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Prop replace or repair
Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 10:10 am
by Woody
question to the technical boys?
The aerrie we are currently flying has had the same prop on since purchace 2 blade woody.We were "told"

to replace prop due to vibration.
To recon the prop is 50% cheaper but still costly than a new woody.I see some 503 have the 3-blade warps on.
My question is this?
1)Is it better to stick to 2 blade woody. "with b-box"
2)Go 3-blade warp prop?
3)Can old prop be rebalanced and is it worth it?
If we need to spend money,we'd like to do it wisely.
thanx
Woody
Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 1:47 pm
by DarkHelmet
I understand woody's have better thrust but are more unbalanced. Composites run smoother.
Each have their pro's and con's
I trained on a Safari 582 with a 2 blade Piet de Necker prop, I think it had more oomph than my smooth 3 blade warp-drive.
But be CAREFUL, I had a gnarly vibration every 2400 RPM ( harmonic caused by the combination of a 4:1 gear ratio, 3 blade prop, and two stroke/2cylinder motor)
So changing to a 3 blade composite could cause you more heartache if your combination is odd.
I replaced my 4:1 with a 3.47:1 and Piet de N tuned the prop for me - she is a beauty now! (PS any one want a 4:1 gear for a 582?)
Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 2:39 pm
by Duck Rogers
Woody wrote:1)Is it better to stick to 2 blade woody. "with b-box"
2)Go 3-blade warp prop?
3)Can old prop be rebalanced and is it worth it?
2-blade wood for sure....
Old prop can be re-balanced for next-to-nothing without any problems. Done it many times :D and completely refurbished for a little more...
DarkHelmet posted you some good advice on this one.. :D
Duck Rogers
Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 5:29 pm
by Woody
THANX FOR THAT D.H AND DR
Also had some feedback on "keeping the woody" like my name i love wood.Some say you can do this balancing at home, if so can you assist through pm or give a few contacts in my area. Wood like to learn the finer detail on this issue
thanx
WOODY
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Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 8:47 pm
by Duck Rogers
Sorry, can't help you with any contact persons in your area.
Just phone Pieter de Necker on 011 793-5235. He will refurbish and re-balance at the same time.
If you're monetary challenged (an "armgat" like me) phone Johan Maritz on 0828223179. He can balance it for you. Stays in Alberton, I think, but works out at Baragwanath airfield.
Duck Rogers
Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 9:53 am
by Aerosan
Hi Woody
I have a 2 blade Piet prop and a 3blade warp and I can tell you first hand that it just depens what you want. If I were you, I wood

contact Piet as Duck sugested and get your wood redone. The Warp is smooth and quiet BUT there is a definate power LOSS.
My 2c worth
San
Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 3:26 pm
by Sad-Ham
Had a wooden Geo Killey prop on my old windlass which I took to Piet de N. He rebalanced and refurbished it including new stainless leading edges for next to nothing. Prop was like new again when I got it back. Would recomend his services anytime.
Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 5:59 pm
by Woody