Roy. I would be interested in proofing this myth about wooden propellers.
One has to understand that when comparing wooden props with metal props, it is more like comparing apples with oranges. The wooden props can't be fabricated with such thin blades as the metal prop. This might be a huge disadvantage of the wooden propeller , but maybe not so. I like to see some data comparing the properly chosen props on the same airframe/engine combination. I heard that the metal prop only slightly outperforms the wooden props. The big advantage of a metal prop is the maintenance needed, or the lack thereof. A wooden propeller needs to be checked and taken care of in humid or too dry conditions. Hartmut ----- Original Message ----- From: Roy Stubbs To: heavensounds ; [email protected] ; Richard Green Sent: Monday, June 09, 2008 3:34 AM Subject: RE: [ercoupe-tech] Props Wood props are inefficent compared to simarily spec'd metal props. They noticeably underperform in side-by-side competition all else being equal. Far outweighs any weight advantage. I cannot speak to the exact engineering reasons other than the wooden prop cannot be built to the same tolerances as a metal prop, but I have experienced it first hand in formation flight demonstrations. Roy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: [email protected] on behalf of heavensounds Sent: Sun 6/8/2008 7:36 PM To: [email protected]; Richard Green Subject: Re: [ercoupe-tech] Props For one, the wood prop is lighter. Can carry a bit more fuel or a bit more fat. Eliacim ----- Original Message ----- From: Richard Green To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 4:06 PM Subject: [ercoupe-tech] Props Since I am rebuilding my Coupe's engine over the next few weeks I wanted to overhaul the prop and engine mount as well. Any recommendations for a good shops for those services? Any advantages to wood props besides the appearance piece? By the way, thanks to all for the advice on the control syste. Ujoints made all the difference. Feels like factory new controls now!
