How to make a carved scale wooden propeller.

[wonwinglo]

Every model builder should make at least one propeller in their model building lifetime,the satisfaction of carving your own propellers cannot be described but itsfun to do so too,follow these steps and practise,I make both static scale and flying propellers this way which is virtually the same as the real ones are made,they were once made by skilled woodworkers by hand but now machinery plays a big part in their construction.



First make a card template and transfer the shape to any suitable piece of wood,cut out with a bandsaw or a fretsaw frame will suffice.



Next contour the prop looking from the side,check photographs or plans first.



Start by cutting/sanding the pitch of the propeller,make sure you mark the leading edges and leave the leding edge until the end.



Now turn the propeller over and start to carve that too,think of a boats helical screw propeller,the blade changes camber towards the root,keep sanding equally,a half round file comes in handy.



Once you are happy with the shape use finer grit glasspaper to fine finish all edges and now you can round the leading edge of the blades.



Bush your propeller with brass tube of any suitable bushing to hand,balance the blades by sticking two razor blades upright into a piece of balsa and place a piece of wire into the propeller bush,sand offending heavy blade so propeller lays level,balance the hub vertically into a piece of wire held in a vice rotate 90 degrees to check each blade,blade should hang vertically when hub is balanced.



Apply sanding sealer two coats.



Paint as required,yes the cowlings are home brew too.