Lazer blades vs. chipper blades

[roadkingclasic56]

I am looking at getting a new auger. I saw a thread on here not to long ago about the Strikemaster 2 h.p. It comes with either a chipper blade or the lazer mag blades. One is cheaper than the other of course. I have never used the chipper style blade and was wondering if there is a difference in the cutting speed, or the ease of cutting, or something like that. What makes the lazer blades more expensive or more desireable? Re-cutting a hole has not been a concern for me, all though it may be some time in the future. I like the lighter weight since I pull my fish house by hand once in a while. The lighter auger would be a plus. What do you think?

[Fisher Dave]

The twin blade auger will cut holes much faster then the chipper blade, and generally doesnt hang up at the bottom of the ice. Chipper blades are far better for reopening holes. The twin blades will get dull in a hurry opening old holes. I have had both models from Strikemaster and I personaly prefer the chipper blades even thogh they are slower in comparison ... but still beats the hand auger ... not to mention it doesnt cost $33 for a new set of blades... thats my big factor. In 2 years I ususally spend as much for blades, or re-sharps as I would spend on a new auger with the dual blade .. but I spend alot of time on the ice.

[Guest]

recently sold a jiffy with chipper blades for
a strikemaster lazor,what a difference,couldnt be happier,2ft of ice in less the a minute,i personally dont care about 30$ price for replacment blades,i'm going for ease,lightweight,and mobility
now i dont know why i owned the 3hp jiffy
with 10 inch blades for so long at 78lbs

[WarrenA]

I purchased a used auger with the chipper blades and used it 1 trip and bought a new lazer auger and replaced the chipper there is no comparison in fact I still have the chipper auger, If you want it come and get it free.

[Guest]

LOL at above remark. I also have a chipper blade and I do not like it. It cuts just fine but I do not like the hang up at the end of the cut. I am lookin at getting a lazer auger to replace the chipper I have.

Red

[deadeye]

I have the lazer and i love it. It cuts awesome even through 3 feet of ice. The only advatage the chipper has over the lazer is that it cuts better when its iced up. But, since i don't let my lazer iceup that isn't a problem either. go for the lazer, and by the way if you take the blades to vados you can exchange them for factory sharp blades for about $15. ><>
deadeye

[roadkingclasic56]

Thank you for the help. I was leaning toward the lazer. I think I will stick with it. On the web site that I was looking at they also sell a hand sharpener for the lazer blades has anyone had any experience with that. They wanted $8.00 for it. If it works it may be something to consider.

[Surface Tension]

stfcatfish put new blades on his jiffy. He said now he has to hold the auger up while cutting a hole cuz it digs so well.

I said that sounds like more work to me.

Why would new blades bo more work he asked.

I said instead of leaning on the auger you have to hold it up.

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

Nice post surface tension, I saw two guys this weekend leaning on a new laser. I just shook my head and chuckled to myself.
C&R---->')))))><

[Steve Foss]

Yeah, S.T., now I'm REALLY getting in shape. Except I don't have a Jiffy, you bonehead, it's a Strikemaster Lazer XL-3000.

As for the above question about hand sharpeners for the lazer, the hand sharpener doesn't work as well for the lazer blades as it does for the mora hand auger blades. The lazers are notched, or toothed, and it's very hard to get a good run at each small toothed section with the hand sharpener.

I used to take off the blades and work them with a small fine whetstone, and that sharpened them nice.

But, as I've recently learned, many bait and tackle stores offer exchange programs. You bring in your used blades, and for approximately $15 you take away a used set that have come back from Strikemaster factory sharpened. I can tell you from experience factory sharpened blades out-cut blades I've sharpened myself, hands down.

By the way, it's WAY easier holding an auger up a little bit than having to exert you muscles bearing down on the sucker. I have to re-learn this lesson every time. As my blades get a little duller over the course of a few hundred holes, I just keep drilling and drilling, and starting to push a little bit, then a little bit more. Yeah, that makes ME the bonehead. Best to change them out with the factory re-sharps in mid-season and again when the next season starts, I figure.

[This message has been edited by stfcatfish (edited 02-10-2003).]

[This message has been edited by stfcatfish (edited 02-10-2003).]