Aluminium prop guards

[mrford61]

Can anyone tell me where to get those aluminium strips that go on the end of a prop to protect against stone chips.I am confined to a gravel strip and slowly sandblasting the first 6 inches or so of my prop blades. Thanks,Mark.

[asra]

Mark, they are actually stainless steel. They are availible from the suppliers of Ivo and Warp Drive props.I found that the prop tape that Rosco sells to be better. The stainless gets out of shape and you lose performance. It is too springie to smooth out after a few largish stone hits. They also quite difficult to fit compared to the Rosco tape.The tape will get some pin prick holes in it and start to deform, you rip it off and put some more on.Aussie Paul. []www.firebirdgyros.com

[asra]

Hi MarkJohn Amor in Melbourne sells them, he is the Ivo & Powerfin agent here.His contact details are 03 9833 4681.Email jamor@tpgi.com.auregards Sam. []

[asra]

Mark,The cheapest way is to buy the protective material in bulk and with the aid of a steel rule (25mm) thick, sharp knife (one of the break off types) and sissors make your own, the material is a 3M product and can be bought off any of their outlets/distributors, to my knowledge it comes in two thicknesses, the one I use is approx 0.5mm measured with the protective backing still on, there is a thinner one, however when I priced it it was considerably more expensive, having said that it's still far cheaper than fixing/replacing blades, for very little financial outlay and when made you will have so many sets you will be giving them away to friends like I have. all the best.Pete Barsden

[mrford61]

Thanks for the replies.Not sure how the tape would go Paul,?? it is a very abrasive surface something like loose cracker dust. Sounds the easiest though.I will try the factory ones first and if they need changing regularly enough I will get some of the bulk material. Pete, is it an aviation material or just hardware store?ThanksMark.

[asra]

Mark,There is nothing hardware about 3M products.I once payed an exorbitant price for a set supplied for Warpdrive three blade propellors, having noticed that they had the 3M markings on the tear off tape I went straight to 3M, I was told they also put this tape on the leading edge of Helecoptor blades to stop sand blasting. I have been using these for years without problems, there so cheap that you could almost afford to replace after each couple of flights.all the best.Pete Barsden

[asra]

G'Day PeteWere exactly did you buy the S/S 3M Tape ?and how much did it cost you ?Regards Sam.

[asra]

G'Day PeteIf you can, the stock or part number would be great.ThanxSonnyIntelligence is not a privilege,it is a gift and should be used for the good of mankind.

[asra]

When applying that tape ensure that the temperature is high enough, I think it has to be over 20 degrees, I had it come off once, as while the ambient temp was OK, the blade was still cold from a cool night. Also ensure any oil is removed before attaching it.Does anyone know haw it stands up to water spray or rain?John EvansThink logically and do things well, think laterally and do things better.

[asra]

[asra]

Good mornin PeteI weny to the 3M site and found several products that fit the description of the tape you mentioned.If you have a product,stock or part number it will insure that I buy the right tape.Thanx againSonnyIntelligence is not a privilege,it is a gift and should be used for the good of mankind.

[asra]

SonnyJ0.4mm including backing tape, there are other thicknesses.Pete Barsden

[telf]

Has anyone got the 3M part number?Flying - The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss. (Douglas Adams-The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy)

[asra]

Gentle Bodies,,Change of plan, the old 3M protective tape has been superceded by a new more durable type.............PUL0612 the rolls are 605mm wide and you can by it any length off the roll, example:- 605mm X 1000mm will cost you the princly sum of approx $78 this will make 80 tapes 300mm X 25mm, for a three bladed prop thats 26 complete changes and two over in case of "****-ups", all the best.Pete Barsden

[NiqueNaque]

May I suggest that you go to a plan printing place for the purpose of gillotining the tape off, they have nice big machines that cut strips off very quickly, and accurately as well.Hope this helps.Nick.