Wood Propellers are a fantastic choice for your RV. They are light,inexpensive,and low maintenance.
I've started this thread to help those who have questions about Wood Propellers.
A few topics to start are:
1)Maintenance- They are LOW maintenance Not NO maintenance. As always inspect you Prop before each flight.
a. Moisture is a slow destroyer of a wood propeller. Any sort of damage which breaks thru the finish should be addressed as soon as possible.
b. Torque should be checked at each annual-I suggest checking the torque on new propeller installations after the frist flight or at least after the first hour.
c.All Wood Propellers need to be refinished every few years to prevent moisture damage. Check with the Manufacturer to determine what process is used for the finish. some are simple varnish others are automotive clear coats.If you chose to refinish yourself check the balance. its easy to get off.
2)Cost-Wood propellers are the most economical of choices. Typically they start at 800.00 and go up to 2700.00 depending on application.(two or three blade)
3)Weight-A typical two blade weighs 11 to 12 pounds then you add the extension(6lbs), crush plate(2lbs) and bolts(2lbs). So the installed weight is around 21 pounds.
4)Aerobatics-
a.Wood propellers do not work fatigue like aluminum props. This is a big advantage with props used in aerobatic applications.
b.Wood propellers have a much lower polar moment of inertia which results in a lower gyroscopic effect thereby giving a more responsive aircraft.
These are a few bits of information on Wood Propellers. Please feel free to ask if you have questions. From time to time I'll be adding information.
I've started this thread to help those who have questions about Wood Propellers.
A few topics to start are:
1)Maintenance- They are LOW maintenance Not NO maintenance. As always inspect you Prop before each flight.
a. Moisture is a slow destroyer of a wood propeller. Any sort of damage which breaks thru the finish should be addressed as soon as possible.
b. Torque should be checked at each annual-I suggest checking the torque on new propeller installations after the frist flight or at least after the first hour.
c.All Wood Propellers need to be refinished every few years to prevent moisture damage. Check with the Manufacturer to determine what process is used for the finish. some are simple varnish others are automotive clear coats.If you chose to refinish yourself check the balance. its easy to get off.
2)Cost-Wood propellers are the most economical of choices. Typically they start at 800.00 and go up to 2700.00 depending on application.(two or three blade)
3)Weight-A typical two blade weighs 11 to 12 pounds then you add the extension(6lbs), crush plate(2lbs) and bolts(2lbs). So the installed weight is around 21 pounds.
4)Aerobatics-
a.Wood propellers do not work fatigue like aluminum props. This is a big advantage with props used in aerobatic applications.
b.Wood propellers have a much lower polar moment of inertia which results in a lower gyroscopic effect thereby giving a more responsive aircraft.
These are a few bits of information on Wood Propellers. Please feel free to ask if you have questions. From time to time I'll be adding information.
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