Whether you need to store Airplane Props or Boat Props, this DIY (Do it Yourself) Prop Box guide will get the job done.
When Prop Numbers start to increase and it’s getting more difficult to safely store your props, a Prop Box is in desperate need. Safely storing props is always a must as props can be easily damaged.
Although this guide contains photos only for boat props, the same method is used for airplane props. DIY builds are always excellent since you may change the original thought of how it was done to better custom fit your requirements.
Getting Started
Photos will follow each step.
You will need the following materials:
-Some type of box as explained in step one
-Piece of wood that may fit in the interior of the box
-Machine Screws that will fit the bore of your props
-Nuts that will work with the Screws selected
-Nitro Fuel Tubing (Optional but recommended for certain applications)
Tools Needed:
Drill with a bit to match your screw diameter.
Scroll Saw / Band Saw / Or Hand Saw to cut out the wood material
ScrewDriver / Wrench for the fasteners
1)
It is best to pick out an appropriate sized box of any kind that will allow you to fit what ever quantity of propellers you wish to store. The size of the propellers themselves will determine the size of box needed.
Here a simple plastic box that measure approximately 13″ x 11″ x 3″
It had also included the inner foam lining which will be used later. Cost was less than $10.
2)
First thing to do is trace out the exact shape by measuring the location in the box where the wood is to be placed. The shape to be cut out is on the bottom left hand corner. 1/4″ piece of scrap MDF was used here. Although any type of wood will work and 1/4″ is plenty thick.
3)
After Cutting out the piece of wood, lay the props you will be storing on the wood. This is where it gets interesting as you can lie them out in any fashion you wish. You can keep them tight or space them out. Some may prefer to seperate manufacture and organize by size like I have done, while others may choose a different route. Next drill holes in the location of where the bore of the prop will be. Insert your choice of fasteners in to the holes and secure with a nut. Notice the two holes missing screws. This is for mounting in to the box but will still be used for props. Choose two locations or more where the box mount screws will be fastened.
4)
Secure the piece of wood with the fasteners in them to the box by first drilling a hole in the box. Do so by lining up the wood and drilling through the already drilled hole in the wood right through the plastic box. Place a fastener here and secure with a nut. Next, repeat this step with a minimum of one other screw.
5)
This is optional, however recommended. Place a piece of fuel tubing on all the machine screws in the propeller box. This will raise the prop off of the steel nut for added prevention of damage. Standard size fuel tubing can be used, size is not that critical as it can stretch quite well. 1/8″ – 3/16″ in length was cut.
6)
Place all your props on the fasteners. Place another piece of fuel tubing on this side followed by the securing nut. This is the Octura side shown. Each Prop is secured so that it can not move and damage the other props.
This is the Prather side of the box.
Here is what the box looks like complete. Here you can see the seperation of the props in terms of manufacture and the organization of the props in terms of size. The smallest size prop located here is an X637 (37mm Diameter) while the largest is a Prather 280 (79mm Diameter)
Now it’s only a matter of placing the rest of the props in. The great thing about this layout is it can be disassembled and additional holes can be made. Nothing is secured permanently.