I seldom balance on most of the typical smaller sport props.

On occassion if I have one with a known heavy blade I sometimes will mount it with the heavy blade opposing the piston at TDC.

I do normally balance the propellors on my competion airplanes and a I do balance propellors that I have shortened or altered the shape in planform.

When I do balance I use a use a selection of Magnetic or wheel type balancers. I would only use the fingertip type in a bind.

John