strikemaster electra auger

[hard (water) luck]

   looking for input from other owners--I have been out about 8 times with this auger-bought it new last year the 8" model--sometimes I can prevent it from hanging up thru the bottom of the holes a lot of times I can't--has anyone tried a different blade than the lazer that comes with it--they slice right thru 99% of the hole then get hung up finishing it off--other than that very happy with the performance--thanks

[krazykid]

I have the 50v lazer.  just got it and took it out twice sofar.  Only one hole out of about 60 with it did it hang up and pull me down to the ice.  I just jumped off the switch then pulled it up and broke the piece free then reamed it out running the auger for a second.

I don't think its the blades I think its the operator.  No offense, and like i said i even did it myself too.   I am a machinist and fabricator so I know a little bit about cutting geometry, feeds, speeds, etc.   When drills do this its usually because you are at a slight angle and both cutting edges aren't working equally.   Once the one cutting edge that's doing all the work cuts through it leaves a big leaf of material, ice in this case, on the opposite side of the hole where the cutting edge that hasn't been doing anything skimmed right over, then the working edge continues on it goes under that leaf/flap of material left the material rides up the flute and the drill gets suck it in.


just my hunch.

[Papa John]

Karzykid EXACTLY right! I also am a machinist and the angle the auger is held at and equality of blade position is the cause, coupled with the fact that this is a slower RPM auger with more angle on the blades to cut faster. Fishing partner has the same auger and this happens all the time. We overcome it most of the time by adding no pressure to the cut and actually hold it back once it begins to cut through. It's the only cure that I'm aware of. Good explanation Krazy.

[krazykid]

thanks buddy.   Also that's a good point like you said with the pressure.  I noticed the same thing.   If you just let the weight of the machine run itself it cuts good for a while until it loads up with chips/snow.  then you instinctively lay on it and add pressure to get a bite again.   Then once you get to the bottom it is more likely to bite and ride up the flutes like we are talking about.   What I found was light pressure the entire time, then when you feel it start to not bite do a quick lift to clear out the snow and go back at it with light pressure again it will instantly start to bite again.   Even a quick somewhat forcefull jab into the ice will get it to take a nice deep bite on re-entry and get a better bite for a while.   

But yeah the end game.   when you hear it start to sound hollow like its about to break through, I would lift it all the way out to clear the chips then drop it back in with light pressure making sure its square to the hole and it would break through fine not hang up and it was good to go.

Best piece of advice i ever got from a machinist friend when I was learning myself... "dont force it, feel it".

[Fry Flier]

Different blades may work but the problem is likely one of 3 things, I have owned my Electra for 8 years now. That problem you may be running into is likely 1 of the 3 I will list them and the 3rd was my problem 2 yrs ago.
1) pushing down on the auger solution No Pressure needed
2) not going through the ice straight, dead straight is not needed but close will help(work)
3) loose blade(s) I ran into this 3 season ago towards the end of the year, felt that the blades must be dulled so I finished the year with them.
Following year went out and forgot to get blades stall and jam for 5-6 holes that day. Came home ordered blades. 2 days later new blades arrive went to attach the new ones and found the originals had loosened off just a turn or so. Tightened them up and tried them before installing the new ones. Well the new ones are still here in the package on my desk waiting for the originals to dull.

[matzilla]

http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=307970.0

[hard (water) luck]

   thanks guys I too was a machinist and tend to look at things differently also---I do believe the slower rpms have a negative effect on operation --but now looking at it-- the angle of the cut is probably the culprit and the biggest variable each time given the speed and blade are not changing from hole to hole--next time out I will concentrate on keeping it straight as possible and will also check my blade bolts--I'll let you know how I make out--thanks

[Fishrmn]

I've seen people who start their holes at an extreme angle, usually those who are vertically challenged, and then step closer to the hole as the auger head gets closer to the ice.  I've thought of installing a centering bubble level on the top of an auger.  Start level, end level.  You'll have a lot fewer problems.


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[Fry Flier]

I've seen people who start their holes at an extreme angle, usually those who are vertically challenged, and then step closer to the hole as the auger head gets closer to the ice.  I've thought of installing a centering bubble level on the top of an auger.  Start level, end level.  You'll have a lot fewer problems.


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My Electra 12000 has a level bubble on it from the factory, the bubble only lasted a few outings before the fluid seeped out. Not sure why, could have cracked from the extreme temp changes or whatever. I know it has been void of fluid for 7.5 seasons of the 8 seasons I have run it.

[hard (water) luck]

    well iam happy to say that after a few outings of being mindful of my drilling angle my results are much better with the way the auger finishes the hole --had my brother watch me and was surprised how far off i was---now i know how far to keep my arms out away from my body while drilling it's made a big difference--and yes i am vertically challenged

[buz23]

I don't know if this will help you guys with electra augers, but with my clam plate with a lazer auger I've found if I brace the unit against my left leg it will cleanly break off that last chip which causes it to catch.  If you just hold it without bracing it you can't hold it tight enough and then it catches.