Further prop questions

[Nat Penton]

IT WOULD be nice if we could get APC to blueprint and balance, for a fee. I 
have run into two problems with their props, one, with the hole not in the 
geometric center, two, the hole centered but grossly unbalanced.

For the not centered  I use a round rasp (bit) in the drillpress to enlarge 
and approximate center then use an oversize bit. For a bushing I use masking 
tape.

For the grossley unbalanced I take a flat wood rasp and get mean. Am open 
for suggestions.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Koenig, Tom" <Tom.Koenig at actewagl.com.au>
To: <discussion at nsrca.org>
Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 6:36 PM
Subject: Further prop questions


>
> 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.
>>
>> =================================================
>> To access the email archives for this list, go to
>> http://lists.f3a.us/pipermail/nsrca-discussion/
>> To be removed from this list, go to http://www.nsrca.org/discussionA.htm
>> and follow the instructions.
>>
>
> =================================================
> To access the email archives for this list, go to
> http://lists.f3a.us/pipermail/nsrca-discussion/
> To be removed from this list, go to http://www.nsrca.org/discussionA.htm
> and follow the instructions.
>
>
>
> ************************************************************************
> *PLEASE NOTE*  This email and any attachments may
> be confidential. If received in error, please delete all
> copies and advise the sender. The reproduction or
> dissemination of this email or its attachments is
> prohibited without the consent of the sender.
>
> WARNING RE VIRUSES:  Our computer systems sweep
> outgoing email to guard against viruses, but no warranty
> is given that this email or its attachments are virus free.
> Before opening or using attachments, please check for
> viruses.  Our liability is limited to the re-supply of any
> affected attachments.
>
> Any views expressed in this message are those of the
> individual sender, except where the sender expressly,
> and with authority, states them to be the views of the
> organisation.
> ************************************************************************
> To access the email archives for this list, go to
> http://lists.f3a.us/pipermail/nsrca-discussion/
> To be removed from this list, go to http://www.nsrca.org/discussionA.htm
> and follow the instructions.
>
>
> 

=================================================
To access the email archives for this list, go to
http://lists.f3a.us/pipermail/nsrca-discussion/
To be removed from this list, go to http://www.nsrca.org/discussionA.htm
and follow the instructions.