Homemade prop balancer
 

I've perused the threads on how various guys have made prop balancers, but I wanted one like the Du-Bro so I could balance spinners too. So here's my design.

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/a.../balancer4.jpg

It's a wood framework, a piece of 8-32 all thread, a magnet and a razor blade.

You gotta get the razor blade level with the framework.

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/a.../balancer1.jpg

I tightened the screw down, then leveled it, then CA'd it in place.

The shaft is the biggest part of the job. I ground a slick spot to ride on the razor blade using my CNC lathe (hand drill and Dremel).

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/a.../balancer2.jpg

Grind a point on the other end as sharp as you can using aforementioned CNC lathe.

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/a.../balancer3.jpg

The prop holders are pieces of plastic cutting board. I drilled them then ran the shaft into the holes to make threads, then used my trusty CNC lathe to make them conical.

The accuracy of the system is based on how well you eliminate friction and on how level you get it. I tried props down to 9 inch diameter and it was easily sensitve enough for that. I'll see in the next few months how well it does for spinners.

RE: Homemade prop balancer
 

Looks like an excellent design and should work well.

One suggestion. Use two razor blades instead of one and you can create a very shallow V that will help greatly to retain the axle in one place. Unbalanced props tend to walk the axle if it's not retained at least somewhat.

I also taped over the blades toward the ends. It's amazing the damage those things can do when held rigidly and pointing up where your hands are moving.

RE: Homemade prop balancer
 

That's a great idea. I'll have to give that a try and see how it changes things. One thing I've noticed is that it's really tough to get the shaft balanced if it's off. I'm going to experiment with a balancing ring in the middle so that I can be sure everything is good before putting the prop on. That way, the only part of the tool I have to actually worry about is the cone that I take on and off.

RE: Homemade prop balancer
 

Sounds like a great idea, BUT I would just buy a factory made prop balancer from Dubro.<div>-austin</div>

RE: Homemade prop balancer
 

The two razor blades didn't work well. There's too much friction for the shaft to slide on them. I'm back to rolling and the balancer works great.