Hi guys,
I know it's sort of difficult to get excited about a new prop shaft, but when my new one was delivered the other day, I was pretty astounded at the quality of the work. The CNC robotic machine process can do things to a speed and precision that would take someone by hand a LONG time to do. Just look at this photo. I appreciate fine workmanship whether it is in a vintage automatic watch, a fine Colt pistol, automobiles, whatever, and this work here is just outstanding. Just take a look at that first photo! Have you EVER seen a prop shaft looking this good?? It came directly from the shop, shipped in a tube, fast turn-around, complete with lock nuts and keys. I thought the price was reasonable, especially considering the quality of workmanship.
The second photo is what I would normally expect to see for a shaft this size. This one happens to be a 1" shaft. As you can see, the keyway slot in the old style shaft extends all the way through the threads, and the CNC machined shaft does not. The CNC product is going to be a LOT easier on those brass nuts, because the old style tends to cut and strip metal off the nuts as you might imagine from looking a these pics.
The photo (Bottom) showing the hand work in the machine shop is from some 80" long 1-3/8" shafts I had made up last year. These were traditionally done by hand in a machine shop. Here the shaft is being trued for mating up to the hub, which is something you'll want to do BEFORE you are standing on your head in the boat bilge. In any case, the old style "by hand" process will still work, and work well, but the machined final product from a CNC machine is just positively awesome by comparison.
If anyone is interested in seeing more photos of the CNC machined prop shaft, or more photos of the "by hand process" shown above, you can check the following link for more.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/42484...age/1178564695
Regards, Paul