Bronze Propellers - Would like to cast bronze props

[diane paterson]

Mike Wernecke has asked me to adapt my dental casting expertise to cast scale bronze propellers for our models. I had intended to to this anyway for my 1/120 Newport News. The problem is that the various bronze alloys are not listed in my copy of "The Metalworking Handbook" I am not quite sure which bronze alloys are used to fabricate full sized props. I've heard of "naval bronze" being used. If any of you have any information or know a source of this info, please let me know. If I must, I will settle for brass as a material but I'd much prefer to use authentic material if possible.

[anonymous]

Diane,
What you are looking for

Diane,
What you are looking for is Nickel-Aluminum-Bronze. Listed in the ASM Metals Handbook (not sure which page, have to find my copy). Not sure if it's really worth the effort, you'd pay big bucks getting a foundry to cast them for you.

To be truly accurate, you would then have to get a copy of the blade drawing (which you won't) as well as the hub and related mounting scheme (again, not going to happen). If you get that, then you hook up with a machining house that will do 5-axis contouring on the blades.

To go the full nine yards, they would have to machine in the "special features" as we used to call them and be prepared to do some welding.

Do yourself a favor, stick to brass...

Best,



Edited By expfcwintergreen on 1131493300

[Guest]

Diane,
As long as you have

Diane,
As long as you have been advised not to cast bronze props, why not use your dental investment technique to create a gold alloy prop? You will be familiar with the casting and polishing of the material, and it won't tarnish. Hang the expense!

[diane paterson]

What a great idea, Art!!

What a great idea, Art!! While I'm at it, I may as well rig up the platinum drive shafts that I'm planning to run in jeweled bearings! After all, corrosion is a sailor's enemy.



Edited By Diane Paterson on 1131502363

[diane paterson]

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