Bentley BR2 Propeller

[sparkplug]

Hi. All.
         Almost at the end of my BR2 build but I'm finding it difficult to source a suitable propeller.   The Blackmore plans call for a prop to be hand crafted, I'm okay with metal but my wood working skills are few.    Does anyone know of an off the peg propeller supplier with a prop that's suitable for this particular engine, a 28-10 would be ideal, the central boss needs to be no smaller than 2.625''.
  Thanks.

[Allen Smithee]

If I have one I'd happily lend it, but unfortunately my own inventory tops out at 24" diameter - the largest motors I ever flew were 60cc and the 28" to 32" props go with the 100cc+ motors.

So my first port of call would be Punctilio in Attleborough (01953 456688; propellers@btconnect.com). They manufacture a large range of wooden props for model aircraft, drones and microlights. They are (or were) a family business - give them a call and see if they can help. Punctilio are the source most likely to have the sort of hub-size you're looking for.

Failing them any of the model shops catering to the large-aircraft fraternity would probably offer a range of 28-10 props, but you'd have to check with them on hub sizes. Most of these will have a hub that is just pilot-drilled (usually 10mm or 1/2"). Even Hobbyking (the hong-kong-based discounter) carry a number of chinese-made props in that sort of size.

AS

[cwelkie]

Assuming you are in the UK - based on Allen's response ...
You can try this shop - https://www.propguy.co.uk/shop/painted-scimitar-wwi/
No affiliation.  The link should take you to a pre finished scimitar available as a 28x10. I'm sure they can tell you what the hub dimensions are.
Poking around the site and you'll find other options.

[mikemill]

Hi Sparky

You say your wood working skills are not up to making a prop, I can assure you it’s not that difficult if you follow Blackmore's method, try one out on a scrap piece of wood, just think it’s a chunk of metal go on have a go what have you got to lose. I think you would be very lucky to find a different layered wood prop of that size.

Mike

[sparkplug]

Hi. Mike.
            I tried Propguy, who has a range of propellers in stock, but when I asked for the boss width of their 28 x 10 props the emails stopped!

[Ramon Wilson]

Hi Sparky - I too have a Bentley on the go though I fear it will not get as far as yours 

Regarding the prop though I would echo Mike Mills suggestion and have a go yourself. It really isn't that difficult providing you follow the relevant procedure. Apart from a fair number of clamps for the lamination little tooling is required to achieve a good result.

Though much smaller I've made a few props in my time but the principal is the same. I described the making of the props for the Atomatic diesels which may be of help and give you an idea of the process involved

Post 222 onwards here
http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,3233.210.html

Hope that's of use

Tug

[sparkplug]

Hi. Allen.    I'm talking to John at Propellers and he's confident he can make me a suitable prop, so I'll wait to see what comes of it.   Thanks for the link.

[Allen Smithee]

Hi. Allen.    I'm talking to John at Propellers and he's confident he can make me a suitable prop, so I'll wait to see what comes of it.   Thanks for the link.

I was pretty confident they could - glad I could help.

AS

[bent]

You can always use a "club" prop for short term testing, no?