Is there a balancer out there that is better than the cones, but doesn't cost a fortune? I'm just a homeowner. I have several blades to maintain each year, but I don't have a need to balance hundreds of blades like a shop would, so I can't justify a top of the line balancer.
Doubtful on this engine. Yes, it's 13 yrs old, but it's never been stored outside. As far as I can remember, it's never even been rained on.
Sure is, drive a 3" nail straight into a stud leaving about 2" exposed, wipe a bit of grease on it and it is a far more accurate balancer. It sounds fast because you're used to having it so low. 3200 is ideal.
Thanks for the balancer idea. The perception of high RPMs.... Yeah, I thought of that. The thing that causes me to think otherwise is the repair videos I watch. They all run the engines at about what mine is running now. 3200 is much faster than what those engines are running. Unless the video playback speed is off.
2800rpm looks to be the sweet spot
My Pleasure. Not sure why you perceive 3200 as high, they are set from the factory between 3000 and 3200. The governor spring gets fatigued over time and may need an adjustment. I'm thinking once you get the blade balanced so that it runs smoothly you will get used to it. My only other thought is that your tach is giving you an incorrect reading. Watch this video beginning at 3:20 into it and have a listen as he sets it for 3200 RPMs. Here is another at the 13:00 minute mark.
Thanks for the video. His 2700 sounded a LOT like my 2750, so I'm pretty sure my tach is good.
A few years ago, I bought several Toro blades. I sharpen them a few times, but I swap them out for new when they get to looking too bad.