P-3 Orion Propeller

Viewer Project -
Added on January 12, 2011

From: John Barbee

Website: TheDawgHouseWoodworks.com

Location: Kailua, HI

Amateur or Pro: Amateur

Finish Used: Sanded using 180 grit. 1 coat of Tung Oil. 2 coats of clear satin, with a sanding in between. 2 coats of high gloss poly.

Wood Species: Walnut, Poplar, Mahogany, Cherry

Project Description:
This is my version of a P-3 Orion propeller. I am enlisted in the Navy and work on the P-3 and I have never come across anyone else who makes these. The propeller measures 3 foot from prop tip to prop tip. The blades are made from Walnut, Cherry, Poplar, and Mahogany. The blades are made from 8/4 stock and then cut down and sanded into final shape. The spinner is made of Walnut, and the dome is made of Poplar. The dome and spinner are both segmented pieces. It was built with bearings for the blades to turn but that didn’t turn out. It rotates by hand and can be completely disassembled.

Discussion

Justin January 12, 2011 9:24 am

Don’t want to even think about how many hours that took! Looks great though! Nice job!

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B P Moffit January 12, 2011 9:34 am

Amateur my aunt fanny. That is amazing.
Good work

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MikeM January 12, 2011 9:35 am

Awesome work! Beautifully done!

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Marie January 12, 2011 11:25 am

Oh, that is way too cool. I work in aviation and play with woodworking, put the two together and WOW, you nailed it!!!! Very nice indeed.

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Wilton M January 12, 2011 12:20 pm

Great choice of woods and really cool concept. That is what I would call interactive art as it would be hard walk by and not give it a “Price is Right” spin. Big money!!!

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MikeD January 12, 2011 1:16 pm

That would be a saweet ceiling fan.

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Dan Drabek January 12, 2011 5:14 pm

Now there’s something you don’t see every day.

DD

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marc January 12, 2011 7:23 pm

thats the kind of project that makes people say, “why”. If you have to ask, you won’t understand.

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John Barbee January 12, 2011 10:06 pm

Thanks for the replies. This was a big hit at work. It was given to my Commanding Officer before I transferred. Now, it’s back to the drawing board!

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- Brook April 3, 2021 12:11 pm
  
  What are the chances of ordinary one of these for my retired MC?
  
  Reply
Tom Pritchard January 13, 2011 9:12 am

Very nice project. My dad flew a B25 Mitchell during WWII. Be nice to consider somewhat the same projet to honor him. maybe a smaller scale? Great combination of wood selections.

Take Care
Tom Pritchard

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Hector Garcell January 14, 2011 10:06 am

Great project. Very impressive.

Thanks for serving our country and defending our freedoms. Especially, our freedom to woodwork.

HG

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Dr Scott January 15, 2011 2:23 pm

Really interesting and detailed
You live in my favorite town on Oahu, love that beach!

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John Dill January 22, 2011 5:16 pm

Very nice! I was a crewman on the P3 back in the 1960s and was stationed at the old Barbers Point NAS on Oahu. Brings back some sweet memories.

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Ricky G February 9, 2011 7:03 pm

I am a service engineer for the P3 Orion as well as the C130 Herc. at a 2lm shop. All I can say is HOLY SNIKEEES!!!! Major “props” to ya bud.

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Mike B April 12, 2011 10:21 pm

Can you carve me a valve housing? Haha, jk. Amazing work. Wish I could get my hands on something like that.

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Gary Killmer April 16, 2011 12:14 pm

From 1965 to 68 I was AE on P3’s at Pax River. Your props brought a tear to my eyes. I had a dear feeling for those birds. My dad was crew member in WWII and flew PBY’s. Both of us love you work and attention to detail. Out standing work

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dave C October 4, 2011 8:37 pm

I was a prop specialist in the Air Force and worked on P-3’s in an overhaul capacity at Alameda Naval Air Station until it closed. That is a fabulous job you’ve done. I work with wood also but nothing ike this. Kudos to you!

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TennesseeYankee August 30, 2012 9:52 am

Way cool. My father-in-law used to work for a company that actually made wood propellers for airplanes.

Yours look GREAT!

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Jon January 26, 2014 7:46 am

I had 293 when I was in VP-5. It used to be a Beartrap bird before the AIP mod. I have some hours flying in it, VERY comfortable ride! I love your work, that prop is outstanding!!

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Jay April 25, 2014 3:23 pm

What prompted you to make this work of art.? It’s not like you just wake up one morning, and say I think I will make a propeller.

Great job.

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Dale Fitzgerald April 25, 2014 8:17 pm

I was a Flight Engineer on C-130s which uses the same basic prop. All I can saw is WOW!!
I sure would love to have that setting in my living room.

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Samantha Campbell July 8, 2014 1:29 pm

Hey! Great work!!!! How can I get in touch with you to talk about a custom project? :)

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Dina Auger August 8, 2014 10:29 am

Hello, I loved this prop and checked out your website- you are amazing. How can I commission you for a project for my husband’s retirement next June? He is a prior enlisted H-60 guy turned P-3 NFO. Calling it a career at 26 years! Would love to know how to get in touch with you as I could not find anything on your http://www.thedawghousewoodworks.com. I hope to hear from you soon! Thanks!

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MatV February 17, 2017 11:28 am

I worked on that bird, that prop looks great.

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Bob April 9, 2017 4:02 pm

would you sell this if not already sold?

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Brilynn Meyer September 30, 2022 11:41 am

Hi there, I just came across this as I searched for P3 Orion props. My husband is retiring from the navy in April so I’m looking into gifts for him. He’s an CPO, aircrewman and has flown solely on P3’s for the entirety of his 20 year career. Do you sell these?

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P-3 Orion Propeller

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