Noob = Idiot; Rotary Cutter Blades vs metal pipe

[TripleR]

Thanks for the information. I definitely feel better.

I have the Land Pride RCR2672 and LP makes some really tough cutters as does Woods, Bush Hog etc., until you get use to rotary cutters, you will oftentimes "feel" like you are tearing them up when all you are doing is hearing a lot of racket. They shouldn't be abused, but are meant for pretty heavy usage.

As to the slip clutch, the manual shows how to adjust the slip clutch which is pretty simple, I only do mine once a year as I guarantee it will slip some during the mowing season with some of the stuff I have hit.

 

[Dr_Zinj]

I wouldn't sweat it unless the "nick" is deeper than 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.
You could take the blade to a metallurgist and have it NDI'ed (Non-Destructive Inspection) where they spray a fluoroscopic fluid on it and then black light it to reveal any cracks; but that's not exactly cheap.