Warneke Propellers - Anyone know what became of this co?

[MT-Cygnet Don]

I bought a Bernie Warneke "almost constant speed" prop for my Dragonfly in the late 1980's. He made laminated wooden props; most have 5-10 layers. His had 30-35 layers, flexing under load to emulate a constant speed prop.
I can find no record of what happened. It had been in the Tucson area then. Has anyone info on what happened? He was an older gentleman, but I thought he had an apprentice who would've taken over. Need a prop for my Cygnet and would prefer something like it.
Thanks, Don Missoula, MT

[cub builder]

Bernie Warnke passed away some time ago. Margie Warnke (Bernie's Daughter) made props for a few years following Bernie's passing, but has since moved on to other endeavors. They used 1/8" laminate wood cores for their props. Clarke Lydick (Performance Propellers) learned the trade from Bernie as well while he was Bernie's son-in law and made a very similar prop, but eventually sold his business. I've never seen anything from the company since it was sold.

[MT-Cygnet Don]

Hey Thanks! I found this co, looks to have the multi-laminations I want! http://performancepropellersusa.com

[gbrasch]

Take a look at Catto Props also, great product.

[cub builder]

Hey Thanks! I found this co, looks to have the multi-laminations I want! http://performancepropellersusa.com

If the new owner has produced any props, that's (good) news to me. If Clark is still involved, I would steer clear. I used his props for a number of years until the customer service aspect of his business when into the toilet. I'm with Glenn here. Take a look at Catto as he is currently the gold standard. I'm currently using a Prince Prop (on my fast E-AB), which I also recommend. There are several other prop makers out there that make much less expensive props. If you're on a budget for your Cygnet, I'll bet Ed Sterba will make you a decent prop for about 1/3 of the price of a Catto or Prince.

Cub Builder

[Frankrv6]

Hi All,
I'm the new(not so new) owner of Performance Propellers USA. Been making props since 2009. Located here in Texas, and having a blast being involved with folks in Experimental Aviation. I'm happy to answer questions about wood props or just talk about planes. 713.417.2519
Frank

[cub builder]

Frank. Glad to know you're producing props. That is good news indeed.

-Cub Builder

[Tommy Tomcat]

I actually worked as an apprentice at "Warneke Experimental Propellers" in Tucson during high school. Bernie hired me from a commendation my HS woodshop teacher made. To this day, i am still in awe over how he hand crafted and engineered each propeller built. I wish I had taken photographs from my days spent working in his shop. This reply won't help you any but I couldn't help the desire to add my comments.

[Dennis Flamini]

I actually worked as an apprentice at "Warneke Experimental Propellers" in Tucson during high school. Bernie hired me from a commendation my HS woodshop teacher made. To this day, i am still in awe over how he hand crafted and engineered each propeller built. I wish I had taken photographs from my days spent working in his shop. This reply won't help you any but I couldn't help the desire to add my comments.

Tommy, i would love to talk to you about your time with Bernie.