Wood vs. Metal

[Fred W]

Re: Wood vs. Metal

Hi all, I just replaced my Flottorp 72X48 wooden prop with a factory
new Sensenich 74CK-0-46 metal prop and here are the before and
after performance figures: 2-way GPS verified airspeeds on the Flottorp
at an optical tach verified RPM of 2200: 87 mph.
2-way GPS verified airspeeds (averaged) at an optical tach verified rpm
of 2200: 95 mph!
Sensenich lists the metal prop as a climb prop and the optical tach verified
static rpm of 2100 tends to hint at that, i am able to exceed redline at
wide open throttle straight and level. The new prop is smoother than the old
one and will cruise-climb at 85mph indicated (probably closer to 75-80mph due
to an optimistic airspeed indicator) at 400-500 ft per min. All this is with
65 HP!!! I am very happy with the metal prop!
Fred 44051

[DannyDot]

Re: Wood vs. Metal

Hi all, I just replaced my Flottorp 72X48 wooden prop with a factory
new Sensenich 74CK-0-46 metal prop and here are the before and
after performance figures: 2-way GPS verified airspeeds on the Flottorp
at an optical tach verified RPM of 2200: 87 mph.
2-way GPS verified airspeeds (averaged) at an optical tach verified rpm
of 2200: 95 mph!
Sensenich lists the metal prop as a climb prop and the optical tach verified
static rpm of 2100 tends to hint at that, i am able to exceed redline at
wide open throttle straight and level. The new prop is smoother than the old
one and will cruise-climb at 85mph indicated (probably closer to 75-80mph due
to an optimistic airspeed indicator) at 400-500 ft per min. All this is with
65 HP!!! I am very happy with the metal prop!
Fred 44051

How much do you think you weighed when you did your climb test?

Danny Deger

[Fred W]

Re: Wood vs. Metal

Hi Danny,
When i did my climb test i was almost full of fuel so i would estimate my
weight to be 1100 pounds. The temperature was about 60 degrees F.
Fred 44051

[N95334]

Re: Wood vs. Metal

Wood props are beauitful but so can metal ones. I have polished mine to mirror finish now. But now I have to polish it after each flight. But when I had a wood prop on my old 41 Chief I still had to maintain it after each flight. I used tung oil on it with good results. Don't forget to balance it wood or metal before install and track it too. Balance can be done with the flat black paint on the rear of the prop but let it dry first.