Wayne
Well-Known Member
Gang,
Since this is an early idea I'm posting it here versus in the supplier section. As a follow on from my "where's my money coming from in retirement" thread I have been mulling a few ideas around making money in aviation (OK - you can stop laughing now!!!).
I do think, however, a few pennies could be made making props for Butt Fans and Ultralights. People learning Butt Fans break props a lot - ask me how I know that at $300 each for wood ones.
The general trend is towards composite props right now and my question is - "do we feel there is a way to make these props with a decent level of automation so that a knucklehead like me can produce them as a side line?"
1) CNC machine the foam? Can I use a home made CNC setup? Maybe I hot wire them for less mess and just as fast?
2) Laying up the Carbon Fibre - is this where I lose my time?
3) Prop design - I need a differentiator over price.
I like the idea of props because they are consumable and won't go away like IC engines. I could just start building props for electric, and even provide a turnkey power supply at that point.
Cheapy - here's a business idea for you and I :gig:
Since this is an early idea I'm posting it here versus in the supplier section. As a follow on from my "where's my money coming from in retirement" thread I have been mulling a few ideas around making money in aviation (OK - you can stop laughing now!!!).
I do think, however, a few pennies could be made making props for Butt Fans and Ultralights. People learning Butt Fans break props a lot - ask me how I know that at $300 each for wood ones.
The general trend is towards composite props right now and my question is - "do we feel there is a way to make these props with a decent level of automation so that a knucklehead like me can produce them as a side line?"
1) CNC machine the foam? Can I use a home made CNC setup? Maybe I hot wire them for less mess and just as fast?
2) Laying up the Carbon Fibre - is this where I lose my time?
3) Prop design - I need a differentiator over price.
I like the idea of props because they are consumable and won't go away like IC engines. I could just start building props for electric, and even provide a turnkey power supply at that point.
Cheapy - here's a business idea for you and I :gig:
