N95598 gets a new prop (reconditioned like new)

[barnstmr]

This morning painted the tips on my new (well like new) McCauley 1A90/CF7443 propeller. Getting closer to having N95598 back in the air.... thanks to a really great barter/trade with AJ Frisby.

[ajfriz]

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

The tips and stickers turned out great! Why isn't that thing on the Taylorcraft yet?

[Tom Eggert]

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

Terry, it looks great! I had a 7445 on my BC-12 (and will again if I ever finish the restoration) and though it flew great most of the time, it would have been nice to have a 7443 in the summer time!

[Buell Powell]

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

Hey Terry,
Does look about like a new prop-Really going to be a nice finishing touch on the T/Craft.

[Hank Jarrett]

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

My 45 prop was polished at one time but is dull and nasty looking now from years of storage. Any idea what is needed to bring it back to look so nice? I have heard owners are NOT supposed to polish props (from the same ramp rats who give all kinds of bad advice). I actually kind of like the painted prop like yours.
What's the straight skinny on refinishing metal props?
Hank

[barnstmr]

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

Hank,
Any mechanical means of removing the existing finish can compromise the blade symmetry and airfoil profiles. For this reason, the FAA only allows very minor prop maintenance tasks to be performed by A&P. This prop was re-conditioned by an FAA approved repair station. They have the data and tooling necessary to re-finish, re-pitch, balance, and verify airfoil profiles. The finish is anodizing, which requires surface preparation that is normally only authorized under repair stations. On this particular prop, you can see that the anodize job left a diagonal line across the hub. I assume this is because they did only one blade at a time in the plating vat. As best I can determine, this is cosmetic only and does not affect the integrity of the prop. The logbook has a return-to-service approval by the repair station, so I am pleased. I am not saying that an owner or A&P could not refinish a metal prop. But if you do, just be aware of the FAA requirements and study up on the important issues. Even the simple task of painting the tips has some implications on balancing. I intend to check this and use black paint on the blade backside to fine-tune the balance. Look up the manuals published by Sensenich on their website for some good maintenance information.

[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

[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

[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!!!

[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)

[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)

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

[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.

[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...

[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