Newbie Questions

And here are some answers:

Don't tap the prop hole, you need to ream it out just enough so you can slide it on the prop shaft. Be careful not to go too far with the reaming. The prop should have no slop as you put it on the prop shaft. I have used a standard tapered reamer available at most hardware stores. It is a tool that has a multitude of uses in the modelers shop so you should have one anyway.

You are welcome.

-- Red Scholefield AMA 951 District V

Dont know about the FAQ but do invest in the prop reamer. You dont want to thread the prop, you just want to enlarge the hole. This allows you to position the prop so that it can be level to the ground as the engine comes up against compression. Saves you a lot of props this way on the less than perfect landings. Drilling out the prop without making it off sided is not easy. The prop reamer is a tool you will be using often in the future.

On 5/30/2004 11:06 AM Ted shuffled out of his cave and grunted these great (and sometimes not so great) words of knowledge:

RC Universe

has an excellent selection of forums covering quite a few topics.

Another site you can try is RCFAQ

aware that this is a VERY SLOW SITE.

And this wouldn't be complete without Allen's RC Links

FYI. The correct way is to buy a metric prop reamer.

BTW --- thanks to all who suggested a Z bend + plastic connector for the throttle. As you pointed out quite patiently, it DOES work well. A little finicky, but that's part of the fun for me!

Here are my questions:

1. Can you point me to the FAQ for this group --- I should have asked this a while ago

1. I need to install a basic 10x6 Master Aircrew prop on an OS 40SF engine --- the whole in the prop is a smaller than the shaft on the engine. Is it better to drill out the prop or is reaming a better way to go? Is it necessary to buy a reamer made by someone like GP, or can I just use a tap that you can buy at Home Depot? Typically, how many threads per inch are on an OS engine shaft --- it seems to be 28, but this strikes as oddball (1/4"-28 versus a more standard 1/4"-20).

Thanks

Don Tanner Oakville, Ontario ==================

1. Not sure if there is a FAQ. Generally accepted posting standards are similar to most usenet groups; 'plain text' messages and no photos or other binary attachments.
   formatting link
   and
   formatting link
   have good beginner forums. There are probably others but these are the ones I know.

1. 1/4-28 is a standard fine thread. There is also a 1/4-32 thread but, in models, I think it's only used for glow plugs. Every engine I've seen has fine threads on the prop shaft. Most engines under .61 use 1/4-28 shafts (assuming they do not have metric shafts)(I'm certain there are plenty of exceptions). My .61 to .91 engines (OS, ASP, Thunder Tiger) have 5/16-24 threads. As others answered, you should get a prop reamer. My brother bought the Great Planes version and it seemed very dull. It was hard to work it through a Master Airscrew prop, and almost impossible to get it through an APC. I bought a Fox reamer, and when my brother saw how sharp it is, he bought one and tossed the GP. The prop reamer is the first GP tool we've been disappointed with.

Regards, Carrell

I believe the original poster stated he had an OS .40 SF. This engine's prop shaft is NOT metric. The correct reamer is the 1/4" portion of a standard step reamer.. The thread on the propeller shaft is 1/4-28.

Cheers,

OH? What size would you suggest for a 1/4 - 28 prop shaft? :-)

Am I the only one that has been foolishly using a stock tapered reamer on props for the past half century with good results?

Red S.

Prolly not...

But a tapered reamer takes out more stock than necessary, and could weaken a hub... A step reamer will just enlarges the hole as required..

And they were especially good with the old K&B's that also needed the backside of the hub relieved a tad... Mine's an old Fox, and still sharp after a looong time.

Bill

Comments interspersed below.

I can't - maybe someone else can.

You don't want to thread the prop onto the shaft. 1/4-28 is the correct thread for the shaft, but the prop needs to be reamed to a clearance hole for 1/4 inch.

I think a 10/6 prop from most makers already has a 1/4" hole in it. If not, any of the hobby shop hand reamers can do the job. The problem with drilling out the hole is making sure you are centered. If you have a drill press or milling machine and a center finder, this is no problem. Otherwise, you can end up with an unbalanced prop.

In other words, you shouldn't have to do anything. Will the prop "thread onto" the shaft? If so, just run it down until it bottoms on the drive bushing, then tighten the washer and nut down. This will "strip" any threads made in running it down, which is what you want. Tighten and go fly.

-- Mike Norton

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No......your not the only one....."welcome to the club"........lol :-)

Mike

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The Hangar 9 step reamer sucks too.

I came up with a step reamer in a "junk box" that will nearly cut your finger. The H9 will allow me to rub my finger all along the edges with impunity!

David

SNIP >through an APC. I bought a Fox reamer, and when my brother saw how sharp it >is, he bought one and tossed the GP. The prop reamer is the first GP tool we've been disappointed with.

The only GOOD step reamer I've found is the Fox. Mine is almost 20 years old, and will wtill shave a prop hole clean as a whistle. Dr.1 Driver "There's a Hun in the sun!"

I switched to step drills from B&B.

Way more better.