pvc pipe props

[bob golding]

just got around to project number 28845 or there abouts. i am looking into making some props out of pvc drainpipe and was looking for feedback from people who have been using them for a while. how are they holding up? i guess the lack of comments about them is a good sign.

bob golding

[cr8zy1van]

I am also planning on using pvc or abs, but for my generator housing/assembly. I am
wondering what I can expect as far as durability. I am rying to find the most
economical way of doing this, especialy since I dont have a welder yet. I
attached a couple pictures of my mock up... still looking for bearings to

mount assembly to mast for easy swivel.










I purchased 2 McMillan DC motors ($9.99) from surpluscenter.com, these have had mixed
reviews on a previous post. http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2005/1/25/144635/825. I simply unscrewed the heavy pulley from the front.

[kenputer]

 I have had good luck with them,being in the plumbing business I have tried all different types of piping and I would have to say that the SDR 35 green pipe has worked the best. ABS I had no luck with and PVC sch.40. I also found the 4" pipe as the best size.

[henjulfox]

Hello,

I have some ABS blades flying for 6 months now. You say you've had no luck. How

did they not work for you and/or what kinda failure should I be watching for?

-Henry

[Norm]

   Like those motors ...they spin easy at least

..but might have to spin it pretty fast to get good results...anxious to see how things turn out for you...Good Luck!

  http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2005/3/23/225230/317

                 ( :>) Norm

[kenputer]

  I would say the biggest problem was in the sun the tips twisted,do you have that problem? Where as the green sdr pipe I did not have that happen and seemed work better.

[ghurd]

I rough-cut the pipe lengthwise into 4 sections first.

Let it sit a few days, then marked the lines and cut the blades.

Had less twisting that way.

The same idea would probably help on Zub-Woofer blades.

G-

[aogden]

Has anyone tried fiberglass pipe? It would seem to be alot more rugged and hold it's shape better. Granted it may cost a bit more.

Here is a link to some fiberglass product: info:http://www.smithfiberglass.com/pdf/C3030.pdf

I was thinking also of used composite helicopter rotor blades and automotive spoiler materials.

Wood is just not my forte!

Adrian

[henjulfox]

Just took a look - We've had a solid month of 80-90+ temps, not a cloud in the sky

and the blades look the same as when they went up.

They bend towards what would have been the inside of the pipe a little, maybe an

inch over their 27" length, but they did that as soon as they were cut.

I've admired they green pipe at construction sites, can't find it at Lowes though.

One of these days I'll swing by a plumbing supply store, particularly after your

reccomendation.

-Henry

[nothing to lose]

I'd say give it a try. The pipe is cheap enough and easy to cut.

I changed out my blades alot for testing different things so I can't say much about long life but they did work well. I made a Zubly/woofer type and other mods of those also. All the green sewer pipe I left lay in the yard turns whiteish after a year or so in the sun and gets brittle so you may want to paint them or something to protect from the sun for long term use. In MO. we get alot of sun.

[wildbill hickup]

henjulfox,

Stop at some of those construction sites. You'd be surprised at how easy it is to procure the left-overs free!!!! Stoped at a nearby site yesterday and spoke with the general contractor. They haven't even really started using the pile they have yet, but he said sure there's two pieces over there you can take now (pointing in the direction of 2 pieces one 10" one 8" both about 5 feet long. When I asked if he would save the rest for me he said "sure as long as they don't sit around to long" Anything they can get rid of free cost them less when the job is done, so why pay when you can get it free. Free for you free for them, great concept.

Wildbill