What would be the best tool to fashion out the curves on a propellor? A chisel is... time consuming...

Question

What would be the best tool to fashion out the curves on a propellor? A chisel is... time consuming...

Answer 1

I fellow I know that tunes propellers ( owns a propeller tuning shop) has a whole host of hammers for it; however, he also has a machine that measures the shape of the prop and gives results on a computer screen comparing them to what they should be. He repeatedly checks, beats, checks...... takes about 4 hours.  When he is finished he gets a printout on that propeller comparing it to standard. Then it's off to blast and polish.  It appears to be a bit of an art form.

I talked to him about it and he said it is cheaper to just buy a new prop on small ones than to tune them.

That's the little I know about it.

Answer 2

What sort of propeller? since you mention a chisel, I'm guessing you are working in wood, so I'll suggest a spokeshave, and maybe a draw knife for roughing. You might also find a disk sander useful but it will take practice to use effectively.

Answer 3

Maybe a 5-axis machining center, if you are doing quantity one.  If you have a pattern, you might be able to make a mold and casting.