Machining a decorative AL propeller

Machine Shop HAAS
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Looking for input from the Haas guys. I have a small fridge that really needs :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: an aluminum propeller as a handle. Seems like a pretty simple thing to mill out on the Haas. Essentially there would be a flat hub in the center to allow it to flip and do both sides (and mount to the fridge).

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If you can machine flat blades separately from the hub and mount them after machining, that is something you can do with our HAAS; however, if the hub and blades need to be machined from a single block, then our HAAS will not do that. You need four and possibly five axis machine depending upon actual blade shape.

Also, again depending upon actual shape, the blades donā€™t nescessarily need to be flat as long as they can be machined separately and attached later. Of course then you may need some precision assembly to ensure everything is well balanced, particularly if the blades spin fast.

P.S. If the blades are in the same plane as the hub, ie, both front and back surfaces are parallel, then you can probably machine in the HAAS we have.

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That would be a 3D object. It is certainly possible to do it in the HAAS (depending on a few details), and would be an interesting project. But it is not simple. Do you have a CAD file?

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To clarify, if they look something like this

Then they are 3D and can be done on the HAAS, though it would require some fixturing.

However, if they look like this (overlapping blades)

or even worse this

Then you need a four or even five axis machine depending upon the exact shape your cutting.

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Think airplane prop. Not submarine.

If only decorative, it wouldnā€™t even need a proper airfoil.

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It all starts w/ a CAD fileā€¦

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I think he is looking more towards a 2 blade prop like what is seen on a Cessna 172 or something a little older like the one seen on older bi planes vs an engine turbine blade like what you have posted @wandrson

Something like this maybe:
Cessna 172

Sopwith Camel

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Yep. This is exactly what I was looking at. Correct that it doesnā€™t need a true airfoil / twist, and probably want to avoid a sharp trailing edge since itā€™s going to be used as a handle.

Iā€™m working on a CAD drawingā€¦ Iā€™ll update in a few days when I get back and get it done.

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@Ian_Jaeger you may like this episode of ā€œHow its madeā€. It might give you some ideas!

How its made ā€“ aluminum propellers

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Please post post pictures of how this turns out!!! :relaxed:

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