I want to use a GP plastic spinner but the prop cut out is too small for the prop. What's a good way to cut and trim the spinner to fit a large prop>

TIA

A knife seems rather uncontrolable.

I do best with a round file.

You could use a Dremel?

Jim

How about an aluminum spinner

I've got a 2-1/4" Great Planes aluminum spinner for my U-CAN-DO

and I need to cut it out for an APC prop. I haven't tried anything yet but I would really like to hear from those who have some experience.

Thanks
Jim

Dremel works nicely. Just be sure you use a balancer afterwards as it's difficult to be sure you removed the same amount of material from each side.

John

Thanks JWN
I've done this in the past and I do balance when I'm done. The past means around 4 years ago. Back then I didn't have the advantage of asking modelers from around the WORLD for advice

I appreciate you quick response.

Regards
Jim

Jim,
You're welcome. These forums really are about the best thing to happn to the hobby IMHO.

Happy grinding

John

I switched to GP aluminium spinners when I changed to APC props. I've had no problems with clearance.
Much easier than spending ages carving away plastic.

Hi!
I use a Dremel and tungstencarbide cutters from Micromark when I trim my Tru Turn spinners...but forget the Great Planes (Top Flite)magnetic balancer if you want to balance small 1,3/4"-3"spinners...That balancer is going to drive you crasy as it is not exact enough......the spinner just turns whatever you do to it.
So.... I'm just careful how much I cut away and don't bother wirth balancing.

Regards!
Jan K

I've used my High Point balancer to balance model boat props. It's more than precise enough for balancing a spinner.

John

Or....just invest in a Tru-Turn spinner (best there is) and pay $7.50 for them to PRECISELY modify the spinner if needed.


Balance guys....those "home tweaked" spinners are gonna be the cause of your next spectacular crash.

Radios hate 'em..

I use Tru Turn spinners. They are the best there is. But, sometimes they need to be modified slightly. Why pay Romco to open the slots and balance it again when I can do as good a job as they can without paying $7.50 a pop? It's going to be the cause of a crash huh? Well then, I must be lucky after doing this on my own for the past 14 years.

John

Anyone who thinks the magnetic balancer is not accurate enough to balance a spinner obviously needs to learn to use one correctly. I've modified several Tru Turn AND Dave Brown aluminum spinners, and have had zero problems with any of them. Oh yeah, the planes they are on are still flying. It is all just a matter of taking your time and making your modifications correctly. I hardly think that ANY modified aluminum spinner that has even been remotely rebalanced would be any worse than some of the plastic spinners I have seen installed straight out of the package with no balancing done at all. I've even got some of those that are still in the air!