This paper describes state-of-the-art manufacture of ship propeller blades with numerically controlled(NC) machining. A brief explanation of the rationale for NC machining is provided, followed by a discussion of the operating experience of a blade machining center over the past six years. Some of the unique considerations involved in the NC programming and machining processes are described along with some of the most common production problems. The factors leading to the company's decision to expand the blade machining center are discussed along with a description of the design and procurement of the new equipment and facilities. Tolerances achieved by NC machining and hand finishing are compared.