw then, using the jigs and a kerf saw, cut a slice making sure the jig fits tightly every six inches then using a draw knife or something similar, cut out the areas between cuts. Cut, balance, and seal and you're done. Simple. Ah not quite, it's a lot of work.
 
There is a propeller group on yahoo that has some info mostly old articles in the files but most of those guys are building and using on aircraft . I have been doing a little research on that my self find that some of the guys are still hand carving props but most are using a copying machines now witch is what I planed to use. even though those are old articles between them they have all the formulas to figure the stress loads so you can choice what type of wood and the design
 
Good advise guy's if you have ever seen a wood prop let go you will think twice about building one I saw one let go in New Orleans and just about too out BigKavr and some Coasty's it was a scary sight
 
any prop over 4" long should be built by a professional. A prop is not something to play with. Might not kill you but good chance it could kill a bystander!
 
I'm sorry if I made it sound so simple. I have been running a prop I made for over a year BUT, I have been in the construction/carpentry business for over 25 years. If you do not have the experience working with wood, and the correct tools, I would not attempt it. I have exploded a few props in my day, carelessness and a gas cap story both times, it's not fun. At $160-200 for a prop for these mini's, it's not worth the risk.
 
Now wait a minute, Faron ...... if we could get some Popsicle sticks about 3' long ?
Maybe a dozen of 'em ? :lol:
 
I don't think I've ever seen a homemade prop....I have seen wood props from various professionals that were so out of balance that I wouldn't run them :shock:
And I have one "professionally made" that has one blade 1/2 inch longer that the other.
Have bolted some carbon fiber props to my engine that the harmonics were so bad that in less than 30 minutes it broke all the bolts :shock:

Lets not stifle innovation...if it weren't for DIY there would be very few airboats and they would all be priced beyond the average persons reach!

And would bet the props that we have all seen "let go" were all "professionally" built! granted they for the most part have been neglected, abused and used beyond their usefull life!
I am not saying everyone should go build their own prop, however if you are capable, I see no reason you shouldn't do it! JMO
 
Fun topic but ware do you all think the first props were made... and yes their were disasters because of mistakes and lack of knowledge... I have made several wood props the first one took me over 100 hours and when we tried it out the first time we were in a hurry and I forgot to tighten the shaft bearings so it made ??? 10 revaluations before it hit the cage and become a wall hanger --- The last one I made after glue up and lay out the cutting ready for finishing took me 8 hours. Home made props design can be found in webs like Universal Hovercraft . But you have to remember that hovercraft run less than 100hp so be sure to plans for the right HP rating. The props I have built were out of pine covered with two layers of fiberglass and epoxy resin (NOT polestar resin) and then balanced to 1 small drop of resin on the tip of the prop with it in the horizontal position on a balance shaft in a room with the doors closed and all air movement turned off so not to effect the balancing process.
Building a wood prop is challenging and fun but you have to remember it can be dangerous if not tested correctly and constantly checked for needed repair.
 
Grant, have to agree with you, but if it is a typical prop being built I say go buy one. I your gonna develop something new, or quiet go for it.
 
If necessity is the mother of all aggravation, creating your own propeller could turn out to be a real mutha. 8)
........ not to mention a pain in the grass!
 
Typical homemade propeller! :D
propWhole.JPG
 
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