Shimming auger blades??

[FYGR8]

Anyone ever try putting a slight shim under installed blades to change the angle making them more aggressive??

[fishwater]

Are you thinking faster? Or, is your auger not cutting well as-is and you want to fix it?

[live4chrome]

I was thinking of trying it. i think that the pitch on my bit got off, the thing just doesn't cut like it used to. I have replaced the blades a few times.

[FYGR8]

I just put new blades on(224 bottom) with a new Solo powerhead. This engine is begging for more bite. The four blade auger should pull itself right thru the ice.....imo. I would think the combo I have put together would make this one awesome ice cutting machine!!! Maybe I am wrong.

[NoWiser]

I have had decent luck putting a layer at a time of aluminum tape under the blades to shim them so they are a bit more agressive. The same tape HVAC people use. It doesn't take much, and be careful not to shim them too aggressively, as I've broken blades by doing that. Go for it, though, I suspect you will be happy with the results.

[FYGR8]

I am going to try cutting up an aluminum can to use as a shim. I think just one layer will give some positive results.

[hawgchaser]

My auger is an Eskimo I bought new about 25+ years ago. Originally started shimming the blades to get a better bite for starting holes, since the Eskimo doesn't have center guide point. About 15 years ago, when putting on a set of new blades, I decided to just put the new set of blades right on top of the old ones and bolt it to the auger. It drilled so well that I've been doing it ever since. I may be the only guy on the ice who is lifting up on his auger to keep it from drilling through too fast. Don't know about other makes, but it sure made my Esky an ice-eater.

[Ed Carlson]

Todd I suspect the center Power Point is dull?

Have you replaced it recently?

If it is dull and/or blunted, it will not feed the other 4 blades fully.

Sharpen the tip or better yet pick up a 2-pack of new tips and replace it. It is good to have a spare Power Point on hand.

[FYGR8]

I will check that out.

[Ed Carlson]

Ya bud, skip the shims, as shims just lead to loose blades, odd blade angles and blade wear, and more troubles in the end.

I am betting on the center point as the culprit. As the other blades are in good working shape...it should then shoot through the ice very aggressively.

[harvey lee]

My auger cuts fast enough for me. No need for any shims.

[MinDak Hunter]

I have a new,Jan 2011, Strikemaster Laser Pro (3hp) and it takes almost 35 seconds to cut a hole, is this normal? I've checked the blades and point but it seems slow to me...

[TruthWalleyes]

I have a new,Jan 2011, Strikemaster Laser Pro (3hp) and it takes almost 35 seconds to cut a hole, is this normal? I've checked the blades and point but it seems slow to me...

Maybe normal for cutting through 60" of ice

[MinDak Hunter]

I took the auger to Strikemaster today and Chris looked at it for me, the blades were off a 1/16 of an inch so that screwed-up the speed of cutting. I cut two holes after he replaced the blades and just about tore my arms off it is so fast!