Blade balancing is often over looked because in the last few years we've move away from wood blades (woodies) to carbon fiber and fiberglass blades. However all blades are not perfect!
On my T-REX helicopters I generally don't balance the blades because I've never had an issue. That's not to say I won't.... So I'm going to focus on larger helicopters as their blades are much more subject to balance issues.
My example here will be using my Hirobo Sceadu Evolution 50 that I converted to electric (yup a "30/50" size electric). It's still got the factory carbon fiber blades and they are in fact not "factory balanced'. I'm also going to balance the tail blades. They're carbon fiber too and as it turns out, they aren't balanced either.
First thing to do (if they're on the helicopter already) is to mark them. This will make sure that when you track them later you can tell them apart. I use just a bit of white out or permenant marker on one blade and it's rotor grip.
Next remove them and clean them. Grass bits and bug guts do make a difference!
You need to have some kind of balance rig. I have a simple one shown here. You can get one of the fancy ones if you like. They all accomplish the same task.
Hook the blades to the balancer. Make sure that the blades are not facing the same way. Meaning the leading edges should be opposite one another just like on the helicopter.
In my case I use a pair of heavy mugs in the kitchen to rest the balance rig on. Make sure that there is no air movement in the room. This will prevent them from sitting still.
Once they've stopped moving, if one is heavier than the other you'll need to add weight to the lighter blade. I have always added weight to the end of the leading edge of the light blade. I use either black electrical tape or scotch tape. I do this because I can adjust the tape length based on the weight needed. You could use factory supplied "stickers" to do this if you wish.
To get just the right amount of tape I cut a length and lay is sticky side up on the lighter blade and see what effect it has. I repeat this until they're balanced. Then I adhere the tape evenly and check for balance again.
If all is good you should end up with balanced blades.
At this point you should do the same process with the tail blades.
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