How thick should the ice be to cut a spearing hole?

[srobocop]

Just like the topic says... how thick should the ice be to cut a big ol spearing hole without worrying about your shanty or you going in? I feel like 3 inches is too little? Is it good at 5 inches? 6inches?

[StabinCabin]

First depends on what size shack your using. I use a portable on ice less than 6inches however i have speared on as little as 2.5-3 inches good ice.

[JCrean]

Permanent or portable?

Permanent I need 6-8" depending on ice makeup. 

Portable I'll spear 3".

[Highball]

Cut a 24"x40" hole under a hub on 3" ice a couple of days ago.

[Rook_Outdoors]

I have cut a 3 x 2 hole on 3 inches of ice. Had three guys in the clam 6 pack.

[trebby01]

If you can safely walk on it you can spear it.

[RLWagner]

Just like the topic says... how thick should the ice be to cut a big ol spearing hole without worrying about your shanty or you going in? I feel like 3 inches is too little? Is it good at 5 inches? 6inches?

 I am good to go with 2.5-3. Of course I use a pop-up hub that is light weight, and saw 2 holes, so that when my initial spot begins to sag and get wet, I can easily relocate to finish the day. Necessary evil for spearing thinner ice. I also like to use a auger for the corners...... not sure it cuts down on possible fracture points or not, but seems like it would, on thinner ice.

[srobocop]

I'm using a 2 man flip portable. I held off going last weekend because of sketchy ice. Definitely going this weekend. Thanks for the input from everyone!