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

[@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.......? :-)

[@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.

[@jameslonano5659]

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

[@iamatransporter]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@taurota1554]

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

[@davidcole333]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@broadcastimagehd]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 !!!!!

[@Jigsaw407]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@markjackson4337]

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

[@migrodz]

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

[@JimMcCrudden-w6g]

Those wonderful words, “Made in the USA”

[@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.

[@valleywoodstudio7345]

workmanship and craftsmanship!

[@mothmagic1]

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

[@chrispile3878]

Woodworking, metalworking, finishing - it all comes together.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@barrywood5357]

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

[@dalekuhlman1009]

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

[@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.

[@AaronBockelie]

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

[@SkipGetelman]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mercoid]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@bobmoyer8864]

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

[@Whereswalter1]

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

[@Lily_Znd]

Whoever wrote program for rough cut was amazing much respect

[@lazyserver]

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

[@Ronaldl2350]

Amazing the craftsmanship to make a propeller like that.

[@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!

[@fremontmike123]

One of your best Jimmy.

[@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.

[@ClauGarcis-w5f]

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

[@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!

[@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 !

[@graemeswan633]

Awesome to see some true craftsmen at work

[@craigenputtock]

Wow what amazing craftsmen! Their talent is astonishing.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!!

[@JessicaPilotGirl]

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

[@rattywoof5259]

6:10 - first rule of woodworking - "You can never have too many G-clamps".

[@andystoybox1723]

Amazing craftsmanship!

[@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.

[@davidedwards6319]

That manufacturing process is absolutely therapeutic to watch!!

[@ColonelSponsz]

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

[@sixpotshot]

When a propeller becomes a piece or sculptural art!

[@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 ❤

[@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!

[@GaryLaaks1]

Now I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this episode.

[@vk1pe]

A wonderful record of the human ingenuity, and process.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@willl3712]

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

[@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!

[@FrostiesTanks]

Dude Jimmy this is so neat! Crazy how much labor goes into one of those props. The new video format is great, too - would love to see more like this when the opportunity presents itself!

[@therealjimmysworld]

You got it!

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

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

[@jonathanworthing6278]

That was a video iv been waiting for, i’ve often wondered how they got the shape of a wooden propeller and how they balanced it so simple really great video.

[@airtek4809]

This has to be one of the most, if not the most, amazing videos I've ever watched. All I can say is WOW! I do wonder if, in the first part, if the balance process if they have ever had a piece that was perfectly balanced? Thanks for sharing, Jimmy.

[@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!

[@iamjesper]

Great vid. I very much appreciated that you didn't add any music during the manufacturing.

[@Ghadiali]

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

[@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!

[@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.👍

[@leesherman100]

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

[@frankienv3906]

OMG, building the propeller is as much work as building the plane. The machines that make these products are more amazing than the product itself 😮

[@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 !

[@kwaaaa]

My guilty pleasure is watching manufacturing processes. This definitely satisfied it, thanks for putting this together.

[@Mikey101160]

Nice one Jimmy. Something of a different flavor for a change. Thanks digger!

[@xjmd09]

This was the most interesting and satisfying video that I’ve seen from Jimmy’s world to date! Really enjoyed this propeller video indeed!!

[@swamper7491]

Great vid Jimmy. I had a Sensenich prop on my airboat. Top quality product.

[@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.

[@simonbertioli4696]

Really impressive... Thanks for taking your time to present it.👍

[@1247.cccccc]

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

[@ckmoore101]

The soldering of the screw/rivets heads was a truly satisfying final step. Until then, it all seem sketchy... but soldered in.... perfect.

[@bobmurray3229]

These are extremely skilled craftsmen that really care about their craft, a rare thing these days