Magnetic Propeller Balancer

http://www.instructables.
com/id/Magnetic-propeller-balancer/
Food Living Outside Play Technology Workshop
Magnetic propeller balancer
by Danijel0frk on March 15, 2014
Table of Contents
Magnetic propeller balancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Intro: Magnetic propeller balancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Step 1: First things first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Step 2: Stuff and tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Step 3: Disassembling hard disk drive - harvest magnets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Step 4: Disassembling hard disk drive - harvest metal axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Step 5: Rack server - harvest hdd case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Step 6: Drilling time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Step 7: Steel some pens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Step 8: Sharpening metal axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Step 9: Finalising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
http://www.instructables.com/id/Magnetic-propeller-balancer/
Intro: Magnetic propeller balancer
So you have spent a lot of money on your diy quadcopter(or any multirotor) and refuse to give any more, but you still need a propeller balancer. Balanced propeller is
very if not the most important thing for multirotors.
Guess what, you can make your own, from old computer components.
If you happend to work in ICT company, there is always a lot of that stuff around. Besides broken hardware, some tools may also come handy. Let's begin with stuff you
are going to need.
Step 1:First things first
If you are lazy and don't care about 20 bucks, go and buy propeler balancer. Go for a booze right away.
Step 2:Stuff and tools
1. Piece of wood,
2. Set of screw thingies,
3. Drilling machine,
4. Handsaw,
5. Angle grinder,
6. Broken DVD writter,
7. 4x Hard disc drive,
8. Rack server,
9. Hammer,
10. Ruler and
11. Sandpaper.
12. 2-8x Pen
Image Notes
1. Piece of wood
Image Notes
1. bowl of screws
Image Notes
1. Set of screw thingies
Image Notes
1. Drilling machine
Image Notes
1. handsaw
Image Notes
1. angle grinder
Image Notes
1. Broken DVD writter
Image Notes
1. rack server
Image Notes
1. Hard drive drive
Step 3:Disassembling hard disk drive - harvest magnets
Disassamble hard disk drive with appropriate screwdriver. Make sure you have made backup before. If you are stuck with some plastic hooks, take hammer and brake
them. Repeat as many times necessary. Don't worry about hammer and you can't overdoit smashing hard drive. Now if magnet is free to take out, take another hard disk
and repeat this step 3 more times.
Now you should have 4 magnets. If you have less, you don't know how to count or you dissasambled some SSD or whatever.
Image Notes
1. Magnet
Image Notes
1. 4 magnets
Step 4:Disassembling hard disk drive - harvest metal axle
Use screwdriver to unscrew all screws. Now, it won't allow you to open it just like that. Help yourself with hammer, convince him. Eventualy all vital electronic parts will
move away in several dozen pieces. Take out shorter axle and throw away smashed DVD writer into garbage(recycle!). Or you can intall into colleagues PC. Either way is
ok.
Image Notes
1. You want that axle
Step 5:Rack server - harvest hdd case
Download manual for your rack server and find a way which one of 2 possible plastic handles enables taking out hdd case. After that, unscrew 4 screws or 5 or 6,
depends on the case. All you need from this are two metal side thingies. Rest of the case you can put back into rack server. Then you can practice hammering on server.
Image Notes
1. hdd case
Image Notes
1. Side metal thingie
Step 6:Drilling time
Find somewhere in the workshop 3mm bore. It will fit with almost any screw from bowl of screws.
Most certanly you will find 2mm and 4mm. If that is the case, call your boss and tell him that workshop doesn't have 3mm bore. Then go to the hardware store and buy it.
Next day you will notice few evil eyes in the office.
Make two holes on each side of wooden piece with cool black stripe. Make sure those wholes actualy fit in metal thingies from hdd case. It is recommended to use angle
ruler. If you have sharp eyes and good normal ruler, it will be fine. I didn't have angle ruler.
So now you have 2 holes. Take 4 screws from bowl of screws. Screw them. Screw them good.
If everything is screwed good, you will have 80% of the final product.
Image Notes
1. good screwed screws
Step 7:Steel some pens
Steal 3-4 pens from office. Don't use your pen, it's more fun to steal from colleagues. Next day they will be surprised. Blame the janitor the cleptoman.
So now you are full of adrenalin because you stole 3-4 pens. Unscrew(without screwdriver) pen tip thingie. Use the adrenalin from stealing and take sandpaper and
sandpaper them. Also sandpaper them goood. The point is, we need get enough big whole for pen tip thingie go through metal axle from dvd writer. If you overdo it, go
and stil some more pens. Enjoy the extra adrenalin. Feels good? :).
I hope the office had enough pens for you to make 2 sandpapered pen tips thingies.
Image Notes
1. Stolen pen
Image Notes
1. pen tip thingie
Image Notes
1. pen tips, after good sandpapering
Step 8:Sharpening metal axle
Roll your sleeves and take angle grinder. Each second you are becoming a more manly man. Beard is growing 1mm/hour. Grind metal axel to get sharp edges. Grind it
until is about 5mm shorter then U profile made from piece of wood and 2 metal thingies. If you wish, you can use handsaw for shortening first, then grinding to get sharp
edges. Either way is ok. Depends how much beard do you want to grow that day.
Now you are 95% finished.
Image Notes
1. optional handsaw, beardkiller
Step 9:Finalising
Rest 5% is asembling magnets on metal thingies. Put pen pins into metal axel with propeler between. Friction will help to stick 3 things together.
Congratulations you are finished. 20 bucks stays in pocket, speend it on booze.
May you multitorors fly without any vibrations and the force be with them.
p.s. Stolen pens problem have few solutions. Burn them! Blame on janitor the cleptoman. Take a vacation 2-3 days.
Image Notes
1. Two for tango on each side of metal thingies.
Image Notes
1. magic gap
Image Notes
1. Tadaaaa
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Comments
49 comments Add Comment
graydog111 says: Apr 23, 2014. 7:31 AM REPLY
Good Instructable. I am now hunting for two big magnets to balance my lawn mower blades. http://www.instructables.com/id/Lawn-Mower-Blade-S... I have
one 12V electromagnet I made that will lift about 250 lbs, but too much work to make another. Any suggestions?
NAVIGATEUR says: May 8, 2014. 1:39 PM REPLY
Harbor Freight Tools has magnets at a reasonable rates. Hope this helps
motions says: Mar 15, 2014. 4:25 PM REPLY
Oops. Friction.
1966smiley says: Mar 25, 2014. 1:09 PM REPLY
Step 4: Disassembling hard disk drive - harvest metal axle
That should be not hard disk drive
Should be cd or dvd drive
your_dragon113 says: Mar 25, 2014. 5:19 PM REPLY
3 1/2" Floppy Drives as well...
morsed2 says: Mar 25, 2014. 8:35 PM REPLY
What is a floppy drive?
c13378 says: Apr 11, 2014. 7:50 AM REPLY
its a flying car!
your_dragon113 says: Mar 26, 2014. 8:26 PM REPLY
lol....yeah, I know....I'm showing my age now. hahah
morsed2 says: Mar 26, 2014. 9:55 PM REPLY
I am older than you I bet!
Nice instructable, I don't have a large quad copter, but my roommate does, and I am going to show it to him, maybe even have a go at
making it.
When I started work in the US, I was using 8 inch floppies, beat that if you can. And my very first hard drive drive as a 20 MB, ST225.
20MB, YOU CANNOT BUY THUMB DRIVES THAT SMALL TODAY.
(Glad you took the last comment as a joke)(and I lived in a paper bag in the middle of the street)
Later everyone
altomic says: Mar 30, 2014. 5:53 AM REPLY
(and I lived in a paper bag in the middle of the street)
Luxury!!!
mayra6385 says: Apr 2, 2014. 10:10 AM REPLY
Sad ?u te tuiti tvrtci NoviNet da si im ukrao kemijsku!!! :D
JayGeeBSE says: Mar 30, 2014. 5:42 AM REPLY
To the person who commented that this only produces static balance, and not dynamic: Please note that the thickness of a propellor (IE the along-axis
measurement) is tiny compared with the diameter, so there is very little scope for the dynamic balance to be significantly out. Not worth worrying about. In
contrast the long thin arnatures of slot cars really need dynamic balancing. As far as I know until recently you could only do dynamic balancing with
electronic vibration sensors and electronic flash. Recently I saw a way to do it (was it on Instructables?) using the vibration sensors in a smart phone. But
limited to items you could balance with stick-on tape, and that does not include armatures.
fabelizer says: Mar 27, 2014. 4:30 PM REPLY
Very entertaining read! Thanks. Nice project.
Could be a fun motor too! Electronic commutation anyone?
enriqueconde says: Mar 27, 2014. 3:05 PM REPLY
Very nice but be aware that this is only static balancing!
clazman says: Mar 27, 2014. 7:44 AM REPLY
Again I was enticed by the headline to view a nice piece of work with high precision components only to discover the use of a scrap of low tech low precision
wood. Don't get me
wrong, I enjoy items made from wood. This is NOT such a place.
Why not use the power supply housing or maybe the drive housing?
vincent7520 says: Mar 26, 2014. 2:51 PM REPLY
Why do you have to steal a pencil ?
Stealing is wrong, even on the internet. ;))
rimar2000 says: Mar 15, 2014. 8:13 PM REPLY
You don't explain how to use the device. I think that it does not work.
Bill WW says: Mar 26, 2014. 1:39 PM REPLY
At first I thought I would not understand because of all the computer hardware terminology like HDD, Rack Server, SDD, still do not know what is an ICT
company.
****
Al principio pens que no lo entendera porque de toda la terminologa de hardware como HDD Rack Server, SDD, todava no s lo que es una empresa
TIC. Pero, entiendo "sierra", "lapiz"...
It took me a while to understand, but yes, a static balancer held by magnetic field. A very interesting concept.
My concern (posted above previously) is that the axle or other components may not be on center. Best would be to use the same axle as in the actual
engine, or identical.
***************
Me tom un tiempo para comprender, pero s, un balanceador esttico realizado por el campo magntico. Un concepto muy interesante.
Mi preocupacin (publicado anteriormente anteriormente) es que los componentes del eje u otros pueden no estar en el centro. Mejor sera utilizar el mismo
eje como en el motor real, o idntico.
Buen dia, amigo.
Danijel0frk says: Mar 16, 2014. 3:02 AM REPLY
Propeler balancing is more or less known only in rc circles.
In a nutshell, the goal is to identify heavier side of propeler, and then
sandpapering heavier or putting tape on lighter side. Also there is a
process of hub balancing.
I might record a video how this diy balancer works with explanation how magnets
provide almost frictionless axle turning :)
larz001 says: Mar 25, 2014. 1:20 PM REPLY
on the contrary sir , even in the real world propellers need to be balanced, I have been working in the aircraft manufacturing industry for over 25
years and an aircraft cannot be certified to be airworthy unless the propeller has been inspected and balanced by a certified aircraft tech, after wich
they will affix a certification stamp of airworthiness ,, this certification law has been in effect since 1945
criggie says: Mar 25, 2014. 1:52 PM REPLY
Does the certification stamp unbalance the formerly-balanced prop ?
lol no it doesn't, once the alcohol in the ink evaporates then the remaining pigment wouldn't weigh enough to make a difference
also I loved the ible,, I have owned the topflight mag balancer for over 20 years now and love it, wish I hadda thought of this 20 years ago lol
Penolopy Bulnick says: Mar 24, 2014. 12:05 PM REPLY
I would love to see a video!
rimar2000 says: Mar 16, 2014. 5:48 AM REPLY
Thanks, I know what is static balancing and dynamic balancing too, both are used in all devices that have high speed rotating parts, not only in RC.
But I have not any idea how you could use your device. Maybe it is the best of all, maybe it does not work.
Being Instructable an "all purpose" site, your instructable is read by many persons like me, that have no knowledge about RC but are interested in
good ideas.
I appreciate your comments, you are absolutely right. After all this was my first "instructubles" . For example, axle must be perfectly horizontal and
perpendicular to both sides(magnets). Also cones must provide perfect vertical spin of propeller. Any imperfection of the hub must be somehow
eliminated. Any little variation will give false results. Soon i will make an update with some pitfalls and explanations about workings.
Now I am understanding your proposal. Your device is a static balancer. Good idea to use magnets, but your axis should be turned by a good
lathe, not by hand.
A common error (not yours) in this method is to think that the propeller MUST BE horizontal to be balanced. If it is the case, the propeller is
unbalanced laterally. You must do a large series of measures, ensuring that the propeller stops in DIFFERENT positions each try.
Static balancing is problematic and difficult.
As a newcomer in Instructables, you should know that later additions to your post will be seen by few or none persons. You must wait to
finish the instructable BEFORE publish it.
This diy project is based upon several videos and articles about balancing propeller. Your explanations go way beyond those instructions
and understanding. If you have good web resources, please post it, so everyone who reads this instructable will know to which level is
this balancer precise and what are the drawbacks and errors.
I'm working on a solution which will provide better precision with common tools, but won't go to the scientific level of precision, because
balancers for RC in this price range don't provide that. Also there must be a way for calibration of balancer.
No, I have not web resources. I only tried to do propeller balancing a few times. Your idea is good, but if the axis have 0,01 mm
eccentricity, it will work against you. Its mass also matter, lightweight is better.
Poppy Ann says: Mar 26, 2014. 3:42 AM REPLY
This sounds easy but the problem is unless the pen thingy's are a very very good fit then they will be out of center, I bought one (or) two genuine magnetic
prop balance's and even on them they are not that good unless you get one that the holders are tight on the shaft i noticed if i balance the same prop that it
alters every time i do it due to the holder having a loose screw thread.
a quick tip on grinding the center axle to have a point is hold the axle in a electric drill and grind it whilst it is turning.
also you can pick one up from hobby king for $6.72 product id: 171000401-0
another thing to watch out for is hitting a magnet hard will de magnetise it so don't hit it to much with a hammer.
but all in all a good instructable.
You said: "unless the pen thingy's are a very very good fit then they will be out of center." Exactly my thought also. This Instructable will do an excellent job
balancing the entire assembly of propeller, pen thingy's, and axle. But the pen thingy's and axle could be suspect, because yes something may be off
center. The test assembly may not be identical center or alignment compared with the actual propeller shaft and bearings.
In the intro photo, is the left hand side of the axle levitating? Wow!
onemoroni1 says: Mar 25, 2014. 8:16 PM REPLY
Ahh yes, manly man activity with tools! Nice build.
maxom says: Mar 25, 2014. 5:49 PM REPLY
After looking at this, I believe if I need a prop balancer, I would definitely go shopping.
cepterbi says: Mar 25, 2014. 12:02 PM REPLY
had fun reading. don't have a helicopter so i'm good anyways.
Perspective Image says: Mar 25, 2014. 11:38 AM REPLY
Too funny! The excellent sense of humor is only exceeded by your imaginative and useful creation of this very useful device. Hats off to a great instructable!
perfo says: Mar 25, 2014. 11:30 AM REPLY
nice instructable with a good bit of humor, thanks.
LancasterPA says: Mar 25, 2014. 11:25 AM REPLY
Ha, Ha, I thought this was for a real airplane propeller. What was this guy going to do with all these little things. My propeller is 60 inches. Maybe back in the
day when they were getting rid of Univac's the parts and magnets would have been big enough.
danallen82 says: Mar 25, 2014. 10:59 AM REPLY
Being someone who also made his own balancer, I love it! The only thing I don't agree with is the way you made the shaft and cones, I do however agree with
the pen theft ;). I just think that you should buy the really inexpensive balancer shaft with cones. http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14927__...
This one only requires sharpening the tips to a needle point, and some subtle balancing of the cones.
JDEVONE says: Mar 25, 2014. 10:47 AM REPLY
Thanks for such a wonderful idea. Your instructable was easy to understand and a little funny. This requires a vote and I voted for you. I will be using this
idea. Keep up the fantastic work.
BurgersBytes says: Mar 25, 2014. 9:05 AM REPLY
Sure everybody has 4 hard drives just laying around waiting to have their magnets removed. So now that you have made the thing, do you plan to ever get
serious and use it?
ajarworks says: Mar 25, 2014. 8:53 AM REPLY
Nice, witty, instructable. There's not enough humour in this world.
I'm going to pass this on to a mate who builds serious RC aircraft (twin engine 5' wing span jobs) thanks.
Love the magnetic bearing, got to be the ultimate in low friction
jcduplessis says: Mar 22, 2014. 4:00 AM REPLY
Excellent instructable. (Especially if it is your first one!) You give a very "do-able" solution to a very common problem with rotor blades. I recently built my
very first quadcopter and am currently having a lot of issues with one of the props not being properly balanced. Although these motors are generally very
robust, the unbalanced prop has caused severe wear on my motor to the point that I will have to replace it. If I had a simple device such as yours, I would
probably not have had this issue!
Point being.... for your everyday type quadcopter, the level of accuracy that your device offers, is more than sufficient.
It is sad to see that the more experienced members can only criticize your work. How about trying to give words of encouragement and some positive
criticism. (As our "be nice" policy requests) This instructable embodies the spirit of this whole website nl: to re-purpose or create from nothing (or scrap)
something that is worthwhile and then to share that knowledge for free.
jobard says: Mar 25, 2014. 5:58 AM REPLY
I'm sorry, I'll have to disagree with you. I believe rimar2000 was only trying to stress the numerous problems one can face while balancing a propeller.
Indeed, the precision he is proposing goes way beyond what is expected in a 3-4000 rpm RC brushless motor (perhaps to 18000+ rpm, it would mean a lot),
but if we consider all these variations, although not exactly required, the quad would be perfectly balanced.
I couldn't notice any "bad" criticism on his behalf.
Nomilli says: Mar 21, 2014. 11:45 PM REPLY
You know it almost seems like something that would be fun to have as a desk toy.
motions says: Mar 15, 2014. 4:24 PM REPLY
Great idea and project. You can get a really accurate balance with no fraction like other balancers. Kudos!!!
cortexmille says: Mar 21, 2014. 2:30 PM REPLY
hello.please post a video of the device while it is working. Pierre

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