Hi All
I just bougt a Top Flite magnetic balancer and I woudl like to know if plastic/composite props such as APC and MAS needs to be balanced.

How do you balance these plastic props? I used nail polish on the tips to add weight. Seems to hold on well and it balances well too.

Let me know some of your Ideas.

Thanks

Ron

Yes, they need to be balanced. I use sandpaper to lighten up the heavy side. The face of the prop, not the edges.
Sometimes the hub will need to be sanded or have weight added to one side.

Almost all props need some sort of balance to them. I've balanced plenty of APC props, and find it easier to use a Dremel with the tiny sanding ball or grinder accessory. Check the prop, and grind/sand a few lines off the back of the heavy side, about midway between hub and tip. Make them long narrow strokes, about a 1” at a time, not deep gouge’s, re-check after each strip.

In my experience, it has never weakened the prop….trust me, I’ve had nose overs, and prop strikes.

You've got yourself a fine tool. I use one myself. I normally balance a prop in two axes i.e. both sides of prop horizontally level on the balancer. A perfect balance i.e. in all three axes, means your prop will stay stationery in any position on the balancer. This takes time and patience to achieve but a two-axis balance is normally good enough. Sand off the sharp burrs or mold flashes at the prop edges first. Use an x-acto blade to scrape off the heavy side of the prop, at the back of the thicker airfoil sections.

Thanks All,
I'll do that! I've been adding a little weight to the lighter side, but I will quickly change my method.

Thanks

ROn

Sorry... couldn't resist.

Minnflyer if you fly half as good as you manipulate that computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


ROFLMAO!

Regards
Mark

You're right...

i fly about HALF as well LOL

You can make up your own mind, but I would guess that very few flyers balance any props 11" or under, wood or plastic. I stopped balancing MAS props a while back because they all seemed pretty close right out of the bag, and I don't see any difference in how the engine runs. Folks can flame me about all the bad things that are happening to me that I don't know about, but if you ask around at your field, I think you'll find what I'm saying is true. Don't let me discourage you, if you find it pleases the RC gods, or you're just a little obsessive, or want to use the cool new tool, be my guest. It can't hurt anything!

I do recommend hitting the edges of MAS props with sandpaper. They come so sharp you can cut your fingers just touching them with the engine not running.

Yes, I sand off the sharp edges before balancing.

I am with pinball on this. I have a prop balancer only because it was a gift several years ago. I rarely ever use it, but it's nice to have. And a big ditto on scraping the edges of Master Airscrew props!