Painting laminated props?

[uncletony]

A website dedicated to wooden props, inc. WWI types from all nations:

http://www.woodenpropeller.com/index.html

[Whiteknuckles]

Great, thanks Uncle Tony for the pics and the website

Andrew

[GAJouette]

  Much appreciated my friend.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[pepperman42]

That prop site is handy. Thanx!!!

Steve

[Piltdown Man]

Thanks for your replies chaps.

Trevor

[phs Paddy]

Another very useful thread! Thanks gents for providing the details. Next one out of the box will be an attempt to put this info to work.

Paddy 

[lcarroll]

I hand carve most of mine, not as difficult as it seems and anyone with a basic wood working capability can do it. I am the first to admit that some of the "pencilled" versions look as good and often better however.
I can cobble together a basic "How to" thread if useful.
   Two quick examples.......
DR1 Heine Prop.

   and Albatros DIII Axial..

Cheers,
Lance

[phs Paddy]

Those look very good Lance. I'm wondering what wood or woods your chose for the carvings? I have been considering an attempt but was thinking along the line of basswood. As you know almost grainless so may require using the pencil technique to get a laminated look.

Paddy 

[Chris Johnson]

I can cobble together a basic "How to" thread if useful.

I for one, would appreciate reading that. Not that I see myself carving one in my immediate future, but it would be interesting to see how you do it.

Cheers,

Chris

[lcarroll]

Paddy,
   I use the thin plywood (1/8 inch up to 3/16 ) that are used for flying models on control and engine mounts etc. Laminations can be as many as 6 and I also laminate two thicknesses to get more depending on the depth of the prop. I also use assorted veneers which are 1/16 or less thick and glue/clamp them in layers for the stock. I bought a Veneer sample pack (Lee Valley Tools) which has several dozen colors in it; sheets are 12X6 inches and I've probably got a lifetime supply there.
   Chris,
   I'm gone for a 4 day weekend visit to my Daughters, I'll put together a brief and basic how to thread next week on return.

[Whiteknuckles]

....I'll put together a brief and basic how to thread next week on return....

Looking forward to it Lance. While I don't see myself ever hand carving my own props, I do enjoy seeing the crafting process of those more talented than myself!!!

Andrew

[GAJouette]

  Lance,
A how to thread for carving props would be most appreciated my old friend. I've admired your projects over at Aeroscale for a fair number years and absolutely had no clue that you were carving your own props. They always look outstanding too.And here all this time I thought you were an acceptionally talented at painting your props to look so real. Now I know better,and your props are even more impressive. I'm looking forward to following your example by trying my hand at carving.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[phs Paddy]

Paddy,
   I use the thin plywood (1/8 inch up to 3/16 ) that are used for flying models on control and engine mounts etc. Laminations can be as many as 6 and I also laminate two thicknesses to get more depending on the depth of the prop. I also use assorted veneers which are 1/16 or less thick and glue/clamp them in layers for the stock. I bought a Veneer sample pack (Lee Valley Tools) which has several dozen colors in it; sheets are 12X6 inches and I've probably got a lifetime supply there.
 

Thanks Lance. Now you’ve got the old wheels turning. I was thinking of the basswood because it is such a pleasure to carve by hand. The plywood does give one a true laminated material to work in or like you said get a veneer pack and do your own glue up. I was just checking the woods available through Woodcraft yesterday and was looking at veneer packs but for building a base for the vignette I’m working on.

Bottom line is I have a Foredom rotary shaft power tool that I use for carving at times and it maybe just the ticket for carving a prop from the thin plywood.

Paddy

P.S. I also do some buying through Lee Valley down here and have always had great service from them.

[bobs_buckles]

Hi Lance,
 Look forward to seeing your tutorial.

I have used thin veneers in the past, but have yet to master the art.
Cheers,
Von Buckle

[pepperman42]

Thanks for the tutorial offer Lance. More options are a good thing!!!!

Steve