How To - Set-Up a Pusher Style Folding Prop
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| Aeronaut! |
Introduction
On a couple of the threads I enjoy on RCGroups, many people have asked how to set-up a folding prop in a pusher configuration. In my case I only use Aeronaut components because they are very high quality pieces and the complete prop assemblies are always easy to balance.
Here are two US vendors for Aeronaut parts seen on this page:
If you are in Europe or can't find what you need at the above, these guys are great and have fast international shipping:
My Set-Ups
There are many ways to set up a folder using differnt components including a full spinner "in reverse". In my case I always use the same simple "Yoke" which is the piece the blades are attached to. On my motors I have both shaft style and bolt on prop adapter style.
| Here is an image of what most of my setups look like with a bolt-on prop adapter and alternate shaft style adapter: |
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Prop Adapter
If your motor uses a bolt on prop adapter you will need a reducer bushing to size it correctly for the Yoke mount hole. These bushings can be found online and one such vendor is GetFPV.
If your motor has a shaft which requires a collet or grub screw style adpater, I recommend either Aeronaut or Scorpion brand and the type with the grub screws are generally better in terms of straightness and machine quality. Here is the Aeronaut version. NOTE: The adapter must have an 8mm shaft to fit the Yoke.
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| Grub Screw style prop adapter (Aeronaut) |
The Yoke
On the Yoke, I use a 38mm size which is the distance between the blade attachment screws. Using a 38mm will guarantee the prop dimension is as-listed in terms of blade length.
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| Aeronaut Yoke |
Another option I found while putting this page together is the Hacker Aluminium Hub for folding Props.
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| Stop Plate |
These look very easy to set-up on a shaft style motor and because they are made by Hacker, should be fairly high quality. They show 43 sizes of this Yoke so finding one that fits should be a non issue. A 37mm x 8mm blade width x 6mm shaft size is listed for 12 Euro so the price isn't too bad especially considering it eliminates the need for a prop adapter!
The only place I have found them is directly from Hacker in Germany:
Might be worth a try...
Blade Stop Plate
In a pusher set up it is important you use a stop plate to keep the blade tips from crossing. Normally, on a tractor set up, this is not required because the fuselage stops the blades from "over folding". If you don't include this simple piece, you stand the risk of having your motormount or plane shake itself apart.
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| Stop Plate |
The stop plate can be made from plywood, cardon fiber or G10 fiberglass. It must be included in the assembly when balancing and must be trimmed to keep the blades from folding past 90 degrees.
Options
- 1. A front stop plate is sometimes desirable if there is very little space between the prop and the airframe when fully extended. It is important to note that these should be trimmed so the blades can go past their natural extended position. Here is a picture of my FX-61 which shows a front stop plate installed.
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| FX-61 Set-up |
- 2. Alternate Yokes with included collet shaft adapter - While these are available and easy to set-up, they very often cause issues with balancing and do not allow for the use of a front stop plate (if needed).
- 3. Reversed spinner - These also are readily available but can also present vibration issues as well as being heavy and more expensive.
See Also
TBA
Comments? Questions?
