Propeller making apparatus and method

Abstract

Apparatus and method for making propellers having a base plate with an upstanding central shaft for receiving a blank propeller hub. A plurality of blocks are radially arranged on the plate about the central shaft, and each block has an upwardly projecting pin near one end thereof. The blocks each have vertical set screws therethrough opposite their pins to allow swingable movement to adjust the pin radial distances from the central shaft. The heads of said set screws are positioned on the top of said blocks, and provide positioning means for locating a cylindrical collar on said blocks. The collar has a plurality of radially arranged and adjustable arms, one for each block, extending inwardly therefrom, with each of said arms having a collet thereon with an inwardly presented slotted face. A propeller is made by positioning a plurality of propeller blade blanks each with its root in contact with the blank hub and its tip resting upon one of said blocks in contact with the pin thereon. The collar arms are adjusted for reception of the leading edge of each blade blank in one of the slotted collets. Then, the collet is rotated with respect to the blocks and central shaft to adjust the pitch angle of the blade blanks with repsect to the hub. When the desired pitch angle is obtained, the blanks are connected to the hub, as by soldering, brazing, etc.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.