Hello folks, just gotta put my 2 cents worth in here. I have some
experience with propellers including hand carving my own. I'm not talking
about using a propeller duplicator either. I have had propellers made out
of various types of wood and various lengths and pitches. I have owned
several experimental aircraft including a Sinerai 2 and now and the proud
owner of a KR2 conventional gear.
The performance numbers are pretty close for both of the latter
aircraft though it does differ especially on the high end.
When it comes to propellers it is very true they are a compromise of
performance. Especially in a fixed pitch propeller. There is some good
advice out there but that is mostly based on oppinion. Definitely start
with the original designers recommendation. Ask whether it is a better
cruise prop or climb prop. My best experience with the engines I have had
has been the 52 by 47 and a 52 by 52. All of them have been on several
Great Plains engines. Half of the fun is experimenting to find out which
you like best the other half of it is actually gaining you some knowledge
through trial. Have fun, take everyones advice with a grain of salt, and
form your own opinion for your own particular aircraft.
Doran
