Tricks and tips to get through that last layer of ice........

[Mike Stark]

just wondering what tricks and tips folks have to get my lazer mag express through that last layer of ice.

thanks,

mike

[TiNK3R]

Lift it up a few inches, let it get to full speed then break on through.

I have a lazer mag express as well... works for me.

[Deitz Dittrich]

The trick is to almost pull up. However, most often if you are having that problem, it means your blades are not at the perfect angle to the ice.

[Mike Stark]

yeah that could be it....iv only used it a couple times...still trying to figure it out

[Powerstroke]

Make sure the auger is warm, the blades are sharp and don't bounce it or lean on it. Let the auger do the work. You should never have to lean on a sharp auger.

I also try to lift up on the auger a couple times during the drill to clear the hole of excess chips. This will also reduce the amount of stuff in the hole that your auger is trying to move when its time to break through at the bottom.

[TiNK3R]

Let the auger do the work. You should never have to lean on a sharp auger.

I went from a 20+ yr old jiffy to a brand new strikemaster this year. It's amazing how a well cared for machine CAN do it all itself.

[smeese]

Definately let the weight of the auger bring it through.

[irvingdog]

just wondering what tricks and tips folks have to get my lazer mag express through that last layer of ice.

Hang on tight.

All I got....

[jigging-matt]

I found that when I put too much pressure on my mag 2000 I have more trouble getting thru that last layer. Less pressure (and a straighter hole) and lot less problems.

[honda4life]

yeah that last layer can be a pain. I never used a power auger much till this year. got a 10" strikemaster and one time the last layer it almost twisted the auger right out of my hands scred the crapp outta me, second time the ice was thinner than I thought and I almost fell right on top and it went thru and into the water pulled right over lol. Now I really plant my feet and hold on tight let er buck!

[Dead-C-Force]

Use care when handling gas augers with the blade guard removed. Think of the blades like the blades on a shaving razor device, if they get bent, even a little, the cut is going to be off. I have seen the "run and gun" types get to a fishing spot, and they are so intent on drilling 30 holes in a line between them and shore, fun to watch them smack the auger blades onto the ice as they catch their breath-- set the auger down SOFTLY on bare blades, and then, only to cut, not to "rest". ONe "bonk" on the bare ice or your garage floor, etc., with exposed blades, and the angle can be thrown off- the blades will be sharp, but the angle will be wrong- and you cant see it by looking at it...

[Beege]

When i am cutting through i always lift it a little towards the end and that seems to work on my auger. Strikemaster Lazer Mag Express 10"

[McGurk]

Simple; let the auger warm up before drilling and make sure your blades are sharp. A minute or 2 of warm up is all it takes. Don't push down on ANY shaver style auger; just let the auger's weight and the blade pitch pull itself down. The only thing you are there to do is start it, hold the head steady, gas it, and turn it off when done.

[GodsCountry14]

Im finding myself having to almost put all my weight to get my auger to keep cutting ice this year. Didnt have to do that last season. I realize now this is probably just hurting the problem. Is the problem just dull blades, or have I somewhere along the line bent the angle of the blades? Maybe both?

[Deitz Dittrich]

Myabe both? you could try new blades or have them sharpened to check the problem...

[Far-I]

Simple; let the auger warm up before drilling and make sure your blades are sharp. A minute or 2 of warm up is all it takes. Don't push down on ANY shaver style auger; just let the auger's weight and the blade pitch pull itself down. The only thing you are there to do is start it, hold the head steady, gas it, and turn it off when done.

This Advice was very helpful to me. I had to learn to let the auger do more of the work. I have been having trouble on the last layer of ice as well, with my first power auger. If i go right for it i start to lose throttle, then if i pull up it kicks back in. warming it up really has helped me (but can be hard when you are anxious to fish )

[JimBuck]

Letting her warm-up is crucial. If you don't do this the auger simply won't perform at it's fullest potential. Once she's all warmed up I just make sure she grabs nice and straight and give er' some gas....With the final 2 inches I like to clear my shavings by lifting up a few inches and let the excess shavings clear from the flighting. Then I firmly set her in place again and she grabs right on until she breaks through. Then make sure you shut it off after each hole....hope that helps. Lazer Mag 10" here. Once I figured out how she likes to drill, she's been great.

[Mike Stark]

why shut it off after each hole?