|
Suggested
Propeller Balancing Procedures
By
Chuck Winter
.
This propeller has been delivered to you in a near balanced
condition. Without knowing the final length or particular
blade tip shape you may wish to use, I have left those
decisions up to you. The initial procedure is to simply
measure both propeller blades to assure the exact same
length. You may use your "High Point" or other similar
balancers to accomplish this task. A suggestion for insuring
both blade tips are the same shape is to first develop the
shape you want on one tip and then transfer that shape to
the other tip. To do this, trace the shape of the completed
tip approximately 3 inches in from the tip on a piece of
paper with a sharp pencil. Position this piece of paper with
tip pattern under the other tip and use it for a
guide in matching this shape.
2. When you are satisfied with the length and tip shape of
both blades, balancing procedures may begin. Using your
"High Point" or other similar balancer, we mount the
propeller with a brass tube through its hub on the balancer.
Our aim is to produce a balanced condition that will allow
the finished propeller to remain absolutely stationary in
any selected position through 360 degrees. I do not
recommend drilling holes and installing lead in any part of
the propeller. This could be a very unsafe practice. The
propeller can be brought into safe and raceable balance by
light sanding of the heavier blade and if desired, the
application of clear fuel-proof spray paint to the lighter
blade.
3. (This is the FIRST and most important step
in TRUE BALANCING)With the propeller positioned on
the balancer, rotate it to the vertical position, blades
pointing
up and down. We need to cause the propeller to remain still
and balanced in this position. If the propeller moves from
the exact vertical position, note which side is heaviest. We
shall balance the propeller in the vertical by removing
material from the heavy side of the propeller hub. Rotate
the propeller 180 deg to insureyou have located the heavy
hub position. If the propeller remains perfectly still in
both vertical rotations you may go to Step 4. Always remove
the propeller from the balancer to grind or file material
away. You can use a Dremel tool with rough sanding drums or
a rough file. ( See Fig. # 1 )
4. The next step will balance the propeller horizontally
with the removal of material from the heavy blade and if
desired, the addition of clear fuel-proof spray paint on the
light blade. The propeller will be considered properly
balanced and "race- ready" when it attains the condition of
stability in any position through a 360 degree circle. As a
"rule-of-thumb" a piece of common bond paper 3 inches square
(2 pieces stapled to instruction sheet) is the approximate
weight of one coat of clear spray paint applied to the front
and back of the light blade. (See Fig.#2) With this
knowledge, drape a folded piece of bond paper 3
inches
square over the light blade to get a preliminary appraisal
of the balance condition of the propeller. If the 3 inch
square piece of paper is not enough, try an additional piece
of 3 inch square piece of paper. If you need more than 2
pieces of the 3 inch square pieces of paper, you should
remove material from the heavy blade to bring the propeller
more into balance. If you feel you need to remove material
from the heavy blade, first check heavy blade's length and
shape again. If removal of material is necessary , remove
material from top side of heavy blade. Do not remove
material from the under pitch side. If you have access to
some type of measuring tool, a micrometer or caliper, check
both blades for the same thickness. The removal of material
from the top side of blade is best accomplished by
wet-sanding with #400 wet1dry sandpaper. Periodically check
the balance of the propeller during this procedure, be sure
to dry the propeller before balancing.
5. When the condition ofnear balance is attained (one piece
of3 inch square bond paper), remove the propeller from
balancing device and decide if you want to remove more
material or spray paint the light blade. To prepare the
light blade for spray painting ,clean the light blade with
acetone or lacquer thinner to remove dust, finger prints,
mold-release wax or any other contaminants that will detract
from a professional finish. You can hold propeller (heavy
blade) in your hand as you spray the light blade. Spray
outdoors or in well ventilated area. Allowat least 12 hours
of drying time to attain a perfect balance. Also, don't
forget to balance the spinner and back plate. By carefully
using this propeller balancing procedure, you have removed a
major source of vibration from your airplane. Any questions
you may have or any tips that you would like to add to these
procedures feel free to contact me; Chuck Winter, at (209)
723-9328.
E-mail chaswinter@aol.com See-Ya at the races!
Chuck
also has racing props for sale. Here is a listing of what he has to
offer.
|
Available Sizes
|
Available Sizes
|
|
18x18
|
22x24
|
|
19x19
|
23x23
|
|
20x20
|
24x24
|
|
20x20 * redesigned
|
25x25
|
|
21x21
|
26x26
|
|
21x23
|
27x27
|
|
22x22
|
|
Cost
of the props is computed at $10.00 per diameter inch. (ex
19x24 is 19 x $10 = $190)
Please contact Chuck Winter for more information.
Chuck Winter
535 W. N. Bearcreek Dr.
Merced, Ca 95348
(209) 723-9328
chaswinter@aol.com
|
About Us