I am almost finished with my Cricket restoration. Just fuel tank, T/R linkage, and main blade pitch adjusted.

Somewhere I've read don't use a conventional blade pitch gauge, because it will give a false reading as opposed to the fabricated wire gauge in the GMP Bulletins. Is there any truth to this or is it a bunch of hooey? Also, what rpms are you guys running?

Hi
Nope thats correct a normal pitch gauge will give you a false reading due to the flat bottom blades.That said it can still be used to check both blades are the same and to be fair its a bit of trial and error anyway.
RPM from memory is around 1600 rpm but that was for the rebel which has larger blades.
Wozza

I see dead pixels

Okay, that's what I figured. Would you add 4 degrees to what you have as a base datum to start, then twist the grips/metal plates with 2 Cresent wrenches to get the desired rpm. That's what I did many years ago, but couldn't afford a pitch gauge or tach.

Hi
use your standard pitch gauge(Im assuming you have one )
set it to about 5 deg...
It really depends on your motor,pipe nitro content and throttle curve but aim for light on skids just coming off the ground at between 1/4 to 1/2 throttle
if she bobs her head,to much pitch,if not getting airborne till between 1/2 to 3/4 throttle, to little pitch...due to all the different combos its really a trial and error thing...also remember to keep an eye on engine temps.
Wozza

I see dead pixels

Yea I have 4, now that I have good job Got all that down. It's been 25+ years since I tweaked a Cricket. I remember adjusting blade pitch with wrenches and not links.

Thanks All!!!!