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Making propellers

Posted: January 8th, 2019, 4:49 pm
by Bitconnect
I was wondering exactly how you make propellers. Ikara ones keep on breaking for me. I’ve heard of using plastic cups and cutting blades from them or wetting balsa sheets and making blades from those. I know you need to put piano wire through the prop but how exactly would you make blades, spars, and the hub?

Re: Making propellers

Posted: January 8th, 2019, 4:52 pm
by bjt4888
Bitconnect,

Jeff Anderson posted several very informative links earlier in this wiki that include custom propeller construction details. You could start be reviewing these links.

Brian T

Re: Making propellers

Posted: January 8th, 2019, 4:56 pm
by Bitconnect
Ok I’ll check those out

Re: Making propellers

Posted: January 8th, 2019, 5:04 pm
by Bitconnect
Where did he post the links? Is it in a prior year’s forum?

Re: Making propellers

Posted: January 8th, 2019, 5:35 pm
by bjt4888
Bitconnect,

Good job responding quickly. This year’s Wright Stuff wiki (this wiki). Page 4 of the thread titled “Wright Stuff C”. Once you get going on this research, message back with any questions you have.

Brian T

Re: Making propellers

Posted: January 8th, 2019, 5:36 pm
by Bitconnect
Oh... I went to the 2015 forum and found a discussion about bucket props you had back then with Jeff. I'm reading an INAV article on bucket props right now.

Re: Making propellers

Posted: January 8th, 2019, 5:55 pm
by CrayolaCrayon
The ikara props are breaking? I've had my ikaras go through A LOT of obstructions, and have never had a single one break. What is making them break?

Re: Making propellers

Posted: January 8th, 2019, 6:12 pm
by bjt4888
Bitconnect,

Good job. Also look at Hip Pocket Aeronautics Penny Plane and F1L design threads.

Brian T

Re: Making propellers

Posted: January 8th, 2019, 6:14 pm
by bjt4888
Our experience is the same as Crayola’s. We’ve never broken an Ikara and get very good performance from them after modifying.

Re: Making propellers

Posted: January 8th, 2019, 6:17 pm
by Bitconnect
Might have something to do with me changing the pitch frequently. Every time I did that the plastic gradually got weaker and one crash eventually broke my propeller. I went through several this week. As far as I know, you use pliers to twist the spar gently. I don't know why mine are getting much weaker.