Where to find the bits?

Anything to do with Propulsion.
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iamthefly
Posts: 4
Joined: Oct 26th, 2011, 10:42 am

Where to find the bits?

Post by iamthefly »

Hi,

I've bought 500GPH Rule Bilge Pumps, but I need to find an off the shelf solution for attaching the props. I can't find one any where or even what they are called.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Underwa ... Thrusters/

Can anyone post me a link to an item such as is shown in the link above?

Thanks.
derelicte
Posts: 292
Joined: Aug 1st, 2011, 3:08 pm

Re: Where to find the bits?

Post by derelicte »

like this:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wt ... LXMSF2&P=7

I've used one of those. it has a m5 thread, so you need to re-thread either the prop or the adapter so it isn't really off the shelf.

However if you use a prop with a set screw in it, then it mates directly to the motor shaft without an adapter.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wt ... LXGBH1&P=0
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sthone
Posts: 589
Joined: Nov 8th, 2010, 9:25 pm
Location: Connecticut
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Re: Where to find the bits?

Post by sthone »

I have yet to find a commercially available prop adapter in 4mm but check out THIS THREAD you might be able to make your own if you have access to a drill press.

-Steve 8-)
derelicte
Posts: 292
Joined: Aug 1st, 2011, 3:08 pm

Re: Where to find the bits?

Post by derelicte »

I was never able to build those adapters with a drill press. I destroyed two of them trying to do so. However a friend with a lathe did it very easily. I don't possess the machining skillz (or possibly equipment). ymmv.

Ultimately I gave up on the adapter thing and just used props that mate to the motor shafts. problem solved.
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thegadgetguy
Posts: 238
Joined: Feb 13th, 2011, 8:27 pm
Location: Pennsylvania

Re: Where to find the bits?

Post by thegadgetguy »

I ended up taking the Robbe 3 blade prop and cutting off the rounded part on the end. Then I bored out the threads, so that the interior was smooth. That allowed me to use one of those prop adapters originally meant for model airplane props. It was a somewhat roundabout aproach, as at the time I didn't have the skills or tools needed to make an adapter. Actually, it's ended up working quite well. If I had to do it again, I'd probably go for that Tower prop that slides right on the shaft. Convenience is definitly worth something.
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