Techniques for sanding propeller blades

[BristolRI]

Any ideas on efficient ways to sand propeller blades?

I have 3 blade fixed propeller. In the spring I spray with a couple coats of Petit Prop Coat Barnacle Barrier and then paint with Petit Hydrocoat Eco (which is copper free). Seems to work well enough for the summer season in our New England waters.

Before spraying, I like to remove the prior year's paint which has usually become a bit "pockmarked".

I've been using 80 grit 3M Cubitron sanding discs, to sand by hand. It works but takes a bit of time and effort and is difficult to get into the "valleys" near the shaft.

Wondering if anyone has found other powered tool setups that work well. (Besides using a sand blaster which is what prior boat year did, and works great, but only if you have a that equipment)

[chris95040]

Originally Posted by BristolRI

Any ideas on efficient ways to sand propeller blades?



I have 3 blade fixed propeller. In the spring I spray with a couple coats of Petit Prop Coat Barnacle Barrier and then paint with Petit Hydrocoat Eco (which is copper free). Seems to work well enough for the summer season in our New England waters.



Before spraying, I like to remove the prior year's paint which has usually become a bit "pockmarked".



I've been using 80 grit 3M Cubitron sanding discs, to sand by hand. It works but takes a bit of time and effort and is difficult to get into the "valleys" near the shaft.



Wondering if anyone has found other powered tool setups that work well. (Besides using a sand blaster which is what prior boat year did, and works great, but only if you have a that equipment)

Huh. I just use sandpaper, and it takes about 15 minutes. Also a 3 blade prop, in an aperture. Definitely not one of the springtime jobs I worry too much about!

[tkeithlu]

Try a cup brush on a grinder, with some qualifications:

If you are going to paint, sand lightly after brushing because a wire brush leaves a very smooth surface.

A brass brush is preferred, so you don't leave tiny bits of steel in the propeller. Such as this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Elitexion-Thr...l%2C524&sr=1-3