Mystery model

[Jmk89]

BTW
The vice (which I now see is called a pattern maker/luthiers vice) is available in Australia at Carbatec and Timbecon. Lie-Nielsen in Adelaide have Auriou hand stitched rasps which are equivalent to the Liogier rasps I have.

I must say, the prices have gone up quite a bit in the decade since I got mine!

As for Sloyd knives, these can be obtained on FleaBay pretty easily for a pretty reasonable amount.

I imagine that in the UK, Axminster, and in the US, Lee Valley, would be likely places to look for these kinds of tools.

[Piecost]

Thanks for the detailed explanation Jeremy. I consider carving props to be a nessesary skill to possess to be able to consider onself a well rounded aeromodeller.

[Prosper]

. . .carving props to be a nessesary skill to possess to be able to consider onself a well rounded aeromodeller.

Blimey, that's me out, then.

Thanks for the artisan tool info Jeremy - yes, writing these things up does eat into overall modelling time available, but I think people appreciate the effort, by and large - and it's what keeps forums like this alive and relevant and entertaining.

Stephen.

[Piecost]

I completely agree Prosper. I have not yet been able to carve a wooden propeller. It is on my to-do list, in which case; this information will proove invaluable.

[OZPAF]

Thanks for that Jeremy. I have carved one balsa prop, but haven't used it yet! my approach was similar - basically razor saw and knife.

Good luck with your Mystery Model.

John

[Jmk89]

Thanks for that Jeremy. I have carved one balsa prop, but haven't used it yet! my approach was similar - basically razor saw and knife.

Good luck with your Mystery Model.

John

Thanks John.
Prop carving is one of those things that is shrouded with unnecessary mystery and is not as hard as some think.  It is a skill that is acquired by doing and made better by doing it again

[lincoln]

Another reference, by David Dodge:
The Idiot's Guide to Prop Carving v2.02
https://gryffinaero.com/models/ffpages/tips/propcarve.html
I don't recall if I actually used it, but it's memorable for the quote from dannysoar at the beginning. "It is a source of national shame
that a single citizen should have to go
to bed unable to carve a propeller."

Prop carving isn't that hard, especially if you relax your standards. ;-) I've made several, including a right and left pair for a twin pusher. However, they are not Larrabee style, or paddle style. More like wider versions of the Wright Brothers' props from 1903. That is, too wide at the tips. I wanted to quit while I was ahead, and they worked fine. 1:30 on an all-sheet model is probably good enough, anyway. I've made a tiny prop for an indoor rc plane and a small one for a Parlor Fly, too. They all worked ok.

I want Paulownia! Not so much for props as for building a really light boat that I can carry around. Just the thing for flying rubber models off water.  Paulownia is hard to find in the USA. Illegal to grow in this state because they're invasive. Three or four years to get a lifetime supply. I wonder if it's ever used for pallets.

[Jmk89]

Lincoln

Not sure of your state  - the details just say USA.  Paulownia is used by wooden surfboard makers, so if there are any of them near where you live, they may have it.

It is also used in Australia by wooden boat builders, so that's another trail to follow.  It is very good for a light timber.

[lincoln]

There aren't very many surfboard builders in Massachusetts! I haven't heard of any boat builders using it, but that's an idea. Down south, there are vendors with pre-primed, finger jointed siding imported from China. Allegedly, it's made from Paulownia. I think boat people usually use cedar for light wood, but that's much denser. On eBay, though, it's cheap enough for model airplanes.