Sharpening and balancing props

[tim slocum]

I've just ordered a new,smaller prop for my Proboat Classic Runabout.Im hoping that a smaller prop will help a motor overheating issue.The original prop was plastic,so it didnt need sharpening or balancing,but the replacement is a 430 Octura,and I've heard it comes dull and needs sharpening and balancing.Well, how do you do this?Is it neccessary to do this?I already am going down roughly two sizes in prop,I dont want the performance to drop off too much,just reduce the motor heat without watercooling,heatsink,etc.Comments,suggestions

[Kmot]

#1) Wear a good dust mask. The prop is made from copper and berylium and berylium will cause cancer if you breathe it.

#2) Just use a jewelers file to clean up the edges of the blades and make them sharp. Not like a knife sharp, but sharp none the less. I think you get the idea.

#3) If you want it make it shiny, sand it in a bucket under water so that you don't make dust. Use wet/dry sand paper. Use progressively finer grit till it is rather shiny by sanding itself. Then if you want to buff it, again use a dust mask. Use a buffing compound or wheel polish, etc. And a dremel with a buff wheel can do the job.

[CG Bob]

Aquacraft has a good prop tuning guide (http://www.aquacraftmodels.com/accessories/prop-tuning.html),

[tim slocum]

Guys, thanks for the info,that about covers it.

[Hoghappy]

Excellent guide! :D

Thanks

Robert

[ReddyWatts]

http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=594