Strikemaster Lazer mag binding at bottom of hole

[Lund1700Angler]

I bought a new strikemaster lazer mag 8" power auger last january and have had issues with it binding at the bottom of the hole. I have contacted strikemaster and they have sent me new blades to try and have gone as far as sending me a new bit and blades to try. It is still binding and the power head doesn't seem to be running at full power. Has anyone had any issues like this and what was the issues and how did you fix it? I contacted strikemaster again and they said it should be sent in and possibly tuned up, for a fee. What did you guys do with the same type of issue?

Thanks

[minnbowhunter]

Try breaking thru real slow at full throttle, does that make sense? You may have to almost lift up as you break thru. Sounds like you are not making a totaly round hole at the bottom, but the blades are breaking thru and pulling the bit, almost like a screw into the ice.

[hiwayman33]

I got the unit last yr and it cuts like a dream but it will bind up sometimes at the bottom of the hole. I have learned that u cannot apply any pressure. I lift up right at the bottom of the hole and that helps a lot. Punches thru a lot better. Previous posts I had read talked about it being a bit too aggresive. Working great for me this yr. Good luck!

[butch343]

I've got a Lazer 224 10" and I sometimes have the same issues. With mine I've really got to let it warm up, maybe five minutes, then it seems to run at full power. For the binding, while drilling the hole I put some light downward pressure on the unit, but once it gets towards the bottom of the hole, I basically stop applying any pressure and almost lift up on the unit, then it doesn't seem to bind. Hope this helps!

[Lund1700Angler]

Thanks for the replies guys. I will try your suggestions.

[herefish101]

check the bottom of your blades, the blades that say made in china are junk and they have that problem, my china blades actually shattered. strikemaster sent me new blades(the ones made in sweeden) free of charge and told me via e-mail that the china blades bind and break. Try switching your blades to the better ones. I belive all the replacements are the good ones. my auger never cut better, and it doesnt hang up on the bottom of the hole anymore.

[Red Miller]

I have a Laser too and it was doing that at first. It seems to me like its cutting too well and almost forms threads at the bottom of a deep hole. I will get down about 2 feet and then pull it back (still spinning) and clear most of the chips. Then proceed with no pressure and finish the hole. No problems then. Its like cutting aluminum with a really sharp drill bit. You have to pull it out to clear the chips every so often to keep it from binding. Hope that helps.....

[Lund1700Angler]

Does it seem that as the blades become used, they cut better?

[Borch]

May be an issue of the motor not being broke in yet. Took about a 100 holes before my lazer mag zipped right through the bottom. Could also be the blade angle is off. You'd need to take it into Strikemaster and have them check the pitch.

[Loft]

I had the same problem with my 224 10" lazer. Brought it in to SM and they found that the pitch was wrong and that it was running to lean. After they made the changes did not a probblem cutting all the way through the ice.

[leech~~]

Try breaking thru real slow at full throttle, does that make sense? You may have to almost lift up as you break thru. Sounds like you are not making a totaly round hole at the bottom, but the blades are breaking thru and pulling the bit, almost like a screw into the ice.

I think a lot of people have it right but minnbowhunter has the best example. It's like drilling metal and the last little bit as the blades break through it wants to bind. I will like others have said back off on it but keep the RPM's up and just lightly let the dril shave the last little bit of metal (ice) out.

[Fredd]

my buddy's does this as well. Like others said try to hold off on the pressure and keep rpm's up. Some guys say that this is a unique problem which makes me wonder about the pitch angle as well. At any rate, they should get better as they wear.