Best Way to Prep a Prop Shaft for paint?

[sgharford]

It's time for my every other year application of Prop speed to props and shafts. I've been using a 6" electric DA Sander to prep the shafts in prior years, but it's kind of a pia not only due to weight but fact I have to rotate shaft about every 30 degrees to get all the way around it. Anybody have any suggestions for more effectively sanding prop shafts?

[rsmith]

Sandblast

[jim rosenthal]

maybe a sanding belt cut and turned inside out?

[DCMY #92]

I've used a cut or broken sanding belt by hand, strips of emory cloth purchased in rolls, and sand blasting. Sand blasting is the fastest and gives a rougher finish, but is allot of trouble and expense if the yard is not already set up to do this relatively small job. I find the sanding belt a little stiff, too wide and too short to comfortably use. I prefer to use 1.5" wide strips of emory cloth purchased in a roll.

[sgharford]

I'm liking the emery cloth idea, could you recommend a grit?

[drburke]

Google "pipe sander" or "tube sander" and see if you can find one for rent (if you don't want to buy a Chinese ebay one for $175).

DAN

[sgharford]

That's cool, didn't realize they even existed. If I owned a boat yard that would be in the tool chest. Given this is a every other year gig and only 2 shafts, so far I'm leaning towards emery cloth.

[Glory]

I have tried different paints, primers, and applications. The results all about the same, not able to last 2 years.

Prop Speed has lasted me 3 years. Although expensive when writing the check, a bargain down the water!!

JM

[SEVEN]

Are they covered with barnacals? If so spray them down with Barnaul buster and wait until they all desolve. If not go with the other recommendations.

[Boatsb]

On mine I had them blasted and then took 80 grit da pads on my hand to put a shine on the metal just before applying the primer.