HorizonHobby.com How To - Prop Balancing

As we continue to push the envelope with our models, we are always looking for that next level of performance. We install larger engines or motors, performance mufflers, faster servos and other equipment that helps improve the overall performance of the model. We routinely overlook one part which can damage a models performance as well as its components. The invisible enemy of propeller vibration can damage electronics, engine bearings and weaken structures over time. We show you how to remove that vibration from your model to help you find a smoother running model with better performance over time.

This video shows you how to balance your prop using one of the best balancers in the industry. We explain and show setup of the balancer, what to look for when balancing, how to remove material or add material to a prop, as well as the final checks. Balancing props takes time and patience so we walk you through the process step by step to help you be successful in getting the most out of your balancer. Help lessen the vibration in your model by watching this video and learning the ins and out's of balancing propellers.



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[Ralfscho]

This is the best prop balancing tutorial. Couldn't get the Dubro anywhere here in Holland, so had to wait 3 weeks for it to arrive from US. It was well worth the wait. I tried a different one, but I guess the Dubro True Spin is the only real working prop balancer.

[mickvk]

In some plastic prop hubs where there are hollow spaces I use modeling clay to add weight.

I never saw the vertical drawn into four zones but now I understand why balancing has been vexing to me - it's not just the tip weight. Great job guys.

[theegyptianforrera]

Thanks for sharing. I've got this balancer and the shaft was far from straight. So after straightening it as much as possible I found the setup you used to balance the large wooden prop gives more accurate result, when the prop is as close as possible to the mount because if there's any deflection in the shaft it will be minimal at the end of the shaft.

[jgoudeau]

Thank you for taking the time to care for us. Well respected from all of us here in south Florida!

[timbacchus]

This video is the best on this subject.

[ZeeshanZakariaz]

I am new to the world of flying machines, and your video was very helpful to understand this very important thing about balancing.

[gregohare]

Great video. I have used the same basic method for years. The difference in vibration on a 29" prop is dramatic before and after balancing. If you think hub can't be balanced; Just balance blades then hold them level and then rotate 180 degrees. If they won't stay level both ways, the hub is off. Very simple. Also when you identify the heavy location, mark the oposite point directly above, which will give you the exact location for adding ca counter weight. Instead of sanding blades, I use laquer on back side of lighter blade. And always balance blades first.

[What_If_We_Tried]

Outstanding instructional video. Ordering Du-Bro balancer today. Thanks

[bobuilt]

This video was very helpful. Great job. I will recommend it to all my friends.

[bkphotovideo]

Hello Horizon Hobby; great video, and great product. One thing I noticed early on, when working with some of the props involving plastic materials, such as those used for multi-rotor copters, while cleaning off the shaved plastic filings during balancing, it is possible to generate a static charge on the surface of the blade, due to the friction of the wiping process. This static charge will provide erroneous balancing response as the static charges are attracted to, or repelled from, the metal Du Bro metal hardware, and your fingers if you too have accumulated a static charge. The fix: perform your balancing on a static dissipative electronics mat (ESD Kit), with wrist strap, and rinse the shaved plastic particles off the prop being worked with room temp water, blot dry with a paper towel or micro fiber cloth.

[ChoctawFlute]

That product really should come with its own blocks for leveling.

[AvernaBonani]

When he switched it over and put it over the edge of the table I made a facepalm and asked myself why I didn't think of that!
Great vid!

[Andingo]

This video helped a ton, I balanced my prop for the timber x and it's so quiet when flying.

[jowellnim]

This is gonna take a time for my lots of patience required :D 

[Trumpet]

Great video and neat trick on balancing larger props.
Thanks John.
Mark.

[starshipgus]

Good information, now for 3 and 4 bladed props....

[xKmotx]

I have been balancing my props since the 1970's, but an old dog can still learn new tricks, and I learned something from this video. I have an original High Point balancer, I'm sure you are familiar with it. The Dubro looks very similar so it must be an excellent tool for the money.
I think you should do a Part 2 of this and show how to balance spinners and also note for the car guys they can balance nitro flywheels and also their wheels and tires, and boat props can also be balanced on it. :-)

[StephenBSinclair]

Thanks John this was very useful to a newcomer, and will help us with reduced noise in our aerial footage.

[samrichard]

Very nice and useful Video, thanks for sharing your expertise 

[timhayes]

Awesome video, to the point and accurate, kudos and many thanks.