Further prop questions

[Koenig, Tom]

Dave and others,

You wouldn't happen to know at what stage the centre holes are prepared during the manufacturing process? I assume it's the last thing they do? For the benefit of those unaware, an APC pattern size prop retails somewhere around the $35 to $45 Australian. This has a few of us a little upset to say the least....but that's another story.

Once again I purchased two new props. Burnt another$80. I attempted to balance them, but could not. The holes in both props were again NOWHERE close to the actual centre. The error is visible without the need to measure. I am presently considering filling the holes with an epoxy/milled glass mix, re-jigging and drilling the holes properly on centre. Does this sound feasible?

 I in no way want to slam APC as I believe the APC prop is the only prop of choice for our applications, but my collection of paint stirrers is getting ridiculous. I cant imagine that we would be a dumping ground for out of spec props. My drawer is literally full of thousands of dollars of props I have collected over the last 15 years ( most are Ok) but it seems that the last few years I seem to be getting these paint stirrers. Why this is so, I have no idea. I am also not alone on this issue down here.

Lately, a group of us have been doing a 'bulk' order through Central. The percentage of paint stirrers is (much) lower that way and not to mention the cost saving is considerable...but sometimes when you need a prop urgently we have no choice but to purchase at the much inflated (obscene!) local prices.

I wonder if APC would be willing to offer a 'blue printed and balanced' version of their props? It would save me a fortune in money ( not to mention time!) even if it cost a few dollars more per prop.

My apologies if I sound like I'm having a whinge, but I just hate being over a barrel on things.

best regards

Tom


-----Original Message-----
From: discussion-request at nsrca.org
[mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]On Behalf Of David Lockhart
Sent: Tuesday, 16 November 2004 2:38 PM
To: discussion at nsrca.org
Subject: Re: 3-bladed props for OS160FX


Bill,

I think quite slim.

I've known Fred Burgdorf at APC since he started making props.  I'm not
privvy to exact production costs or sales volumes, but the production costs
for the molds on a 3 blader are much higher than an equivalent load 2 blade.
And I believe the sales volume of the pattern sized 3 and 4 blade props is
probably below or maybe at investment cost.  I'd guess the average 3 or 4
blade pattern APC prop has sold on the order of 200 copies - while props
like the 17-12 and 16.5-12W have sold on the order of thousands - that does
not lend to a money making scenario for any additional 3/4 blade pattern
props.  I know Fred would rather "mimic" a given 3 blade with a super wide
blade 2 blade prop (because of production costs) than make another 3 blade
prop.  I believe all of the APC molds are CNC milled solid aluminum blocks -
you can imagine how much larger the mold for a 3 blade is compared to a 2
blade, and aside from the simple size difference, I believe maintaining the
integrity of the mold and the injection process becomes more difficult as
well (I'd guess someone on this list might have more insight than this
Environmental Consultant).

If enough requests to apcprop.com were made, maybe another prop would make
it to production - I'd be happy to provide the prop for the mold <G>.

Regards,

Dave

----- Original Message -----
From: "William C. Harden" <flyinbill1 at bellsouth.net>
To: <discussion at nsrca.org>
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2004 8:18 PM
Subject: RE: 3-bladed props for OS160FX


> Dave,
>
> What is the possibility that we can get APC to make the 3-blade prop
> that we want??  It seems it would be in their best interest to do so.
>
> Bill Harden
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]
> On Behalf Of David Lockhart
> Sent: Monday, November 15, 2004 6:55 PM
> To: discussion at nsrca.org
> Subject: Re: 3-bladed props for OS160FX
>
> Claudio,
>
> Below I've posted some info I've written before - I think most of it has
> been on this discussion list before.  In short, progressive twisting is
> not
> needed - a single twist near the root is sufficient.
>
> ions.
>
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>

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