jt, i balance mine mt of fuel(you probably already know) but you should also balance it inverted on the machine, i have never poked a hole in my wing(but i have worried about it) also after you place it on the balancer you should just posisition it level, if its not balanced it will tilt, if it is it will stay

are you using a size 46 engine? my saito 100 at 21oz balances pretty nice, the lighter you go from there the harder it gets to balance, i know my sons plane that we put a evo 46 at 13 oz was real hard to balance, and every plane will be a little different.

hope this helps