Tools of the Trade

[twissted]

I'm new to rc boating and taking my time is because of this. I'm shure that down the road I will do the same. I do likem shiney though.

[dana]

I usually leave the trailing edge of my props rough with 400 grit Westland. The reason is because it tends to grab the water better and throw it more

[capnswanny]

I'm no seasoned professional....here's last nights late night-6 pack idea. Quick built, prop sharpening stand.
Worked out well....beat holding it in my hand or using the vice.
Corey

[Mike Caruso]

I'm no seasoned professional....here's last nights late night-6 pack idea. Quick built, prop sharpening stand.
Worked out well....beat holding it in my hand or using the vice.
Corey

Don't use Play-Doh as it springs back. Craft store for modeling clay is what you need.

[capnswanny]

I had noticed that too, thanks for the tip Mike!

[kevinpratt823]

Just bought this
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-inch-...nder-2485.html
and this
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-inch-...her-94071.html
along with some polishing compound, so far I am very pleased.

[kevinpratt823]

my prop stationSAM_0114.jpg
I keep the small blue sponge wet and use it to cool the props in between to keep things moving along, and the 2"x4" setup I had around, so I use it to place a piece of fine grip paper over the edge for fine tuning the edges, the litle buffing wheel on the grinder works nicely.

[twissted]

I like your station. I would like to try that belt sander. Is that a Harbor Freight item?

[kevinpratt823]

I like your station. I would like to try that belt sander. Is that a Harbor Freight item?

Yes, I just posted a link for a coupon they sent me, $35! Print it and go get it, great for rough work. The belt it comes with is 80 or 120 grit I think, your prop will be ruined quick, I got some finer 1"x30" belts on ebay. The little grinder/buffer was also from Harbor Frieght, as was the polishing compound, and a set of $3 needle files, but they're pretty rough.

[siberianhusky]

What do you do to control the dust? That stuff is seriously bad for you, looks like your just firing it all over the place!
It's not only the dust while working it's the residual dust you can't clean up that could seriously harm your family!
Do some reading about the dangers of berrylium, it's nasty stuff and the effects are cumulative, you do not want friends, family, pets inhaling that stuff.
Personally I will not use power tools to do prop work, impossible to clean up properly afterwards. For me it's all files and wet/dry paper over a tub of water to keep everything wet, LOL then the water gets dumped down the wash tub and everything well rinsed, not sure what else to do with it!
A wet sponge will not do much at all to control the dust. I still wear a full respirator and surgical gloves even though I use all hand tools in water.
Nasty, nasty sickness, not at all the way I want to go out! And I certainly don't want to poison family members for a toy boat prop!

[dana]

I agree with Siberian. Beryllium is extremely hazardous to health. Hope you at least wear a respirator

[kevinpratt823]

I wear a mask, and vacuum up with a wet vac with water in it, covering the outlet of the vac with a dust mask just in case. I'm looking to hook the vac directly up to the belt sander as well. You're right, I do need some better provisions.

[dana]

Kevin, especially with your fish tanks. Copper is a killer of fish. Don't want Any of that stuff near those nice tanks man

[siberianhusky]

WOW especially if you have salt water reef tanks! I miss my tanks, no saltwater, a few 100 gallon+ freshwater tanks.
Too many hobbies, something had to go, still have a big box of stuff in the attic, really just need a tank again............

[ray schrauwen]

I usually suit up in old clothes, respirator and cover my lap with a towel. I also wear gloves.

And people wonder why a SBP cost so much more than a raw prop...