ORIGINAL: nexxa
I carve my prop as needed from a long time.
But I still have this question. For example, I use an APC 10X9 on my OS.55AX with ultratrusth muffler (Viper 500). I want to try a 9.5X9. Do I simply cut tips by a 1/4, or I carve the prop and tip etc.... to look like an original prop?
Would it be efficiency as a real APC 9.5X9 (I know, it not exist)?
I would cut them off neatly and square, then clean the cut face and edges with 600 grit paper. I use it wet. Rebalance and test. A square tip is not all that bad for efficiency. You will lose a tiny bit of efficiency but maybe not enough to care. The more you clip off the more you can hurt the efficiency if you do not properly reshape and verify the pitch with a gauge. But to reshape the tips you must know what you are doing, otherwise your effort may cause more trouble than good. If the 1/4" off is not enough, try a 9-9 or maybe 9-10 (?) prop to see if you are going the right direction.
Just my thoughts.
MJD