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| Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop http://t18.net/thorpforum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=7288 |
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| Author: | shinton [ Sun May 05, 2013 6:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop |
Guys, I need some advice. I recently found a crack in the hub of my A-D prop, so it's become a wall ornament. I've order a Catto 3 blade with a new spinner. I had a Landoll harmonic balancer installed with the old wood prop. Should I use it with the new prop or go without? One of the benefits of the 3 blade propeller is supposed to be that it is much smoother than a 2 blade prop. The new prop will weigh 3lbs. more than the old prop. Anyone have any experience with the harmonic balancer and a Catto 3 blade prop? I know I could just try it and see if i like it, but i thought I'd ask first. |
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| Author: | jrevens [ Sun May 05, 2013 11:09 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop |
Hi Scott, Sorry to hear about your prop. I'm not a big fan of the harmonic dampeners (which is more correctly what that thing is), but to answer your question - it should work the same whether 2 or 3 blades. Can you describe the crack (location, or pictures)? Was there excessive vibration? The bolts weren't torqued excessively causing deformation or crushing of the hub, were they? That's a real bummer. |
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| Author: | shinton [ Mon May 06, 2013 9:03 am ] | ||
| Post subject: | Re: Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop | ||
Hi John, The crack originated from the balance plug and radiated out toward the prop tip. It appears that there is a small gap between the plug filler and the hole wall that allowed the stress placed on the hub to create the crack. The torque was correct; the hub face/finish is not crushed. You can feel the crack when you run your fingernail across it.
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| Author: | chuck [ Mon May 06, 2013 5:21 pm ] | ||
| Post subject: | Re: Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop | ||
Scott, Not sure my response really gets to the crux of your question, but thought I'd give you my opinion regarding the Catto 3 blade prop. First, I think you made a great choice and you will be very satisfied with your choice. Craig Catto, like Mike, I found to be very approachable and knowledgeable. The 3 blade Catto is indeed smooth and a nice performer....oh and looks sexy too. I think due to the unfortunate situation with Mike more Thorpies will look for other options to fill the void and discover the Catto and it's attributes. I too pondered the addition of a harmonic balancer, but with the 3 blade it wasn't needed. I also have a heavy nose as it is and didn't want to exacerbate the weight and balance and further. The prop does stop rather abruptly however once the mixture is closed, I suppose most wood prop drivers are already accustomed that.
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| Author: | shinton [ Mon May 06, 2013 6:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop |
Thanks, Chuck. I've seen photo's of your plane and hoped you would respond. I think I may just let the w&b determine whether I re-install the dampener. I have the same cowling as you, as well. Did you use the Van's 13" spinner? |
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| Author: | chuck [ Tue May 07, 2013 6:35 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop |
I'm fairly confident it's a 13", I'd have to check. Also, for a few extra $ Craig will cut the spinner for you. |
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| Author: | shinton [ Mon Jun 10, 2013 8:53 pm ] | ||
| Post subject: | Re: Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop | ||
The new look...
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| Author: | Ryan Allen [ Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop |
man, that looks sharp! |
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| Author: | leewwalton [ Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop |
What's an rv spinner doing on a Thorp!?!? You should be ashamed Scott! 
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| Author: | shinton [ Tue Jun 11, 2013 5:57 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop |
Well, Craig said he could cut and paint the spinner (he has them in stock). I kicked myself afterwards for not buying one of your carbon fiber spinners and having sent to him. I was in a rush to make Gary's fly-in. It looks good, but you're right, the Thorp spinner does look better. I sure hope Walt understands... 
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| Author: | chuck [ Tue Jun 11, 2013 6:10 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop |
Scott, Looks great! what pitch and diameter did you get? I'd be interested in performance numbers once you have them for comparison. Mine is a 66 x 70. |
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| Author: | shinton [ Tue Jun 11, 2013 8:21 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop |
Chuck, It's a 68 X 70. I seem to have lost about 100 rpm and 5 mph top end, but climb rate is still 2000 fpm at 110 mph. I need to fly more to nail down reliable numbers. The prop is noticeably smoother and quieter and because I removed the harmonic dampener, the weight change was a net loss of 6 lbs. Plus, it looks cool! |
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| Author: | Fraser MacPhee [ Tue Jun 11, 2013 9:27 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop |
Great look Scott!!.....though I think I would have made the black half of the spinner white, and the white half black. But that's just me. |
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| Author: | shinton [ Tue Jun 11, 2013 9:32 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Landoll harmonic balance with 3 blade Catto prop |
It would be reversed if we were in the southern hemisphere, but since were not, that the way is should be. Besides, when it spins it looks the same! |
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