I've never owned an electric starter for a model airplane. Had my fingers whacked a couple times. But, never a bad cut until I started using APC props. I did alway use a rubber finger protector from Ace R/C. But, that's all chewed through now, thanks to the APC sharp trailing edges. Anone know where I can get another?

I'm not sure how relevant Methanol flash points are. The platinum in the glow element acts as a catalyst to begin the fuel burn with the residual heat from the last combustion cycle. For starting, the red hot glow element excited from battery current is more than enough to start a methanol burn under compressed conditions I don't know how cold it has to be before ignition is prevented. But, I remember starting glow engines in the middle of winter with temps in the low 30s, just with the glow battery and finger proping. These were .049 and .35 engines on 15% nitro.

The flash point issue IS relevant to spark ignition IC engine that don't have a catalytic element. Also, you'll find that in winter months, E-85 gasoline is more like 70/ 30 instead of 85/15 for precisely the reason of cold starting.

Cheers,

like someone said on the other page, use a small section of garden hose to protect your finger... its cheap and a simple idea!

as for chicken sticks, would a simple piece of dowel and a handle of some kind work? after seeing those nasty cuts im worried about my tender little pinkies...

I called ace r/c customer service. They cheerily told me the product (finger protector) was discontinued due to lack of demand and they sold their last one in 2000. I'm thinking they made those things too well. I just now wore out the one I bought in the mid '70s.

Guess I'll try to make a substitute from something in a Hardware or auto parts store. I think I'm going to miss that nicely rounded tip, though.

I wonder if I can make a mold and cast a new one. I'll have to go over to Tap Plastics and see if that can be done.

Cheers,