Cutting a hole

[gdog]

I think you would be better off with not buying a hand auger and a saw and instead buy a used power auger. For early ice, your hand auger and saw would be great, but once you get 18+ inches of ice, you will be pretty sweaty by the time you get done with that hole. Especially this time of year. Holy heart atack batman! I can't imagine sawing an entire hole with the ice we have now.

I made a skimmer with hardware cloth and some 1/8 x 1 x 4' bar stock. I just bent the bar stock into a square, attached the hardware cloth with some wire, and then I made a handle out of some scrap plywood cut into a handle-like

shape. I think I have about $10 if that into the whole thing. It works great. I have also seen guys use an old tennis racket.

[MJ1657]

+1

[Laska]

way too far into things!!

[Sunnie]

Keep in mind as you get older your going to want a long handle on every thing you use as bending over or being on your knees become a problem.

[MJ1657]

Keep in mind as you get older your going to want a long handle on every thing you use as bending over or being on your knees become a problem.

Did you read this Elwood? You better get some longggg handles on your equipment!!!

[glenn57]

HAHAHAHA HEHEHEHE

[NDpikepoker]

I'd go with the power auger first, you can us it after spearing season for pannies.

PANNIE RAID! Oh wait. you said pannies

[NDpikepoker]

I use a plastic scoop shovel with holes drilled in it for hole cleaning. works great. I don't get what you all use a chisel for other than re-poppin the hole the next day.

[shamalex72]

I use the scoop shovel method too for the main ice/slush, then use a green aquarium net for the rest.

[MJ1657]

I use a plastic scoop shovel with holes drilled in it for hole cleaning. works great. I don't get what you all use a chisel for other than re-poppin the hole the next day.

I use the chisel so I only have to saw three sides. Chisel a straight line for the fourth side and the block snaps off. It just speeds it up and is easier than sawing.

[NDpikepoker]

Well I'll be! I never new that. I just always sawed all 4 sides

[MJ1657]

Try it. Sometimes it doesnt break off perfectly straight when the ice gets thick so you have to chisel a point off. Its still easier than sawing though.

[Gordie]

way too far into things!!

and if thats not calling the kettle black I dont know what is

MJ I dont need no stinking long handle...YET

[quickfishnoob]

Thanks for all the thoughtful posts. I saw a Jiffy Legend on the list that I can't mention. Seems like the right price around 200. Has new carb, recoil, shroud, and gas tank. Any thoughts.

[quickfishnoob]

The addiction is in full force. I picked up a StrikeMaster Lazer of "the list", a chisel from a local farm supply store, and a set of industrial logging tongues from a tool and equipment company. I gave it a whirl on my own today. And it went well.

Next year I will probably have to get a saw, a new spear and off course enough decoys for every day of the week.

[MJ1657]

Thats awesome qfn. How does the new auger run?

[hawkeye43]

Yes , he is hooked for life

[mrklean]

quick fish what kinda spear do you have and what kind are you lookin for. I am trying to get rid of my old spear only used about a dozen times, you can look at it if we meet up in maple grove that weekend.

[quickfishnoob]

I am not sure what kind of spear it is. I know that it is an old and inexpensive, although I am not in the market for a spear right now. My funny money is depleted after buying the house; building the floor; buying an auger, chisel, tongs and heater.