How to make a small turbine blade

[lotsa luck]

I need to make a few R&D turbine assemblys and would like some opinion on the best way. The OD needs to be in the 3.000 range and balance is not a big issue as they will only be pulling water at low flow rates (under 250 rpm).
Thanks...

[bernie]

A turbo charger would probably be your easiest solution. Probably the fastest, very well balanced too.

Bernie

[Evan]

Why re-invent the (turbine) wheel? Go get a dead deep well pump. I have a 22 stage Grundfoss in my 350' deep hole.

[lotsa luck]

Good idea Evan, I was looking at useing a blade set from a muffin fan and sand cast them. If I can find a scrap down well pump though with the correct diameter it should be a wealth of parts. It seems like taking out the right section of wall from a 3" aluminum tube may work for blades also. What do you think of that idea? If a somewhat triagular section of wall was cut out and then attached to a hub in the correct pitch it may work out. Hmmmm...

[Evan]

Most of those pumps are 4" OD so the impellers should be right around 3". I have a dead one here if you want to come get it

[lotsa luck]

Where is "here" Evan?

[Evan]

I am in Williams Lake, BC, Canada. You are welcome to come visit but I would wait until next summer. The roads here resemble a skating rink right now. The pump is a bit large and heavy to think of shipping, but I will if you really want it. It would only be practical if I tear it down and send you the impellers.

Where are you?

This actually sounds like fun!

[Paul Alciatore]

Have you thought of hobby sources? Perhaps a model aircraft or ship propeller could be used as is or as a source for elements to make a pattern for a casting. If casting I would use a plastic like Alumalite, perhaps with a filler for greater strength. Should work well at those RPMs.

Paul A.