Drilling Holes in a Wheelhouse

[Nordern]

Hello, I am looking for any "tricks-of-the-trades" to drilling holes in a wheelhouse that will minimize the slush inside the house. This will be my first year with a wheelhouse and I do not want to impress my wife by filling it up with slush the first time we go out.

[Glockwinger]

I have had great success with a slush catcher (not the name brand Slush Bucket) to catch the shavings. I bought it at one of the unclaimed freight places. Others usually drill the holes with the house up and then lower it down onto the slush which helps seal the holes somewhat from freezing. I had to experiment a bit to find what worked the best for me. I like the slush bucket because you can scoop out the holes into the tub before removing it from the house. Be thankful that your wife enjoys your hobby along with you. I am lucky that my wife and kids like to ice fish as well!

[cat-man]

The catch cover slush bucket is a must to have in the wheel house. they work great

[Mainehazmt]

with my icegator I drill my holes then put it in reverse and all the slush goes back down the hole under the ice

[stymie]

I drill first, drop the house and than push the slush up to create a wind block, seldom have an issue with too much slush in the house. I do crank up all 3 burners on the stove when I get there though to heat the house up in no time!

[fishingguy]

When the ice is 2' or less, I let my house down part way. Then drill the holes, and use a shovel between the ice and house to remove the extra slush and shavings. Let the house the rest of the way down, and remove the remaining slush with a dipper. I will also pack some of the slush between the floor and ice around the holes as a bit more of a wind break.

[jerkbait]

I use a homemade slush bucket. Just took a rubbermaid type tub, cut a hole in it, the cut off a 5 gal bucket to make about a 4" tall lip and scewed that inside the tub. Works great. When the ice gets to be 3'-4' thick I just have to dump it a couple of times per hole.

[gregg52]

a couple times i lowered it alittle started the hole pulled it off the hole

then finished the hole then backed over the holes

[Nordern]

Thank you for the good suggestions; this is what makes this site great!

[Traxxx]

I always leave the house up, drill and then drop it down. I'll use an extension once the ice gets thicker. When you're pulling the auger up, out of the hole, give it some throttle. This will help pull alot of the slush out.

[maxx rpm]

I also drill mine, then lower the house. Works great, and almost nothing to scoop out. Completely dry floor.

[minnbowhunter]

I drop mine about half way and then drill, works for me unless the ice is real thick.

[crappiekid]

Drop half way and drill.. Use extension in thicker ice. Carry a small broom and dust pan for chips in house.