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X2 and I am a long time Nils user. I have spent less $$$ on my 8" Nils (w/ M18 for power, was IceGator head), maintenance wise, than most spend on blades for their augers.Don't get mewrong, there is a place for all augers and we, as users, get to make that decision.I agree, PM Frank (Sharp Nils, on this site) and see what he has to say; everyone else is just guessing at what your problem might be.
How often do you send out your blade to be sharpened? and do you have a spare? How much did it cost?
I've had 2 - 8" heads for 9 years. Each of them has been in for sharpening once. I will send one back after this season (unless I hit something in the ice). I never redrill an old hole.Shrp Nils, on here, can answer your question about how much he is currently charging. It will be his fee plus shipping, both ways.
(with multiple people using it).
That could be a major problem right there....
If someone needs holes I cut them I learned the hard way never again , I average about every 5 years
I have a Rigid 18 volt 1300 lb. torque drill. I've put my new blade on but haven't been able to try it. I'm sending my other one to Frank and just waiting for his response to see what I have to do.
This is the thing with nills instead of just buying blades for 30 bucks you have to troubleshoot the thing. Seems like a pain for a large drill bit. Or buy a new head for 100 bucks. No thanks.
Everyone who used it was experienced, but I know what you mean. I don't like to baby my gear so nils is a no go for me. So far I'm at 3 seasons on chipper blades and really like the low maintenance.
Apparently the blade on my Nils did need sharpening. Since FRANK D. sharpened it it cuts like butter and digs right in. The drill and auger is the way to go. Can Wildlifer post a video on how to sharpen a Nils, I'm sure a lot of people would like to know how. I got to find out what a Speedy sharp is! Thanks
Speedy Sharp? Really? Those things are handy for tuning up the edge on garden tools like a hoe or an axe but for precision sharpening where the bevel angle is so critical, my considered judgment would be that you're just guaranteed to ruin an expensive Nils head and real quickly. You just can't freehand that Nils edge.
Not a secret, knowhow and tools. There are other "authorized" shops for Nils. And I'm sure there are other with the right tools and the ability.
Someone should film frank doing it then. Where does the knowhow come from? Trial and error?