Prop Heat Treating

[Goodwrench1968]

I would like to get so advice or information on the process of heat treating an Octura beryllium prop. I have just started attempting working my own props.
I am an old Auto/Heavy equipment technician of 35 years and pretty new to the RC Boat hobby which is awesome. I am on my 3rd build in my 3rd year of the hobby. I don't do the RTR boats I have always enjoyed building things of my own, and know there is a huge learning curve in the hobby. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[lohring]

Prop Heat Treating Posted Sunday, March 25, 2001 by MartenDavis
If you have access to a temperature controlled oven, you can perfectly heat treat your props. McMaster-Carr has .002" soft stainless bags that are part number 3438K11 price $17.17 (10 qty) which you place your props in, drop in a wooden kitchen match (to burn up the oxygen when it gets hot enough) and place in the heat treat furnace. Temperatures are: 1100 degrees for 1 hour, quench (if you have the nerve, urine is best, if not then ice water), place back in the furnace for 1 hour at 600 degrees, turn off oven and allow to air cool. The prop should NOT be tarnished at all and will be HARD. This makes props hold their edge very well. McMaster-Carr has a website http://www.mcmaster.com/

The finishing touch is to spray your prop with Dykem, to see where the prop bites, and where there are areas that do nothing (you can remove them). After running your props for a while with the Dykem (red) on them you can see all these areas (Dykem will be rubbed off by the water, in these areas). Part number for the Dykem is 2131A64 price $7.72

This may not work for the new ABC props. I'm not sure of the alloy. Unlike steel alloys, heating and quenching SOFTENS beryllium copper alloys. The prices quoted are from 2001, so don't expect them to be accurate.

Lohring Miller