Anybody used these aluminum backplate spinners?

LAST EDITED ON Nov-28-03 AT 07:37 PM (CST)
 
Has anybody used these? They are from Great Planes, this one is PN TL9724, comes from Tower for $5.79, and weighs 25 grams (2" dia.). Made in Taiwan, can't vouch for the thread size on the cone attach screws, but the only gripe I have is that they're not socket heads. There are two discs of carborundum abrasive paper, that are abrasive on both sides, to keep the prop from spinning. I think these might be pretty cool for a stunter, that maybe is noseheavy with an all-aluminum spinner. I've seen some aluminum spinners that would not match up to this, for quality and design, and they're way heavier. Plan is to modify these to fit the prop driver in the manner of the 2Star .60bb, so the abrasive discs won't be required. Steve

Edit: The screws appear to be 2.5mm x .45mm. Should be possible to put 4-40's in there with a little effort, but metric socket heads are not that hard to get. Sizes range from 1.75" to 2.5", in 1/4" increments, and various colors.

Yep, I use them and think they are fine spinners. I have used the all plastic ones but find the backplate distorts and sometimes rubs against the front of the cowling. These are much better, they don't do that.

LAST EDITED ON Nov-28-03 AT 07:03 PM (CST)
 
I have three and love them. They are inexpensive, light, true running and look great. I don't use the sandpaper discs, but did crossthread and strip one of the screw holes. I just moved the spinner over one spoke on the backplate, drilled some new holes and threaded for 4-40 allen screws. They remind me of the Midwest spinners I always liked so much, only a lot cheaper.

Hi Steve,

Do they make a 3 blade?

Took the words right out of my mouth Randy...

Randy & Kirk...Sadly, no 3 blade versions. Maybe they could take a hint or 20? Y'don't suppose the standard 3 blade cones from the all-plastic variant would fit, with more holes being drilled? I think HobbyTown USA carries all the GP stuff, maybe they'd know. Nah, what was I thinkin'? Steve

Hi Steve. I have used two of them. One is now in the trash, but still have the back plate. I used them to move the weight aft on a nose heavy plane. The fact that I crashed the plane had nothing to do with the spinner, just ran out of air in a poor vertical eight. I have tried Froom, Veco/Froom, Veco, and about five others and so far these are the best and easiest to use.

The only problem I have with them, is the fact that they have no mechanical means of aligning the backplate, prop and spinner. In other words, you have to properly align the prop and backplate, without the aid of pins or grooves etc., before tightening the prop nut, to get the screw holes in the spinner to line up with the backplate holes. Just takes a bit of trial and error. Now, after installing everything in the right position, I scribe a witness mark on the spinner and edge of the backplate. This helps in getting everything lined up.

Amen, Don. I like these, but they are a royal pain to align and tighten the prop.

Come on, guys! Don't waste your time drilling, tapping, etc. The screws are 3mm x 6mm. Buy DuBro part number 2121, or simply go over to the BIG wall in your hobby shop where all the RC car stuff is located. You will even find those screws in colors. Allen heads, of course.

Ron King