Cutting spinner prop slots
 

Anyone have any good techniques or suggestions on how to cut larger slots in an aluminum spinner? I have a dome spinner for the Super Stearman that needs bigger slots. I have an APC 18X6W that doesn't fit. I purchased the 2 3/4 AT6 120 Tru Turn as some had suggested but it is bigger and still doesn't fit the prop. If I am going to hone out new slots anyway, I would like to do it to the stock spinner that came with the kit and return the $45 Tru Turn. Any suggestions? I've never done it before. Thanks.

RE: Cutting spinner prop slots
 

TH

RE: Cutting spinner prop slots
 

I take the spinner cone, base down on newspaper, and make a paper mache mold of the cone. Just strips of newspaper wetted with flour, water and little wood glue, about 3 layers thick. Let dry, trim, spray with PU to stiffen. Now with a mold of your spinner cone, you can mark, cut and experiment on prop cutouts. When you have it right, slide back over cone and mark your cutouts. Dremel tool with diamond cutters, sanding drums will finish the job. Make sure each cutout is the same for proper balance. This is the method I use, I am sure there other ways also.

RE: Cutting spinner prop slots
 

I use a dremil with the fiberglass cutoff wheel. Does a nice job as long as you have a steady hand. Dont use the smaller fiberboard cutoff wheels. They shatter and are dangerous. I'm surprised they still sell those.
Edwin

RE: Cutting spinner prop slots
 

I mark them and cut the openings with the 1" belt sander. It cuts them down
remarkably fast, about 20-30 seconds per side. I do the final dressing by hand
with an assortment of files as necessary. Once you get the technique on the
belt sander, very little finish work is needed. ;)

FBD. :D

RE: Cutting spinner prop slots
 

Don't forget to balance the spinner when you've got the slots the way you want them.

RE: Cutting spinner prop slots
 

Here's a "how to" I did awhile back on balancing spinners and backplates. ;)

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_11...tm.htm#1115188

FBD. :D

RE: Cutting spinner prop slots
 

It cracks me up how so many people answer this question by saying, "Use a Dremel tool." What I'm guessing you would like to know is the method for determining the shape and position of the new openings. I have the same plane and stuffed a ZDZ40 into it! The 18/8 prop was way too big for the included spinner. You might consider using the following method. Buy a profile gage for about seven bucks, push it down over the prop where the spinner would be, and make a template of this shape out of file folder stock. Tape the template over the original opening using the opening's leading edge as a reference and carefully scribe the shape on the spinner. Repeat this step on the other side. (Make sure you have the template facing the right direction!) Cut away at the spinner with whatever cutting tool(s) that you like. Balance the spinner and back plate. I think you'll find that the spinner end up with a more or less square opening, except for a bit of original opening that remains.

RE: Cutting spinner prop slots
 

I cut the slots with a rat tail file be it plastic or aluminum. A lot or trail fits are required to get one close.

Enjoy,

Jim