Jiffy Propane Auger Issue

[TheQuackAddict]

Here is a question that I have, that I have no idea if someone can answer. So the issue is with my jiffy propane auger. It does not drill right. This auger has the STX? blades I believe they are called, and last year when I drilled a hole, you could feel the auger grab the ice and dig in, cutting a hole in no time. Now it takes forever to drill a hole, it barely cuts, and if i apply a lot of pressure it doesn't want to drill. Any ideas? I live in the cities, so if anyone knows of any good service centers I could take it to? Thanks for the help guys, I need my auger fixed now that we actually have more ice!!

[rustysetter]

2 minutes ago, TheQuackAddict said:

Here is a question that I have, that I have no idea if someone can answer. So the issue is with my jiffy propane auger. It does not drill right. This auger has the STX? blades I believe they are called, and last year when I drilled a hole, you could feel the auger grab the ice and dig in, cutting a hole in no time. Now it takes forever to drill a hole, it barely cuts, and if i apply a lot of pressure it doesn't want to drill. Any ideas? I live in the cities, so if anyone knows of any good service centers I could take it to? Thanks for the help guys, I need my auger fixed now that we actually have more ice!!

It sounds like your blades are dull, that was the issue for me when mine didn't cut as you explained, but I had 4 years on the first set. Have you checked the blades and the point on the very tip of the auger?

[TheQuackAddict]

1 minute ago, rustysetter said:

It sounds like your blades are dull, that was the issue for me when mine didn't cut as you explained, but I had 4 years on the first set. Have you checked the blades and the point on the very tip of the auger?

My auger is only 2 years old, and I have they both seem fairly sharp, at least sharp enough to cut a hole quicker than what it cuts currently....Here are some pics, does anything look bent?

[rustysetter]

5 minutes ago, TheQuackAddict said:

My auger is only 2 years old, and I have they both seem fairly sharp, at least sharp enough to cut a hole quicker than what it cuts currently....Here are some pics, does anything look bent?

If I'm seeing correctly it looks like the outside edge of the big blade is dinged up, also feel the next two teeth in 

[RebelSS]

Boy, those blades look really bad to me. (I've been sharpening blades for 11 years) They really need to have a razor edge. You can't have a ding or rough edge on your blades. Remember,these things actually have to "shave" through the ice.They really need to be treated like a good kitchen knife.  I hone mine with a stone after every use, and they are razor sharp, Cutting through ice that's dirty, has sand in it, etc, will ruin blade edges fast. Hitting any gravel or rocks will ruin blades in a minute.That point also need to be sharp. I would guess you don't know how to use a stone on those (no offense) and the 'ripper" style blades are difficult to sharpen that way unless you've been doing it for a while. No, hand files are not the answer. Send the blades into a reputable sharpener, or get a new set, and touch them up after every use, and you won't have that problem. PM if you want, I can give you more info. 

Edited January 6, 2016 by RebelSS

[TheQuackAddict]

1 hour ago, RebelSS said:

Boy, those blades look really bad to me. (I've been sharpening blades for 11 years) They really need to have a razor edge. You can't have a ding or rough edge on your blades. Remember,these things actually have to "shave" through the ice.They really need to be treated like a good kitchen knife.  I hone mine with a stone after every use, and they are razor sharp, Cutting through ice that's dirty, has sand in it, etc, will ruin blade edges fast. Hitting any gravel or rocks will ruin blades in a minute.That point also need to be sharp. I would guess you don't know how to use a stone on those (no offense) and the 'ripper" style blades are difficult to sharpen that way unless you've been doing it for a while. No, hand files are not the answer. Send the blades into a reputable sharpener, or get a new set, and touch them up after every use, and you won't have that problem. PM if you want, I can give you more info. 

I think I'll go to fleet farm tonight and pick up some new stx blades then. As far as sharpening that center part, what would you suggest me to get to sharpen that? 

[RebelSS]

That you can lightly use a fine Mill Bastard file for.

 

Edited January 6, 2016 by RebelSS

[live4chrome]

those blades look really bad. Get new ones. I was having the same issues with mine, replaced the blades today and cut like new again.