stress cracks will form starting at the “nicks”. Thats why the drag racers shot-peen the connecting rods, etc. To get rid of any tiny imperfection on the surface that serves to focus stress there and allow a crack to form. So any leading edge nicks need to go before they turn into a missing blade.It is possible to DIY, but some experience helps. Ive done this several times using a good file, going slow, and being careful.. Whatever you do to one blade, you have to do to all blades, to avoid imbalance…2008 Pantera Classic2014 Mercury Pro XS 200