Carbon Propeller Repair

[scruffmeister]

Hi guys,

I made an error when I was dragging my plane back from the pits and caught the tip of the carbon prop (a Mejzlik 24x10) on the concrete.

It has taken a small chunk out of one prop tip. I'm looking for advice if this can be safely repaired and if so how? I am happy to throw it in the garbage, but given the cost of one of these do not want to do so unnecessarily!

Here are a couple photos. What you can't see in photos is when viewed end on there is a single crack, no thicker than paper between two of the layers of carbon but I don't think it goes more than 1/16" (1.5mm) into the layer.

Front:

Back:

Thanks!

 

[BillVargas]

Something this small is easily repaired with some thin CA and some medium to fine sandpaper to smooth out the tip,,, multiple applications my be required after each sanding to build it back up.

 

[scruffmeister]

Thanks @BillVargas. I was wondering about building it up with epoxy + ground carbon fibre, but that would be harder to sand...

 

[TazmanianDevil]

Use the method bill wrote you.
It's the one I'm using.
The thin CA will glue the loos fiber the medium will fill the missing chunk.

If you want to sand it use a razor knife and peel away the CA excess.
Use a sandpaper and Then use a polish grade paste and polish it for best surface texture.

 

[Pistolera]

Good advice. Also, check the balance when you're finished. AND inspect it often prior to flight.

 

[scruffmeister]

Thanks all. Couldn't agree more @Pistolera, this one will get a close eye!!

 

[stangflyer]

I had a similar incident with a 32x11 Falcon. Mine wasn't quite as bad. What ever it was that I did, it took about one mm off the leading edge tip. I used a really fine rasp file to take off the remaining trailing edge tip. I then sanded it with 400 grit to regain the original shape. Once that was done, I matched the opposite undamaged tip to it's exact likeness. Checked the balance and good to go. I think it took me more time drag everything out to repair it than the actual repair itself.

Bill and Earle would be correct on the procedure for yours though. No reason that prop won't still give you tons of flight hours if repaired correctly.

 

[Pistolera]

....and then there are some that no amount of glue will repair!

 

[Robotech]

....and then there are some that no amount of glue will repair!
View attachment 54604

Oooo. That looks just like two of mine looked. 28X12? Just looked at yours again. Yep. 28X12

 

[Pistolera]

Oooo. That looks just like two of mine looked. 28X12? Just looked at yours again. Yep. 28X12View attachment 54605

Yeah. I think we compared notes on these last year in some other thread. Biela replaced two of mine.....spares now, although I really like how they perform.