Ray,

IMHO, I wouldn't use heat. That will change the hardness of the metal. I'm no expert in this field, but I know heat will weaken the temper of the steel.. Also, it's advised not to straighten, by hammering, more that 2 times. Even hammering will distort and weaken the properties in the metal of the shaft.. Kinda like bending a paper-clip back and forth alot, eventually it will break.

Blades: I've had my HBK2 for about 9 months, give or take, I don't remember for sure. I've used woodies, plastic and Carbon Fiber. The best of the three for all types of flying are the Carbon Fiber, without exception. However, they are more expensive. About 3 times the cost of woodies... I would highly recommend NOT to get plastic blades, they don't hold tracking at all because they flex so much at high rpm. I don't know / remember your skill level, but if your still crashing alot, stick with the woodies for awhile.

The Carbon Fiber blades, just slip through the air and gives you more authority.

When you receive your HBK2. Check everything. Especially belt tension and tracking, and all screws, nuts and bolts for tightness.

Good luck,

Dave / Choppersrule