Tools of the Trade

[Basstronics]

Can the seasoned professionals please post up some pictures of their prop sharpening tools.

Also a description on what type of files are being used (double or single cut, jewelers, swiss, name brands, etc).

Any types of gauges or fixtures would be helpful.

I guess if I ever want to be good in this hobby Im going to need to learn this trade.

I did up a TFL X432B last night. Going to test today. I was able to thin the blade some. Just enough I only need a very slight angle to but an edge on it. Wet sand 400 grit then 800.

I know I need a better balancer. So thats one thing on the list. I have no problems spending money on good tools.

[properchopper]

I used to spend lots of time thinning blades (reduces lift and load). Then I got one of these. Gets it done in minutes. Great for all kinds of material removal as well. Worth every penny. I clamp mine in a rubber- jaw'd vise to do props.

DSC03444.JPGDSC03445.JPG

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-hal...der-92158.html

[martin]

Most important you need to wear a suitable mask & gloves when doing props ecpecially if your sanding them with a machine. This is very dangerous stuff if you breath this dust in.

[properchopper]

Most important you need to wear a suitable mask & gloves when doing props ecpecially if your sanding them with a machine. This is very dangerous stuff if you breath this dust in.

I totally agree. Here I am getting ready to do some prop sharpening : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34CaXpMLkR0

[martin]

Tony your giving your secrets away what you wear in the bedroom.

[Basstronics]

Thanks for the info Tony.

How aggressive is that?

I was hoping more for input on files and whats good/cheap.

I bought a 6" Mill single cut. However its rather coarse and I feel it pushes to much burr. I also have some jewelers type files, but they are double cut.

I did by one of those goofy head magnifying glass things from Harbor Freight. Im going for attention to detail.

Figure if Im going to do this, Im going to do it right or not bother.

[srislash]

I've got a 6" bastard file,a 6" double cut fine,a single cut fine and assorted jewellers.I have been finding the abrasive dremal Wheels quite effective in smoothing any file marks out. And once again,a Respirator.

[Mike Caruso]

I used to spend lots of time thinning blades (reduces lift and load). Then I got one of these. Gets it done in minutes. Great for all kinds of material removal as well. Worth every penny. I clamp mine in a rubber- jaw'd vise to do props.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]82483[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]82484[/ATTACH]

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-hal...der-92158.html

Who sells the Ball tool for cupping other than Voodoo? I saw it once and it got away He He

[twissted]

I like the files myself. I use different size balls that will cup differently depending on size of the prop.


here is a video I found that will help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtEIhWQtxVo&playnext=1&list=PLD00518936EE9F4BF&feature=results_video

[Mike Caruso]

I like the files myself. I use different size balls that will cup differently depending on size of the prop.


here is a video I found that will help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtEIh...=results_video

Great blade work!

[ray schrauwen]

That tool makes it a world easier.

I bought one on sale at Canadian Tire, Black & Decker with Cyclone. I use the finest grit it came with, 120 or something. Need to find a belt supplier for finer grits.

I used to spend lots of time thinning blades (reduces lift and load). Then I got one of these. Gets it done in minutes. Great for all kinds of material removal as well. Worth every penny. I clamp mine in a rubber- jaw'd vise to do props.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]82483[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]82484[/ATTACH]

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-hal...der-92158.html

[Raydee]

MY favorite prop tool is a right angle air grinder with various rotoloc pads. I can whip out a prop pretty fast with it but like others have said wear a real good mask with some eye protection. I don't do as great of a job making them look real pretty but my props seem to work good on the water so I must be doing something right after 20 something years of RC boating.

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=66666UF6EVsSyXTtlXMtNXs6EVU6EVs6EVs6EVs6E666666--

[bruceisla]

I totally agree. Here I am getting ready to do some prop sharpening : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34CaXpMLkR0

Do they come in colors other than green?

[twissted]

Here is a tip that will help alot of you. find a old sears craftsman philip screw driver and use the top end of the handle to do the cupping of the prop. cut the handle and drill and tap handle to bolt to table that has hole drilled through it.

[keithbradley]

MY favorite prop tool is a right angle air grinder with various rotoloc pads. I can whip out a prop pretty fast with it but like others have said wear a real good mask with some eye protection. I don't do as great of a job making them look real pretty but my props seem to work good on the water so I must be doing something right after 20 something years of RC boating.
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawe...6EVs6E666666--

I agree with all of this 100%.
If I want to make a prop look pretty I can take my time, but more often I just want to get them cut/shaped/balanced and on the boat for testing.