prop thinning - what method to use?

[TimD]

Looking for ideas on the best way to thin down prop blades....

What is the best method? I know some people use a linisher, while others use power tools or just the good ol' file.

Anyone know what Mr. Brown uses? Very interesting swirl patterns on his prop's.

 

[Ian Inverarity]

Tim,

I use a linisher to sharpen and balance my props. I have been trying to source a 2" disc grinder that runs at high speed, but so far have only found pneumatic ones that are expensive!

Ian.

 

[Ozzy]

Tim

I use the linsher to do all the major work and then fine tuen with a file and then finsh with emery paper .

And the swirl patern on the AB props is prodused with small detail sander

CHD Racing Ozzy

 

[Jay Boyd]

I paint some Dykem layout dye on the blades & just go at it with a 6" file.The Dykem will let you keep track of where you've filed on both blades.(or 3)File it all off & then re-apply.It works mint.Jay.

 

[Ian Inverarity]

Hehe,

Forgot to add that final finishing on my props is with 400 wet/dry paper. Linished is not quite that good! I use a cratex tip in a dremel on the stainless props to make them look pretty!

Ian.

 

[Chris Wood]

go to www.ecmoore.com

i believe this is what andy uses..

i have some of there products and they work good..

make sure you get the plastic backed discs

they flex the paper ones don't..

chris

 

[TimD]

Chris,

I take it they are dremel attachments?

Might look into those! Thanks for the tip.

Tim.

 

[Chris Wood]

HEY TIM

YEA THEY ARE.. MAKE SURE YOU GET A COUPLE OF THE MANDRAL'S THEY ARE A QUICK CHANGE SQUARE...

GOOD LUCK.. MAKE SURE YOU GET THE PLASTIC BACKED AND NOT THE PAPER TO HARD TO WORK WITH AND NOT NEAR AS FLEXIBLE...

CHRIS ;D

 

[Ron Olson]

Don't want to sound stupid (too late!) but what is a linisher? I've heard of it before but no idea what it is.

BTW, wanna have fun with someone that is naive? send them to a Marine Shop for a can of prop thinner!

 

[Ian Inverarity]

Ron,

A linisher is a belt sander that is not a portable machine, often they attach to bench grinders replacing one of the grinding wheels. I tried to find a picture of a good one, but most commercial linishers supplied on a grinder have a lot of guarding which would make them difficult to use for sharpening props. Most of those I have seen in Aus are aftermarket attachments for bench grinders, the locally made Multi-Tool. One side of the belt is supported, but the otherside is not, so it can conform to the shape of the props without grinding flats into them! The section of belt that runs around the tension wheel is useful for trimming a prop.

You can use surprising rough grades of belts to get a reasonable finish. I generally rough a prop down with a new 40 grit belt and do final sharpening and balancing with a worn 100 grit belt. I then finish by hand using 400 wet/dry.

To use them is a bit of a skill tho, after about 6 years of using them I still occasionally ruin a prop by taking too much off! You also have to be careful not to linish your fingers!! But you can get some very thin leading edges using a linisher.

Ian.

 

[Ian Inverarity]

Hey Ron,

Maybe you are on to something with that prop thinner idea! Maybe we should be using something like hydroflouric acid to make our props thinner! Just dip them in and wait till they dissolve to the blade thickness you want!

Nitrocrazed racing: Disclaimer: Dont even think about trying it....