Blower has never started since it was given to the owner, and I'm trying to pick up some mechanical experience, so he gave it to me. 32cc 2-cycle, I've got spark, replaced the reed (support arm mysteriously chewed up when I opened it), cleaned the carb and spark arrestor screen, getting fuel to the plug and re-gapped it to a little under 0.025but won't start even with starter fluid. Compression tests consistently at 55-60 lbs. Should I be looking for about 100lbs?

Hi,
Yes, you do sound as if you have insufficient compression. One of the ways a test the health of one of these engines is to grip the starter and see if the machine will extend the rope by its own weight. A bad sign!
Peace,
Clarke