Hi Earl...

Since about 1994 or '95 the fellows (gyronuts, that is) who have been getting together once or twice a year have debated the question of rotor rotation. There seems to be no difference. Other factors probably have more influence than direction of rotation.

If the gyro is to be hand lauched and the launcher is right handed, (holds the plane in his/her right hand to launch) then it's easy to give the rotor an initial spin with the left hand. It's easier to spin the near-side blade backward than forward....at least it is for me! <G>

The fact that the clockwise rotating blades spin up but don't produce lift may be caused by too much negative incidence of the blades. Try adding a layer or two of masking tape, or a 1/64 shim ahead of the mounting bolts. The rotor will probably be less easy to get spinning, but once it does, it should produce more lift as it goes into autorotation.

Bill