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I just ordered a second plate from bass pro ($49.99+s&h) I had to call the main number since they were not listed on-line and they had a few left. I paired my clam plate with a Milwaukee fuel brush less 18v. It has 725in/lbs of torque and 50 extra RPM over it's brushed counterpart. I bought two of the xc-4.0 batteries and built a 15" extension for my 7" strikemaster mora auger. I easily punched 30+ holes in 12+ inches of ice last weekend on one battery with power to spare. I simply set the auger down where I want a hole and squeeze the trigger, the 13 pound auger is all the down force needed to make the hole. I have yet to need my second battery in any of my outings this season. I really need to see exactly how many inches of ice I really can do..... It just hasn't taken 100 holes for me to find at least a few takers this season. In fact it may work a little too well since I'm ordering the second plate for a buddy that ran mine once and is ready to give up the gas for good. (which means I get to assemble another drill auger somehow???) I highly recommend the clam drill plate and IMO the Milwaukee fuel with the 4.0 batteries is unbeatable in the cordless drill auger world. My 2 cents.
The pausing that you are describing is probably due to the brushes heating up which causes your batteries to shut down due to over amperage. Thats what makes brush less drills so nice.
Financial investment??? Ummmm it is totally minimal. My milwaukee fuel 18v setup is totally attainable for $250 in fact i got mine built for just under $225.
The Milwaukee fuel 18v is THE drill for the setup.
Look at "destroying my Ridgid drill" on youtube. It was enough for me to buy a Milwaukee. If I lived near a service center, I would buy a Ridgid for sure. If one of you guy would be so kind, please post a link to the video. Prepare to laugh! WARNING: Some choice words are used.
If one is fishing basicly for pan fish,it just seems to me that a 5 inch hole should be plenty big enough...
Firstly, there is no "best" drill for this setup.However if your going to invest in this setup it behooves you to check out each manufacturers warranty. Reason being: Your using this drill for a purpose and in an environment it was not designed for. After alot of research, the Rigid brand drill offer the best warranty. Lifetime warranty on the drill and the batteries (yes both, i confirmed this). For repairs/replacements you can take it back to a Home Depot with a service department. They have the parts to fix or replace it there.. All you have to do is register your product online. Takes about 5 mins, super easy..This is what I found, please feel free to reply with any corrections.(Image removed from quote.)
I buy quality tools to cover my bases. In my job (commercial/industrial electrician) I have seen Milwaukee tools take INCREDIBLE abuse and continue to perform. Like I said, I am not personally worried about the warranty. If I were planning on trying to warranty the equipment 5yrs on the drill is more than adequate. Every li-ion battery, regardless of brand, has a charge life so 3yrs is plenty of warranty on the batteries. Check out "K-drill ice auger" on you tube. The Milwaukee fuel is the ONLY drill that they recommend for their system. That rigid tool video was hilarious and is also the way I feel about junk tools that don't perform thanks for posting.
Do you own a drill auger setup baitbucket???