N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

[Edwin Otha]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

I think it come down to the manufacturers repair instructions. Sensenich manual says after repair it's painted with Polane paint. My prop got repaired by polishing and painted with Polane clear paint. That's my story!
EO

[jim cooper]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

If I still had my polished prop I would sure as hell fly it! It was an old mccauley and the tips were red white and blue to match the airplane. It was GOOD LOOKING! In my area, Balt. Wash. area, AI's are very cautious as there is alot of Faa around. In western N.Y. just the opposite. (This is where my T Craft was rebuilt.) Much more relaxed attitude. I polished it with Mothers metal polish and you could shave in it! Really miss it. JC

[swoeric]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

they anodize treatment they use will not be any different than what was first used or used by anybody else. second lets hope they did not end for end your prop especially on the hub. frome appearance it looks to be chromic or thin sulfuric anodize. this over lap would be caused by a lamination. anodize is buildup is half into substrate and half thickness on top. if it were end for end the light area would be over thickness. as it gets too thick anodize will powder off. mean while reanodizing an area will mean that the voltage in that area was not sufficiant to break the thickness and the acid solution will actually attack the part. if this was at the solution surface oxidation would happen at a greater rate with less control.


The other option would be that the mark is where contact for electrical current was made using a wire. if we knock out the math that they were pulling several amps per ft square i would bet they was uneven current density or coating weight. i would also question the professionalism or experience of a shop that would not just build a tank if they planned on doing props.

yes anodize does create a surface much closer to ceramic. yes it can be easily penetrated depending on thickness. yes in severe cases thick anodize can be a source or crack propogation. yes it is still the best corrosion inhibiting coating available to aid in paint adheasion.

if there is something i have left out let me know.......

ps polished props are fabulous i have never heard of aircraft confiscation over a polished prop and very few cases percentage wise of grounding till another prop was found. (and then replaced back)

[Mark Julicher]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

Propellers have Type Certificate Data Sheets. If a finish is specified in the TCDS and your propeller is not compliant, then you are not compliant. If no finish is specified... dunno, need to do more research. Somebody call a propeller shop!

[lfries]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

We have several polished props on the airport ranging from a luscombe to a very nice V35. I believe there are at least two seperate shops involved in signing off the annuals. One small shop and one very large shop. I respect both IA's.

[NY86]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

illegal
il·le·gal
   [ih-lee-guhl]
–adjective
1.
forbidden by law or statute.
2.
contrary to or forbidden by official rules, regulations, etc.

If your prop is a McCauley then it may be deemed prohibited by virtue of the fact that their service information specifically states the prop is to be painted. However, that does not make every instance of a polished prop illegal, nor is it by any means the end of the story.

[jim cooper]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

Not wanting to give up my polished prop I called Bill Pancake and asked him about it. I consider him the last word. He immed. fired back without hesitating, ""illegal". For me that was more than good enough! JC

[NY86]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

Let me repeat please: Polished props are ILLEGAL! end of story.

Would you cite the regulation that makes this so?

Yes, I meant to say anodized not alodine.

Cool! Learn something new every day...

[barnstmr]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

Yes, I meant to say anodized not alodine. The process used on Met-L-props is a very thin coating, not like you see a lot of automotive shops doing nowadays on alternators etc.. It is primarily for corrosion inhibitor for the prop application.

[jim cooper]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

Let me repeat please: Polished props are ILLEGAL! end of story.

[NY86]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

Are you guys saying "anodize" when you really mean "alodine"? I am not aware that props are ever anodized. Also, anodizing creates a rather brittle surface, not what I'd expect you'd want for a prop.

As far as polishing goes, there is no blanket rule. McCauley, however, calls for painting their metal props in the service information, so you'll be hard pressed to find a repair station going against that.

[jim cooper]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

RE: polished metal prop. My BC12 D which was badly damaged in a hanger collapse was fitted with rebuilt wings and restored to perfect condition! I bought it with a very nice POLISHED prop. The current owner had it annualed at time of rebuild and the prop was rejected. East Coast propeller anodized it and painted it silver. Looks very good. East Coast agreed that a polished prop (McCauley) is illegal and that if spotted by the faa drones the aircraft will be grounded. Hamilton Standard is the only one permitted I am told. It has since been flown to Adrian (spelling?) Mich. where its used in training)

[Mark Julicher]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

I had a prop reconditioned last year at San Antonio Propeller. Going price for a fixed pitch then was around $500. Maybe that I got a professional discount.

Looks NICE Terry. And Mike's T-craft just arrived in San Marcos!!!

[dewhitaker]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

Yes that is correct, props are not supposed to be polished, but they sure do look pretty! I had my polished prop reconditioned back to original condition in May of 2009 by Tiffin Aire, Inc. in Tiffin Ohio Phone 419-447-4263 Located at Seneca County Airport (16G) [email protected] Cost then was $599.60

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

Sounds like the Ramp Rats are spot on this time. That is pretty much what they were saying. I have learned to take comments from hangar "drop-ins" with a grain of salt. If they recommend something MORE conservative than what I am doing I consider it, but if they are telling me what I am doing is more work than necessary I do it my way. Of course it is taking me a LOOOONG time to get back in the air too. ;-)
I haven't done anything to the prop yet and it appears to not have any pits or anything, but it is dirty. I haven't even cleaned it yet (soap and water and a soft cotton towel is what I am looking at). What did it cost you to have yours done by the repair station? For something as vital as the prop (combined with my lack of knowledge working on one) that is what I am considering. If I do I will also need to find out from them how to PROPERLY store it until I need it!
It's a LOT easier with the 41 wood prop. I KNOW how to store wood. Clean dry conditions, wrapped in a soft towel and stored horizontally. I open it up every so often and put a little Pledge on it just because if feels so good to run your hands over it. It still looks brand new.
Hank