Engine propeller hub drawings

[RobMoore]

Good evening all,

The re-build of our better half VW engine is progressing very well however my dad (who is doing most of the work on the engine) has asked me if anyone has any drawings (ideally with dimensions) for the better half VW propeller hub that I could scrounge? He's about to start milling some components but is in doubt about the shape and dimensions.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Safe flying folks,
Rob

[Kamcoman77]

Welcome to the forum! I've searched about every subject there is on the various versions of Legal Eagles, and am building an XL. I have never seen a drawing or dimensions for BetterHalf prop hubs or Scott Casler's prop hub. There may be some generic prop hub info on the open Internet but they will likely be a tiny bit different than the ones sold. Some hubs are taper fit, but most are press fit. There are two bolt circles I'm aware of, 4" and 3-1/8". I am building two 1/2 VW engines and have different prop hubs on each. I don't know what brand they are, or have any internal dimensions other than a 2" snout on both to locate the prop on center. Outer dimensions and bolt circle are in the photo. Can't give you any bore size because the hubs are on the engines.

[RobMoore]

Thank you so much Kamcoman77. I can imagine there are quite a lot of build variations with these projects so I'm sure there is no definitive prop hub as such. I'll pass the drawing on to my dad - he and his brother have both been mechanics/engineers/toolmakers all their lives and they're both pretty good with a lathe so I'm hoping they'll work this out even if it means improvising a little.

The rest of the engine is coming together pretty well I'm told - I'm hoping to pop round to the hangar (folks home garage!) soon to see for myself. I'd like to think we might get a test run of the engine in before Christmas.

Best,
Rob

[Chuck in Indiana]

I did my own conversion including making the prop hub for Mouser..

Uhh.. almost 40 years ago.  I probably have the sketches for the hub somewhere. I'll look this afternoon.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Ok, here ya go, Rob. I made this out of 2024 instead of mild steel, and it's been in service since 82. (!) Of course, you need a light prop, and no extension. Changes in pencil are no doubt what I did. 


You'll also need the slinger..

Your dad should have no problem doing this, assuming he has a decent sized lathe.

[RobMoore]

Thank's Chuck in Indiana! Much appreciated.
Best regards,
Rob

[Matthew Mattholew]

Cool. Thats from the volksplane. I have a ser of those drawings and his airplane design manual. Thanks for posting that I will need that soon, Ill have to dig those plans out of the basement.