Creating my own wooden props

[DerRoteKampfflieger]

I took off the first prop and now I post the newest one of the bunch (Actually my fourth I have built).

Any help on tips or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Steve, GREAT models! I have never seen a 4 blade prop on a Dr1!

I originally was attempting to make a 4 blade prop but stopped short. I hads a fault in the wood (after much work on the prop! GRRRRR!)

I was playing around with the bolts and shaft. I need to get some closeups of a hub assembly on different props for some variety. Here are the photos, enjoy!

[Kaiser Bill]

Grant...nice work...no doubt. You may want to try laminating veneer for a different look. I sent away for some several years ago...then misplaced it.
I've heard from many experts that German props were usually 7 laminations, so you would need some really thin veneer.

Best of luck with your project, and do keep us posted on your progress. It looks great.

Kaiser Bill

[DerRoteKampfflieger]

I started with Basswood. Balsa was to soft to sand properly. I also am going to try to wood blanks that I have from making wood pens.

I laminated different sizes of basswood, but no where near 7 laminations! I will have to buy some thin sheeting for this.

I will post my progress this afternoon or tonight.

Thanks for the good word KB!

[FOKKERJ]

Originally Posted by DerRoteKampfflieger

I thought it would be fun. I just started and am now on my third. I can use some constructive assistance.

Attached are a few pics of my progress. I left the other half undone to show the progress.

"constructive assistance."? It looks like you should be teaching us!
Very nice work!
It looks like you are having more fun than "Normal People"!
Nice looking spinner also. There is a lot more going on here than one might think.
This will either keep you sane or not!

Best Christmas Wishes, FOKKERJ

[DerRoteKampfflieger]

I just got some new supplies and will be starting a 4 blade! I have an idea on how to work it.

I will post some pics this evening.

[StephenLawson]

Here is a bit of fun on the subject of scale propellers. Wooden and painted kit versions.

Click Here.

[blimp]

nice work grant - what glue do you use for the laminations ? - i've tried several types but eventually found that c.a. works very well , a gel type (slow) for the inital laminations - to reduce the 'grab', followed by a thin free flowing type , allowing it to saturate and harden . it can then be worked like hard plastic - it is suprisingly strong , even down to near translucent thickness ! i then give the item a couple of coats and it can be polished to a near glasslike finnish . btw art and craft shops can sometimes stock fine marketry veneer , model railway and boat places are also a good source . i sometimes make a prop just for the pleasure of it . seeing the blades ' appear ' as the wood is gently worked is wonderfly satisfying . i'll never be short of the 'correct' one again ! - great stuff . keep it up mate . you're doing a fine job . - blimp

[StephenLawson]

Originally Posted by DerRoteKampfflieger

". . .Stephen, GREAT models! I have never seen a 4 blade prop on a Dr.I ! . . ."

Thank you. It is my version of ther Fok. V.7 with the Seimens Halske.

[DerRoteKampfflieger]

On the first ones I just laminated some basswood with a good wood glue and clamped ot for 24 hours. The latest one on top is actually birch modelling plywood with about 6 layers. I plan on mixing some stuff up now after seeing Stephen's stuff.

Damn he is good!

[xken]

Grant, here is a link to a little primer I put together to scratchbuild build props. I purchase my sheet stock from ModelExpo's lumber yard page in their catalog. 1/32" x 3" x length. I use Basswood, Cherry and Walnut to acheive the colors. I use the yellow carpenters (exterior) glue for lamination.

Hope this helps a little. Ken

Ken Foran : Hand Carved Props - How To