Doubling extensions on Eskimo shark auger?

[Dozer]

I won't be critical specifically of the Ion auger here, but I will I will refute your assertion that they can't be hurt by putting 2 together, from a physics perspective.

Any auger I've used has a spiral flighting to move the shavings from the bottom of the hole to the top, and as they get above the top of the ice, the shavings spill off into the sides. The auger's engine/motor design has to be strong enough such that it can handle the weight/friction from a particular amount of ice shavings -- that is, the amount which will fit inside the flighting at most. Any extra ice would be dumped off on the side of the hole and cause no friction/torque issues for the engine.

With two extensions -- which have no flighting to lift the ice chips out of the hole -- you're causing potentially multiple pounds of ADDITIONAL ice chips to be sitting on TOP of the flighting, but still inside the hole. This will cause more energy to be used in the engine/motor, since it is now fighting not just the normal fources it was designed for, but this additional friction created by the ice turning in the hole above the flighting, and the additional friction under the auger created by the additional weight of that ice pushing down on the flighting, and thus pushing down on the blades. The blades may even start cutting more aggressively due to this weight -- which on some augers is not a good thing (nilsmaster, strikemaster, and I presume Ion).

I'm not saying that you'll for sure have an issue with an extension -- but you're more likely to have one than you would be without the extensions. THAT is probably why they void the warranty.

You are way over thinking this.

[aanderud]

You are way over thinking this.

Not really, just explaining to the guy who said Ion was claiming they would void warranties that there's a potential reason Ion might be reluctant to provide warranty service on an auger that has 2 extensions.

Really, I don't see it being a problem at all for a gas auger, but the electric augers and batteries are more likely candidates for being engineered "just good enough" to get the job done without adding 2 more feet of ice to go through. Personally, I don't think many folks will be drilling through 2-extensions worth of ice with an Ion, as they'll only get a few holes drilled, but then again the Ion is one of the shortest augers on the market and thus more likely to need extensions.

[B-man715]

You are right on with your thoughts. More ice takes more torque, which is harder on the unit. Pretty simple really, especially for those with experience drilling 36"+ of ice.

I know my Ion would be moaning and groaning in 4 feet..... Especially if you never cleared the hole.

[CaptainMusky]

Simple solution, raise the auger out of the hole to clear out all the extra shavings and you dont have to worry about the "extra weight". You better do this anyway or you will lock up the drill IN the hole when the bit starts to break through at the bottom and water begins to fill the hole.

Its hilarious watching guys figure this out the for the first time.