gear box for clam conversion plate

[tbulhead]

My understanding is the gear box being made for the clam conversion plate is a 2:1 ratio while without the gear box the conversion plate is a 1:1 ratio.  I understand this allows augers larger than 6 inches to be used more successfully with the clam conversion plate.  Does this mean hole with a 5 or 6 inch auger can be drilled at twice the speed that they were before?  I would love to see a speed test of the conversion plate before and after with a 5 or 6 inch auger.

[RallyGreen]

I'm afraid it's the other way around, in that auger gear boxes are always reduction ratios, as it multiplies the torque delivered to the cutting bit. A 2:1 reduction ratio means your drill bit turns half the rpm of the power head, but delivers twice the torque.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

My understanding is the gear box being made for the clam conversion plate is a 2:1 ratio while without the gear box the conversion plate is a 1:1 ratio.  I understand this allows augers larger than 6 inches to be used more successfully with the clam conversion plate.  Does this mean hole with a 5 or 6 inch auger can be drilled at twice the speed that they were before?  I would love to see a speed test of the conversion plate before and after with a 5 or 6 inch auger.

No. what the gear box does with the 2:1 ratio is it lets the drill turn 2 times to turn the auger once. that way it allows lower tourque drills to turn a larger auger. 

[Tedroost]

Is this gear box recommended?  I just ordered the M18 and plan on putting a nils high velocity bit with a clam plate.  Is that the right bit if we are slowing things down?  Sorry for the hijack.

[Shack man Shoney]

You won't need gear reduction with the Milwaukee M-18 Fuel. 725 in/lb or 1200 in/lb. It makes plenty of torque to turn a 7" or 8" auger. You will want the Clam plate and extension.

[E Z turn]

I have the M 18 with the older style Clam plate. I have made adapters for my old hand augers, a 6''Mora and Nils 8in. I use the 6 for finding fish and also for fishing but if I prefer, I can quickly switch to the 8''Nils. And have had no problems so far.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

I have the M 18 with the older style Clam plate. I have made adapters for my old hand augers, a 6''Mora and Nils 8in. I use the 6 for finding fish and also for fishing but if I prefer, I can quickly switch to the 8''Nils. And have had no problems so far.

Lol I have a 6in lazer , and a 8in nils. I put an extensions on the nils for in the ice castle, and plan to leave it in there and use the 6 for the flip over.

[Holes-R-Us]

You won't need gear reduction with the Milwaukee M-18 Fuel. 725 in/lb or 1200 in/lb. It makes plenty of torque to turn a 7" or 8" auger. You will want the Clam plate and extension.

For the past couple seasons, I have been running the Milwaukee Fuel 2704-20 (which has 1200 in/lbs of torque) along with an 8-inch K-Drill and Clam conversion plate. I also have a K Drill 12-inch extension. This is a fantastic setup that will drill holes all-day long (literally). It excelled for weekly metro area fishing as well as trips to Mille Lacs, Red Lake and LOTW. Running the K Drill straight off the Milwaukee gets the job done. But, I have found that the Clam conversion plate is a great addition, particularly in cold weather. It can be cumbersome staying on the drill's trigger when it's 20-below and you have heavy mitts on.  Also, between cutting holes, the Clam plate holds the Milwaukee up off the ice so you're not lying your $200 drill in snow and slush.  The only time I had issues with this rig was on a trip to Lake Winnipeg. We had well over 40-inches of ice and sub-zero temps for most of the trip which affected the batteries on the Milwaukee. It was a struggle cutting holes in these conditions and I ended up switching over to the Jiffy propane for much of the trip. Admittedly, for 90% of situations, the Clam Conversion box is not needed. But, I ordered one anticipating it will help in these extreme conditions. Obviously I have not tried it out yet; we are months away from 40-inch ice. It will be some time before I know if this move pays off.

[OldSailor]

Please update your profile with your location! Thanks in advance and welcome to the site!!!