Yes, some models do have a metal blade. I have a four cycle Ryobi that came with a blade about 6 inches in diameter. It is real handy for cutting heavy, big stalked weeds and small brush.
I also purchased a small tiller attachment for it. Which is great for tilling small beds and between the rows in my garden. Steve _____ From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of carl Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 8:56 AM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] weed eaters i understand that some heavy dutie moddles hav a star shaped blade is this trew ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Kennedy To: blindhandyman@ <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 12:25 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] weed eaters I've never tried to run one without the shaft and cable connected but I would imagine you could. It is more like a chain saw with a centrifugal clutch than a lawn mower engine. They idle, or are supposed to idle without the string turning. One thing to keep in mind if you decide to try it. The engine will scream in a hurry if you get it running. There won't be the normal drag created from powering the cable and cutting head. Give it a try and see what happens. ----- Original Message ----- From: Rob Monitor To: blindhandyman@ <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, March 31, 2008 2:22 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] weed eaters HI, I have a old weed eater that some one gave me not sure what kind it is but it's a cheep one. What I would like to find out is the flywheel on a weed eater heavy enough to run the motor with out the shaft on it?? Like most smaller lawn mowers have to have the blade on it to run does a weed eater have to have the shaft with the string on it?? THANKS ROB FROM MINNESOTA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]