ORIGINAL: jetblast96
Tacx, actually I have had a lot of prop strikes with the FL70, come to think of it, at least once every time I go to the field... (short gear, bumpy grass runway. I've been thinking of going to an 11" 3 blade to add clearance). I put my spare, never-run propeller on, without the back plate (stock plastic spinner), and saw that it was about 1/16" tracking difference; I think that's acceptable, but what do you think? I then put the backplate back on along with the new propeller and the tracking was back to about 1/8"...
As far as the Saito, I realized that I've been using the wrong reamer (7mm crankshaft, and I've been using the standard reamer. I am such an idiot sometimes...) so I'll have to buy a metric reamer and try again. I'll get back to you all on that.
So again, is 1/16" difference bad for the FL70? If I go ahead and get another Tru Turn spinner, it may stay that way. I need a spinner; I use an electric starter and I like my fingers too much to hand start.
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Your answer is right here ...
prop strikes!
Once you have a prop strike you should forget about trying to achieve even tracking with that prop. Striking the prop not only chips it, but bends it as well. Unless you have highly precise measuring equipment (and we don't need that), you will never be able to detectthe difference between the bladeswith the human eye.
Only attempt to measure tracking with a new prop. 1/8 of an inch difference would be highly unusual for a new prop. I have never come across anything but a 0 difference with a new prop. 30~40 years ago there were differences in prop bladesbecause the technology wasn't there to make prefect props. 40 years ago, I believe the wooden MasterAirscrew props were hand finished.Those had visible differences between the two blades.