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jCross | all galleries >> What I Did Today >> What I Did Today 2008 > April 5, 2008
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05-APR-2008 John Cross Photography

April 5, 2008

080405_002P.jpg

I spent the entire day at the airport finishing up the annual on the Cessna. I did a lot of paperwork which was actually interesting. I needed to get a proper equipment list together. I finally figured out how to use my AD software in that regard. Anyway, the last thing I needed to do was paint the prop tips white. I got them all nicely masked and shot the paint. It looked beautiful. As I was removing the masking, I dropped a piece of fine line tape on the tip and it stuck. So here is the Aw Sh%t. The epoxy is very soft even if it is no longer tacky. It takes several days to harden. So, I left it alone for a while (about an hour) the lightly sanded away the area and reshot it. It came out satisfactory.

Canon EOS 350D
1/125s f/6.3 at 64.0mm iso800 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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jCross07-Apr-2008 04:43
Actually, static balancing the prop (regardless of size) is commonly practiced. If you really want a smooth running engine and prop combination, you will dynamically balance it. That is done with the prop on the airplane while the engine is running. That method (starting with a good static balance) takes into account any inbalance of the actual engine and makes for a very smooth operation. I am very interested to see how my refinished prop runs on the airplane. I could be very disappointed.
Dave Beedon06-Apr-2008 21:13
I've heard that the prop shop at Universal Studios is the best around.
John Cooper06-Apr-2008 18:19
John, I have heard of static balancing car wheels. But never a prop.
If it is legal, it must be good enough.
Are there size limitations on static balancing, or can it be done on any prop ?.
jCross06-Apr-2008 16:43
You really only remove the old paint. It is refinishing. You don't take any metal out to speak of. If, however, you have to take out a serious rock ding, then you take out metal and probably need to take it to a prop shop for proper balaning. Only certified prop shops can static balance a prop.
exzim06-Apr-2008 15:47
John, serious question for a change. Doesn't sanding the prop change its characteristics, or is it so light its only really a grime remover.
jCross06-Apr-2008 11:55
I was going to, but I decided to try it anyway.
Wingy 06-Apr-2008 05:33
i thought you were gonna wait two weeks to paint the tips??