How knackered is a cracked prop?

cardiffrob · Post by **cardiffrob** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 2:56 pm

Does anyone know the rules/recommendations on how to decide if a nearly new wooden prop has become an ornament? It has a brass leading edge that collected the leading 1cm of the blade and seems to extend upwards by 3 inches.

Sandy Hutton LAA372 · Post by **Sandy Hutton LAA372** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 6:38 pm

It looks ornamental to me as it is Rob but as it's nearly new, is there a Manufacturers warranty?

If it is coming away at that part of the leading edge I'd guess that the rest of it might not be very secure either. How was it for balance/ tracking etc or has it picked up a chucky stone while you've been ground running?

cardiffrob · Post by **cardiffrob** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 8:06 pm

Chris Lodge, who originally made it, had it back to rebuild/refurbish it some time ago but then a tin fell off my shelf and clouted the tip. It hasn't turned since it was rebuilt.

Sandy Hutton LAA372 · Post by **Sandy Hutton LAA372** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 9:17 pm

I know that Chris has retired but perhaps he would repair it for you. Ask the man anyway. A prop isn't something I'd tackle a repair on but maybe there's someone braver than me who would.

ColinC · Post by **ColinC** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 9:25 pm

Rob,

in most applications a properly designed glued splice in a wooden structure is as strong as the original material. I don't see why a prop would be any different. They are all glued laminates after all.

Have you spoken to Chris Lodge about it? I think that Ken Fern has a lot of experience in repairing props too. Both are only an email away. Don't scrap it yet.

Colin

mike newall · Post by **mike newall** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 9:27 am

Chris just repaired a similar amount of damage to my Brother's Lodge prop. Get in touch and I am sure he will be his usual helpful self.