World's Largest WOOD Propeller Factory: How It's Made

Thank you Sensenich Propeller for having us over. www.sensenich....
Get a part of the Elvis Jet at www.SaveThe310.com before they are gone forever
Facebook: / jimmys-world-104845438...
Instagram: / therealjimmysworld
View the Entire 310 Series: • I just Bought 3 Abando...
Other Abandoned Airplanes:
Abandoned for 20 years, Will it RUN? 1947 Bonanza V-Tail • Abandoned Airplane Wil...
Abandoned 7 Years, Can I get it running? 1968 Piper Aztec • Abandoned Airplane Wil...
10 Fastest Cheap Airplanes You Can Buy For Your Family • 10 Fastest Cheap Airpl...
10 Fighter Jets You Can Buy! • 10 Private Fighter Jet...
For Business/Media: [e-mail]

[@therealjimmysworld]

Thank you Sensenich Propeller for having us over. www.sensenich.com/

[@koobs4549]

This is trippy to watch, my 1st job out of high school was here. I haven’t seen the inside of this building in like 25 years. Looks like Don & Steve are still there. I made drone props & ran the shipping & my brother worked in glue ups. I am assuming that open bed CNC replaced the equipment I used. When I was there, we had just started making composite props. I can literally smell things in this video lol, the wood, the glue, it’s just missing 98 Rock & Bubba the Love Sponge 😂

[@lynnkramer1211]

Sylas is not so little anymore! Woo Hoo!

[@ugetridofit]

and how did they balance it after the soldering.

[@joshc7091]

Gotta love a free prop!

[@vulcano911]

Buy it for only $19.99 (it´s a joke) 👍👍

[@aerialbugsmasher]

Thanks for not putting any obnoxious music over the machining parts, or skipping needlessly through the process. It was pure bliss of industrial ASMR

[@markthompson9914]

I’ll second that mate 👍✌️🇬🇧

[@davidclemens1578]

After 30 years of working in a window factory operating milling machines, moulders and tenioner machines. Excuse Google's spelling. Prior to that, 4 years in the Air Force loading weapons on aircraft and then listening to the engines spool up as they're ready to take off for a sorti, add to that many years of carpentry and woodworking using routers, planers and saws, for extra money and as a hobby, I rather enjoy the music instead of the mind-numbing drone of all these tools. But to each his own. Have a nice day.

[@aerialbugsmasher]

If you were that annoyed with what you did for 30 years that you felt the need to complain about it in some random video when nobody asked then this video isn't the problem

[@williamsmith9026]

​@@aerialbugsmasher Exactly.

[@williamsmith9026]

I stop watching videos because of that. This is reality based

[@johnevens1666]

In 1973 my dad hand carved a propeller for me for my science fair project, which I used to create L/D ratios of different airfoils in my homemade wind tunnel . It was made from a 2x6 and was perfectly balanced, and created the amount of airflow for me to conduct my experiments. Fourty years on since he did that for me I still remember him making templates from hand for each 1/2” of the prop to make sure the airfoil on the prop was perfect. I miss him.

[@jamesalt7433]

My Grandfather (he was born in 1886) worked for many years with the Packard Piano Company in Fort Wayne, Indiana back when WW I broke out (I am 75).The company switched to wartime production and manufactured airplane propellers such as these. I still have many of his hand tools from when he worked there, plus a scaled down propeller that I assume that he made..

[@MaverickSeventySeven]

@@jamesalt7433 - From England - Am the same age as you, my Great Uncle worked for Handley Page making wooden propellers without the modern machines. Having understood the varying pitches needed along a length AND the enormous accuracy needed plus the exact balance of the blades it is an extraordinary achievement! Wonder what that glue is.......? :-)

[@gsguy9359]

Jimmy, you are giving your son an education the way it should be done. He is going to be so knowledgeable and what you’re giving him money can’t buy. God bless you and keep doing what you’re doing. P.S. thanks for the great video. I always love seeing how things are made!

[@iamatransporter]

I'm just glad this still exists. Love seeing craftsmanship like this.

[@jameslonano5659]

Wow, what a combination of modern manufacturing CNC with real deal old world craftsmanship. Outstanding content!

[@dougblalock5175]

That was absolutely awesome. Having been a machinist and a pattern maker in my past life I can appreciate the talent in both the equipment design and the operator’s skill. The finishing is as much an art as a skill. Beautiful!

[@privatepilot4064]

My two boys worked there when they were in high school. I have a Sensenich prop hanging on the wall in my den. Raised my family and got my pilot’s license in Plant City. Haven’t been there in 20 years. My boys actually made some of the wooden propeller props for the movie Pearl Harbor.

[@spannaspinna]

That’s pretty cool

[@TheStewdansby]

Were they prop props? I’ll see myself out…

[@privatepilot4064]

@@TheStewdansby Indeed they were! (7:

[@c1ph3rpunk]

@@privatepilot4064props to them for making prop props. 😂

[@Hughes500]

Your boys are great craftsman. Thats is serious work and the end result is amazing. Gotta be honest, I was thinking how great it would be to have something like that hanging on my wall. Well done to you.

[@chriscook8076]

That’s some of the coolest things I’ve ever watched. Most people have no idea the craftsmanship that still goes into some things these days. Thanks for sharing that!

[@RV4aviator]

My first prop was a wooden wonder from Sensenich. Smooth, beautiful and indestructible. I then purchased Sensenich's Carbon ground adjustable prop. Still fly with it now, ZERO issues...! My wooden prop is hanging from my wall inside my house, BUT , I could take it down and bolt it on any time to my RV4, as it's still in perfectly serviceable condition...! Go Sensenich...!!!

[@davidcole333]

It's awesome to see craftsmen pour their love into the product. It doesn't get any better than that.

[@danimal0921]

Thanks for letting us see this process! Honest to goodness, I have wondered for years how new props are made! I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined this process! WOWZERS, that is AMAZING!!!

[@broadcastimagehd]

Wow, what a process! That is some real American craftsmanship.

[@migrodz]

Simply, the pride and high quality of an American made product, amazing ❤

[@JimMcCrudden-w6g]

Those wonderful words, “Made in the USA”

[@jasonm3040]

His rough cut is better than my finish cut would be

[@REDMAN298]

That`s why he`s qualified for airplane props and you`re qualified for caskets.

[@herzogsbuick]

@@REDMAN298 loooooool

[@davidharrison8404]

Exactly what I was going to say!

[@prestonburton8504]

me as well - the sign of a true craftsman. And? good, well maintained equipment.

[@jonny5714]

It annoyed me that he's paying thousands for a prop and they didn't even measure out the screws on the brass tips to make them even. Grrr.

[@RickThompson-d8s]

This is a very fine company. Don and his crew repaired and refinished my 1945 built propeller for my 1934 Fairchild 24. What a piece of art! I didn't get to tour the factory as covid prevented any tours at that time. Thank you, Jimmy, for posting this.

[@valleywoodstudio7345]

workmanship and craftsmanship!

[@mothmagic1]

Comes at a price but it's worth it for a work of art like that.

[@weiniesail]

This is the best How is it Made episode yet!

[@leonstefan6183]

I don't mean to complain, but how about a video suspific to making, measuring, cutting, forming, the brass edging. I built a wall hanger propeller for my office. Looks pretty good if I do say so. I'd love to put professional looking brass edging on it. I know you can do it Jim.

[@nevadahamaker7149]

Each propeller they make like that is a work of art. The craftsmanship is off the scale. I only hope that new craftsmen are being trained and that it doesn't become a lost art.

[@HarmonRAB-hp4nk]

lost art because everyone buys steel props these days... I'll never use a wood prop ever again from my last experience...delamination... pooof there go's the prop....never seen a steel prop fail, ever

[@morganmcintire2853]

@@HarmonRAB-hp4nk yeah and even if would propellers were still a viable in today's world there's no reason to build them by hand when they could be CNC machined for a fraction of the cost in a fraction of the time with amore accurate and better final product.

[@timowens9188]

This is very similar to foundry wood pattern making craftsmanship. Finest craftsman I've ever had the honor of working with were old school foundry pattern makers. Their final exam was making a ship's propeller pattern which was incredibly difficult all by hand before CNCs. Hats off to the team at Sensenich for continuing the craft!

[@spannaspinna]

Working from drawings

[@erinschlameus3628]

Really like his gas heated soldering iron. No need to constantly be placing the iron back in the heater/furnace to stay at working temperature. Very nice shop❗ Thanks for posting.

[@corycrandell2682]

So cool! I love that they go from a hundred year old machine to a modern cnc. Such a cool mix of technology and skill.

[@ChiliStyles]

Each wooden propeller is a true work of art.

[@savage22bolt32]

Since I was a kid in the 50's, I wanted one for my bedroom.

[@pilotdane1]

UN FREAKIN REAL !!!!! - So glad to see the machine stop & watch the "real" artists at work... Love it, and to think that used to be all be done by hand !!!! - Thank you Jimmy !!!!!

[@mmgtl]

Watching that guy install the brass leading edge was the icing on the cake, simply amazing

[@patfromamboy]

Brass? So it’s not a wooden propeller, it’s a wood and brass propeller.

[@thomasguthrie5938]

Fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

[@taurota1554]

Outstanding and awesome as always.Thamks for sharing and taking us along

[@hermanbotha1444]

I was humbled right down to floor level. I use a home built small cnc router. X Y 1.2 m x 2.4m Primitive though efficient For small much much much less intricate jobs. This was absolutely astounding to watch! Thanks!!

[@chrispile3878]

Woodworking, metalworking, finishing - it all comes together.

[@williesnyder2899]

When I was very little my father, a high school social studies teacher had a wooden propeller of around two feet wide. He also had a half-completed wooden boomerang made by a student. As I recall…and it could be my brain searching back well over fifty years…he kept those objects on his classroom desk. Dad loved working with wood, dreamed and planned to learn cabinetry in retirement…and though retired, never lived out his plans… I think of him when I see certain practical objects carefully made!!

[@Jigsaw407]

Wonderful craftsmanship and a pleasure to watch it all come together. Thank you for these insights.

[@bradleyekdahl5920]

It's a work of art that happens to also be a propeller blade. Building things from wood is so satisfying. Very enjoyable to watch...Than you!

[@barrywood5357]

That was a proper job by master craftsmen who excell in their trade knowledge wisdom and trickery. Nice one Jimmy

[@mercoid]

It’s your world. That which belongs to Jimmy. Jimmy’s World. I appreciate the painstaking precision that goes into manufacturing these propellers.

[@markjackson4337]

Great video Jimmy! There is something magical about watching true craftsmen do their job to the utmost. Fantastic!

[@SteveR-nl8dl]

I know nothing about wood wagons, I hate horses, I can just about put up a shelf but I am riveted by every moment of your videos, marveling at the techniques and skill involved. I watch every single video and can't wait for the next one. Great stuff !

[@rodneycaupp5962]

Very Cerebral sound to a wood worker. My wood prop is a Maple Laminate, a lot like this one... just an old beauty on my wall... glowing, refinished without changing a thing... preserved and ready to use ! Mine is a 16 layer Laminate. It is Gloden Hard Maple / 42X20 pitch.

[@bwmcelya]

As a kid my daddy flew me around in an old Stearman once in awhile. I was fascinated with its wooden propeller. How did they get the wood to do that? Now I know. I’d sure like to fly in that old plane again. It was one of my great childhood memories. I’ll never forget that prop. It was a Sensenich. Beauty in motion, and all that pretty brass.

[@toddwheeler1526]

This country used to have many people with the talents of this company and other wood workers and skilled tradesmen. It's a real shame that we have failed to pass on these skills. Decades ago, the education system determined that everyone would be served by technology and machinery. How pathetic and disgusting that the so called education system made these decisions and eroded the vocational programs to the point of incompetence.

[@Inception1338]

Unfortunately it's far worse than that.

[@ronliebermann]

Using a CNC machine isn’t a talent.

[@Jolly51]

This guy watched 10% of the video

[@n00b1n8R]

@@ronliebermann the hand tooling to ballance and fit the brass is obviously highly skilled.

[@ronliebermann]

@@n00b1n8R If a machine does all the work, then the machine operator isn’t a skilled craftsman. The apprenticeship for woodworking is around four years. But in a communist country, men aren’t supposed to be skilled. Instead, an army of interchangeable morons are supposed to simply push buttons on a machine. The intent is to deny individuals credit for their work. After all, skilled tradesmen are valuable members of their community. Marx’s main contention was that manual labor should pay the most, because it’s an act of value-creation. He said that paying workers less than a full wage by taking-out payroll taxes is exploitation. In America, physical labor pays very little, while non-physical activity pays a lot. Doctors and Lawyers get paid $200 an hour; for doing almost nothing. A girl at Burger King who works very hard gets only $12 an hour. In a communist country, people aren’t supposed to be valued for their hard work, or goodwill, or output. Communists are mean and lazy. That’s why so many of them receive HUD homes and food stamps. Or join the Army. Blacks think that “Heroic victimhood” is a superior alternative to well-earned respect. So Communists are divided into victims and rescuers. Blacks are the victims, while the Government and the War Department are the very expensive rescuers. But this attempt to destroy men, and personal skill, and reputation isn’t just a communist power play. Millions of old people want “copyright” to become a source of income. So instead of “taxes” (which are obviously unfair) the girl at Burger King will pay “Royalties”. If she says “Burger King” the microphone will charge her account ten cents. Eventually she’ll learn to be quiet. Like everyone else.

[@goodnightmr5892]

The vast amount of respect I have for these gentlemen in this craftsmanship is unparallel for when I am trying to straighten a crooked piece of wood on my home planer and jointer. Hours just for accuracy!

[@goodnightmr5892]

Seriously, thinking of buying a propeller just to put on the wall as a reminder of the countless hours it takes to reach perfection!

[@robertthomas5906]

Ok. So now it's Jimmy's turn to make his own propeller. Just kidding. We just watched many years or decades of experience at work. That was nice of them to allow Jimmy in to watch. Thanks Sensenich.

[@Ditchmanp]

Thank you Jimmy ! brought back memories of my grandfather. He had one of these on his kitchen wall with a clock . This was from when he returned from being drafted ww2 . He worked at a wire mill in Illinois and they were melting down all the war planes, tanks, trucks, weapons etc... and this was just one thing he was allowed to take home being it was wood. Some of the most beautiful parts of a older plane! .. again thanks!

[@fremontmike123]

One of your best Jimmy.

[@Ronaldl2350]

Amazing the craftsmanship to make a propeller like that.

[@robinstone564]

You should look into Culver props. They are a small bespoke prop maker and have some fascinating techniques as well.

[@7.3bronco]

Small prop builder in Missouri. Her father designed air planes, taught her how to build props. Family business.

[@Bugdriver49]

Thank you.....Now I don't have to brag on Culver, who is IMO is more impressive.

[@BLUEYENKO]

Yes I think her process is more interesting to watch.

[@lcfflc3887]

why a wooden prop in this day and age? we have metal.

[@BLUEYENKO]

@@lcfflc3887 wood is cheaper and lighter.

[@ClauGarcis-w5f]

WOW ... Amazing ... just wonderful . Thanks for shearing it.

[@doitnow3291]

Takes me back….my Dad worked for Hamilton Standard during WW2 making props at the Windsor Locks location..he tried to enlist ( Army) with his brother but was told to stay with the Defense industry as the prop was more important …I still have a piece of prop he gave me that came off the line

[@rich2034]

Relatively new subscriber and am addicted to your channel ..the best part for me is that you include your son in it. I think it's awesome. He does a great job recording everything! From what I've seen of him, he seems to really enjoy it all. Great job Dad!!

[@therealjimmysworld]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@lavernedofelmier6496]

Thanks Jimmie, that was awesome.

[@craigenputtock]

Wow what amazing craftsmen! Their talent is astonishing.

[@Whereswalter1]

Best episode of How It's Made I've ever seen

[@vk1pe]

A wonderful record of the human ingenuity, and process.

[@graemeswan633]

Awesome to see some true craftsmen at work

[@dalekuhlman1009]

That bowl turned out awesome, the figuring is absolutely stunning. You sure can pull the beauty out of a block of wood.

[@lazyserver]

I like this type of video from Jimmys, different perspectives.

[@paulendicott9151]

Even though I am old and retired, it's good to see CNC machines being used. When I used to work on machines in industry, I was only called when they were broken. Went all over the world fixing them as an OEM field service engineer.

[@SkipGetelman]

I had no idea how much skill and effort it takes to manufacture a wood propeller

[@omarjassar4650]

Many people don't know this , but Propellers have One purpose only , and that is to keep the pilot cool , because you would notice the pilot overheating and sweating a lot when the Propeller stops spinning

[@cliffspencer3173]

Many years ago, I worked at a FBO at LNS right across the street from Sensenich. Every time I had to take a prop to them for repair, the hardest thing was leaving. I could have watched them work all day. Back then there was more hand work. CNC was still in it's infancy.. I have an un-flown Sensenich wooden prop proudly displayed on top of my entertainment center. It was gifted to me by a retired employee.

[@colinboneham7387]

Watching this you sure can see the reason why Wood Propellers cost so much, stunning craftsmanship.

[@mmayes9466]

They cost quite a bit less than a metal propeller ! !

[@johnnunn8688]

The only craftsmanship, was right at the end with the final finishing…….

[@commentatron]

@@johnnunn8688 ...and the spoke shaving, and the brass work.

[@johnnunn8688]

@@commentatron , you don’t know what ‘final finishing’ means, obviously?

[@commentatron]

@@johnnunn8688 Apparently, not. I have flaws. Between your bedside manner and my reading comprehension, we have work to do. I propose we hold a self-imposed moratorium on commenting for the next 20 minutes as penance.

[@ColonelSponsz]

Super la video!!! C' est comme ça que l' on aime les Americains , pour leurs techniques , et artisanat!!!! Bravo !!!

[@AaronBockelie]

This is an awesome video. It's like a "How it's Made" episode crossed with Jimmys World

[@MultimediaTV]

Thank you so much for allowing us, the general public that has no clue, to capture a glimpse of the engieneering and craftmanship perfection needed to bring forward one of the most important elements since the beginnings of aviation, and that, amazingly, still is manufactured in the same way for some models. I am impressed with the video productions as well. Superb documentary.

[@JessicaPilotGirl]

I'm gonna keep my comment simple: quality content. Enough said.

[@savinggracechurch4112]

Wow, awesome, and to think my granddad worked to a thousandth of an inch on the Supermarine Spitfire. I can, after watching this video, appreciate how much work is involved in its entire production!

[@TheKatoKast]

A guy in Indiana just told me about your channel! I live in Lakeland, FL and it's my dream to own and fly my own planes! I haven't flown in years! So cool to see this! Love it!

[@andystoybox1723]

Amazing craftsmanship!

[@GaryLaaks1]

Now I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this episode.

[@davidedwards6319]

That manufacturing process is absolutely therapeutic to watch!!

[@billbrock5486]

Jimmy! This is one of the coolest videos. I love watching how they make a complex process look easy. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@sixpotshot]

When a propeller becomes a piece or sculptural art!

[@craigmonteforte1478]

these guys have a nice Shop , i m a retired Professional Woodworker and at one point or another I’ve worked with most of the exact Equipment they have my Trade was CustomCabinetry and we haveAutomated Clamps designed Specificlly for Clamping different parts of Cabinets our were Old but not as Old as the Propeller Clamps in this Video !

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Impressive but wow, don't show this to OSHA. So many areas I spotted where the worker isn't wearing eye protection or other safety gear. Cringe. Be safe!

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

Even with the initial cutting machine, there is so much skill involved in getting propellers shaped and balanced. Excellent video. Thank you.

[@Ghadiali]

Absolutely enjoyed watching the whole process of propeller making. Especially loved watching the automatic machining of wood. ❤👌👍

[@Lily_Znd]

Whoever wrote program for rough cut was amazing much respect

[@bobmoyer8864]

Another very cool not seen enough of great handcrafted beauty. Really looking forward to seeing this one fly. Thanks again for sharing.... bob

[@jimpinkowski3394]

Is that resorcinol glue that you're using?

[@zorbasmiling5981]

That's An Art A Wonderful Art Done By Great Team Of Artists❤ Worth Watching Every Single Second Thanks Brother For Sharing The Video ❤

[@kellywilkins8043]

Wow! That was awesome to see the whole process! Very interesting! I think your Son has grown a foot this last year! Handsome lad! Thanks Jimmy!!!

[@therealjimmysworld]

I think so too!

[@jacknevitt7384]

Fascinating to watch! Computer’s do the heavy lifting on the props but it takes the skilled hands of a craftsman to bring it all together!

[@novanut1964]

does it get rebalanced after the rivets and soldering?

[@gunesacmali2471]

I was going to ask about that too. I'm speculating. It's impossible for the balance not to be disrupted after all that heavy metal has been added. The only way to rebalance it would be to either bury tiny lead weights somewhere, or to sand the brass thinner in some areas. I'm guessing they did the balancing process but didn't show it in the video because it wouldn't look nice.

[@JackThelRipper]

Wow thanks Jimmy loved watching the process of hand making a wooden prop!! It amazes me that people designed and built props like that and still do to this day!

[@leesherman100]

Ya nailed it Jimmy. Incredible product. Five stars *****

[@pete.theeggbox]

very nice to see this video i remember seeing a vintage black and white film, showing how aluminum blades were made, not sure if they were hollow as they looked to be a solid block, then a milling machine cut the blade, using a master blade to copy from, the machine went round and round cutting the tip towards the hub, i forget if the master were larger or smaller, but the copying was very impressive to watch, genius even by today's standard - i'm always impressed by old engineering and where we have come to today i've seen coins made in a similar way, a master produced and copied at the larger size, and then transferred to what will become the tooling at finished size to stamp out the coins - great video boyz

[@janetcohen9190]

Kudos to all the people their skills, experience involved in selecting & furnishing materials, planing, equipment, making, the wood aeroplane propellers. Thanks for sharing video. The process invites pondering the background and history of proppellers. After all their roots and function are related to oars, rudders, ... made by i.e., Inuit for kayaks & other First Nations peoples for their canoes, Ancient cultures Egyptians, Quin, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Vikings, Polynesians, etc for their various boats, ships. Accordingly, how the above people devised and made things millennea ago.

[@fransandwell5432]

Amazing skill fitting the brass leading edge!

[@brianalbrecht4423]

what a beutiful piece of art...!..what ran through my head was...imagine the wright bros.....they made the props 4 there plane....by hand...all of it with hand tools..!..!..great museum to go to in Kitty Hawk...!..!..great video thanks...love to see "anything" still made in "america"....& made with american pride...!..beutiful....thank u...!

[@twisterwiper]

Wow. Amazing craftsmanship.

[@jsweizston5410]

A band saw takes serious skill. Wood might be easier than certain metals but it's still not easy. I use one on a weekly basis so I can attest to his accuracy, he is a master.

[@willl3712]

Great video, really enjoyed watching the entire process from start to finish, and learning something new!!!!!

[@pauldixon3089]

Hi Jimmy, Now we all know why a propeller is so expensive. Meticulous attention to detail and outstanding craftsmanship. Can't wait to see it spin for the first time.👍

[@richardsmith4187]

Jimmy What a great video showing the detail that goes into making a wooden propeller ! I had a wide blade Sensenich prop hanging on a 540 Lycoming on my airboat. Had great power and would climb hills in Lake Kissimmee and Hatchineha. Always loved looking at that big wide blade prop and it was finished great like a work of art LOL

[@andreguilles4919]

Beautiful manufacturing process. A kind of art! Thanks!

[@deepprey2776]

What a beautiful display of bygone craftsmanship

[@paulthain6135]

that is really cool watching you guys measure that with micrometer and then of course the whole propeller making is awesome

[@wayneschenk5512]

Wow the finished product is a work of art.

[@1247.cccccc]

Thanks for showing this process. Thanks to Wilbur and Orville we all get to enjoy these things.

[@donaldparlett7708]

I remember when Sensinich was in Pennsylvania years ago and having to fly up there with props from our school planes. It was so interesting to watch this being done before computer tables.

[@donriedl3484]

Awesome job !!! A lot of positive comments here . Every one should watch the video of the young lady at Culver propeller building props.