Good point don't ignore your prop finish.
 

Yea I agree rough props do lower performance, but surprised you can detect it. GOOD POINT.

I polish the leading edge out of my Hartzell with fine buffing compound. I rarely use a file. The few times I got a nick I use a spoon file, small rounded (spoon shape) fine file or emery cloth. The idea is take min material off. I don't go crazy polishing the leading edge, but I do keep my prop leading edge smooth and wax the blades often. I also refinished the back of the blades where the black paint was chipped and rough. I wet sanded it all down smooth and sealed it with a very light coat of flat black paint. It looks brand new.

I think waxing the heck out of the prop and keeping it clean pays dividends in efficiency, but how much I can't say.

Why is your prop is getting rough even though not flown in the rain? I don't know? Now that I think about it my prop gets a dull leading edge finish over time and rarely fly in rain. Is it possible we are picking up stuff during run up, taxi and takeoff over an area where there is sand and dirt.


Cheers George

For the sake of no arguement... I got both !!! Problem solved...

-Jeff



And George is right... that wood is pretty!

Prince P-Tip Carbon Fiber Prop
 

This is my prop - I hope to find out later this summer how it performs. Note the anti-vortex tips which allow the prop to be about 2" shorter. This prop is supposed to self-adjust by a few inches of pitch between climb and cruise. http://princeaircraft.com/
h