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-   -   Ok to Modify a prop?? (https://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/questions-answers-154/8984750-ok-modify-prop.html)

Trax540 08-02-2009 08:22 PM

Ok to Modify a prop??
 
Was curious if its ok to sand off the factory clear on a prop and restain it to suit my build as long as i reclear it and balance it??

Building a Pup and i cant find a vintage looking prop for it so i wanted to get as close as i can

Thanks!


Dorsal 08-02-2009 08:36 PM

RE: Ok to Modify a prop??
 
That'll work just fine. Try not to change the shape of the airfoil.

Trax540 08-02-2009 08:43 PM

RE: Ok to Modify a prop??
 
Yea i took that into consideration, just wanted to double check as i have never attempted it.

Thanks much!

tryan02 08-02-2009 08:51 PM

RE: Ok to Modify a prop??
 
I havent tried it on a plane prop but a denatured alcohol or mineral spirits would remove the clearcoat rather than sanding and changing the balance or deforming the airfoil.

airbusdrvr 08-03-2009 06:23 AM

RE: Ok to Modify a prop??
 
Would sanding with something like 400 grit not roughen the surface enough that your color coat would adhere?

j.duncker 08-03-2009 07:31 AM

RE: Ok to Modify a prop??
 
Sanding is fine, propably better than paint stripper or thinners which might warp the prop. We used to do this all the time with pylon race props to get better shapes.

Wick some thin CA into the end grain on the tips for some extra strength.

Just balance it before you paint [ sanding ] and then again after [ use an extra coat on the light blade ]

Why not do two! These sucker nose over.

Trax540 08-03-2009 07:56 AM

RE: Ok to Modify a prop??
 
1 Attachment(s)


ORIGINAL: airbusdrvr

Would sanding with something like 400 grit not roughen the surface enough that your color coat would adhere?
Not using a color coat persay as in painting it. I am going to Use a wood stain so i need to get the clear off so the natural wood accepts the stain

This is the effect im going for except i want just abit darker and i will probably have to paint on the effect of the metallic strips and rivits rather than actually attach them as i do not know how that would effect it in flight

tryan02 08-03-2009 05:37 PM

RE: Ok to Modify a prop??
 
paint thinner warping well maybe but I dont think so used it many times on finishing furniture with 1/16" luan. But thats why I suggested mineral spirits or denatured alcohol not as strong and with alcohol bases they will dry almost instantly not letting it absorb into the wood and warping it. We all know the clear on these props is pretty thin it wears off after a year or two of flying so it doesnt take sandpaper to remove it. The thing about sanding is you cant do it evenly the heat from friction melts the clearcoat and gums up the sandpaper and you will find yourself quickly unevenly sanding making high and low spots on the prop.


oops once again I havent done this to a prop but have refinished furniture many times some even made it to movie sets.

hope you get er done that will be an awesome look.

Trax540 08-04-2009 07:33 AM

RE: Ok to Modify a prop??
 
Ive have a ton of old props that i dont forsee using anytime soon, so i will give the alch or spirits a try first to see how it takes. Worse comes to worse i will get out the belt sander and just rip that clear right off:D really just kidding about that, Il use the bench grinder:D

Thanks everyone for your input i appreciate it.

Jonathan Ott 08-04-2009 08:39 AM

RE: Ok to Modify a prop??
 
[link=http://www.xoarintl.com/props/ma/PJWWI-Scimitar-light.html]Xoar Propellers WWI Scimitar[/link]

They also have a "Lance" blade, and a "Saber" blade.

Jon

Trax540 08-04-2009 09:56 AM

RE: Ok to Modify a prop??
 
I did see Xoar props however i dont think they make the size i need.
The smallest size i found on there website was 18x...

Im going to be running a 91 Saito and 18 is abit to big [&o]

That scimitar they sell is pretty much the look im going for though

Stew99 08-04-2009 03:42 PM

RE: Ok to Modify a prop??
 
Here's a thread on simulating the look of vintage laminated props:

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4575578/anchors_4598695/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#4598695]how to fake a scale wooden flying prop[/link]

Augie11 08-04-2009 04:19 PM

RE: Ok to Modify a prop??
 
Master Airscrew sells wood scimitar props in the size you need. I just bought a couple for a Saito 1.25 in a BUSA D-VIII. Tower carries them.

jaka 08-05-2009 02:51 PM

RE: Ok to Modify a prop??
 
Hi!
You can modify (carve , Cut, file and sand) any prop as long as you know what you are doing!


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