It feels smooth but I thought it would be a good idea to check it...

[Walt]

That's a common theme I hear when balancing props. Here's an example of what the owner thought was a smooth running machine. Vibration was approaching dangerously high levels.
The red circle represents the upper limit of 0.2 IPS, this one was at .758 IPS! (Finished at 0.040 IPS).

[Mike H]

Wow....there are many pilots that have never flown an aircraft that runs as smooth as it should and has a prop that is correctly balanced, so it may be hard to tell what is normal for some.

I like the data logging feature of that balancer, what is the make and model. I have an first generation DynaVibe. It is pretty crude, but does an OK job for low volume usage.

[f1rocket]

I have had the prop dynamically balanced on every airplane I've owned. I consider it a "must do" on every build. Although my RV-12 didn't require any weights, my Rocket was made significantly better after balancing.

[rv9av8tr]

So was the Hartzell on my -9A, NOTICALBE difference!

[Walt]

Originally Posted by Mike H

I like the data logging feature of that balancer, what is the make and model. I have an first generation DynaVibe. It is pretty crude, but does an OK job for low volume usage.

I use the Dynamic Solution Systems MicroVib II, it's an excellent unit with lots of great features. The software package is an important feature (for me) as it allows you to capture, store and print records, log entries etc..

[Skykingbob]

Way to go Walt.....that picture said more than an entire article could have! Thanks for posting this

[Dean Pichon]

Originally Posted by Walt

That's a common theme I hear when balancing props.

I had the opposite experience.... It feels rough, so I thought it would be a good idea to check it...

The check showed it to be 0.06 IPS. I am considering having it done again to double check the first test....

[Walt]

Originally Posted by Dean Pichon

I had the opposite experience.... It feels rough, so I thought it would be a good idea to check it...

The check showed it to be 0.06 IPS. I am considering having it done again to double check the first test....

That is where the spectrum analysis can come in handy, our bodies are the most sensitive to the lower freq vibrations so looking at the 1/2 order vibs can reveal vibrations you may feel.

The 1/2 order and and 1.5 order vibs are indicative of cylinder gas pressures, so a cylinder that is not producing as much pressure as the others for whatever reason will show a high vibration in that area. Causes could be ignition, fuel, compression standard things..

[BCP Boys]

Walt, I wish I was just a little closer, I would ask that you do my prop. Anyone in the Atlanta area do this? What is the average cost?

[GalinHdz]

Originally Posted by BCP Boys

Walt, I wish I was just a little closer, I would ask that you do my prop. Anyone in the Atlanta area do this? What is the average cost?

I had mine done at Palmetto Aviation Repair at St. Simons Island, GA (KSSI). It made a noticeable difference. IIRC it cost about $250.00 back in 2008 but I could be wrong.