BY&O Light Weight Props?

Clarence Bull apparently made props using hard wood (Maple?) as well as those out of a lighter weight wood. Question - do the light weight props run as well as the hard wood? I suspect the hard wood props may fare a bit better on contact with the ground. But, otherwise do the two woods run the same on the Bull BY&O?

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

I believe that Calrence did not segregate wood into "light" and "heavy"....
In talking with John Brodak and Jim Hunt shortly after purchase of the BY&O business, they remarked that Clarence used several different woods, maple, ash, etc.
My belief is that a major flaw with wood as a prop material, and why some that have a "favorite" wood prop that they are never able to duplicate, is that wood is not of constant density and therefore even individual blades can flex and flop around more than those on the same piece.
I also believe that the successful use of wooden props on high torque engines, such as a ST.60, is are result of the wood flexing and "flattening" under load, essentially offering a variable pitch. Great if it works right, almost impossible to replicate accurately.
See Ya

With all the effort people put into the latest plane, I am surprised that more people aren't building their own composite props- take a good wood prop shape, coat it with epoxy/glass, sand it smooth, and enjoy. If you take good measurements on the pitch, blade width, and use 3-4 templates to keep track of the airfoil it should be fairly repeatable, prop to prop. At least as good as molded props where the blades vary 2-3 inches in pitch.

SNIP>>I believe that Calrence did not segregate wood into "light" and "heavy"....

Having been to his Shop years ago, Clarence had several different types of wood. Oaks, Maple were the heavy woods; Ash and Tulipwood were the light ones. Since Clarence was heavy into Free Flight he wanted to make the lights props out there. Clarence made the heavy wood props for the first few runs, great props dark in color and great Phillips entry. Before his death, the last couple of years he went almost primarily to a Tulipwood production, light color, very light wood, It’s these tulipwood props that kick off of the engine with heating and contraction.
To answer your question…Yes he did, but only for the weight for Free Flight.

The guy in Missouri who had the business before Clarence used a bunch of woods. I had him sell me some of each. I have some nice walnut Y&Os left.

Thanks for the help, everyone. Good information!