[sugarpops]

Hi guys,

I have a question about spinners, is there a method to make the blade cut outs fit your prop, other then trial and error fitting.... any thoughts and ideas on this would be great.


Thanks Harold

[Gary Maker]

Originally Posted by sugarpops

Hi guys,

I have a question about spinners, is there a method to make the blade cut outs fit your prop, other then trial and error fitting.... any thoughts and ideas on this would be great.

Thanks Harold

What I do Harold is to make a template out of stiff paper BEFORE doing any cutting to the aluminum spinner. That way you can try different shape cutouts to get the perfect size/fit. Make the cutout on the template the right size to fit the prop at the exact spot on the prop where the spinner will sit.

Once you have your template made, lay it over the spinner and mark the spinner with a fine black felt tip marker pen. Use a dremel tool to make the cutout in the aluminum, working carefully up to the black line on the spinner. Once you get it cut out, try and see if its a good fit or if more trimming is needed.

Your best bet is to have about 1/8" clearance between the prop and the aluminum spinner cutout. ITS VERY IMPORTANT that the aluminum spinner does NOT touch the prop anywhere as it could cause a serious prop/spinner malfunction.

Make sure the other side is exactly opposite and evenly spaced directly across from the first cutout. Take your time and do a good job. Try to get both cutouts themselves exactly the same size or you could end up with a serious balance problem. Yes, spinners too should be balanced, although unless theres a great difference, it won't be as critical as having the prop itself unbalanced.

I was surprised to find that when I purchased my new "True-Turn" Spinner at the Toledo Show, just passed, that there was a number of criteria to be met as to which spinner I should purchase. Eg:

What engine is it going on? Which make and size of prop will I be using? What is the RPM of the engine I'm using? etc etc. The fellow, while asking me the questions, was referencing each answer to his chart and came up with a specific size, style (Pitts or P51 etc) and Cut. Mine was to be a 3.5" P51 with a Menz cut for my DL50 swinging a X-oar 23" X 8 pitch prop, at approx 7,200 RPM.

Theres more to a spinner selection than meets the eye. Its important to get it right so as not to have what could be a serious problem. (On large gas engines anyways) The best thing about True-Turn spinners is that they are not Spun Aluminum like most of the cheeper brands, but is fully machined and balanced! Thats why instead of paying $30 for a spinner, these are $75. So much more than just a pretty piece of equipment!

[SJrcflyer]

One VERY VERY important thing is to balance the spinner once you have completed the cutout. This is crucial in order to avoid excess vibrations.

[brad-a]

Here you go. I bought this tool at princess auto for around 4.00

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=528

[Gary Maker]

Originally Posted by brad-a

Here you go. I bought this tool at princess auto for around 4.00

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=528

For the money, that is an awsome tool for doing this job. It makes things so much easier to have the right tool for the job at hand.

I don't know why I was thinking you were cutting an aluminum spinner, guess because thats what was on my mind just having purchased the TrueTurn spinner.

Anyway the tutorial that brad linked to you is pretty much what I said in my post but the pictures are invaluable to show you exactly what is required. Following the directions along with the pictures, you can't go too far wrong for sure.

Thanks for sharing that info Brad. I copied that info to my personal documents files. Its always worth having for reference when needed!

[brad-a]

Maybe it is for an aluminum spinner, he never said. The same method would apply.

[sugarpops]

Hi Guys, Thanks for all the info, sure is going to make my job easier, nice to chat with guys with lots of know how...

Harold