What should I look out for with used Nils Auger?

[boyscout]

Picking up a used (1 month) 6" Nils this week. Anything  should be looking out for? Not sure if I'll be able to try the thing out but I think the guy may have gotten it and then decided to get a power auger plus bigger hole size. Trying to avoid buying something that then needs fixing. then it won't be such a "deal" for $100. I am satisfied with my 6" mora, but just satisfied when the ice gets to be16-18" like now. And I am not going the power route.....yet!

By the way, this site is awesome. I value the opinions/experience. Thanks alot!

[Sharp Nils]

  Why are you selling it is the first question to ask him.    Chance that he dulled it and wants it gone.

 It be best to test it out because if it needs sharpening you can tack on another $20 plus shipping two ways.
That $100 good deal isn't so good then.    On your test, after the profile of the blade is cut into the ice, count your rotations.   Example of Nils 6" drill rate, if you have 12" of ice and you punch through in under 20 rotations you have a good blade.  12-15 rotations would be better.
If it doesn't cut like that or at all  a fair price would be closer to $65 considering the price to sharpen, ship, and hassle.

  If you can't test the blade then inspect the bottom of the blade.
The grind marks should be perpendicular to the edge and all the way to the edge.  If those marks stop with a shiny narrow band parallel to the edge then someone tried to sharpen it the wrong way and it will not cut.   To fix that the whole edge would be ground back and it life reduced.   Next drag your finger nail along the entire edge. You shouldn't feel any burrs what so ever.
 If that all checks out you'd still be taking some risk.

[Ice Beard]

Hmmm...someone selling a Nills?

I am not certain those words can even be used in a sentence.  I plan on being burried with mine!

Cheers,
Ice Beard

[boyscout]

Thanks for the advice, Sharp Nils. That is exactly the type of  info I was looking for. And who better but the one I would probably be sending it to in order to get it "fixed"! I'll let you know how the deal goes.

[boyscout]

Well picked up the auger. It seemed in great shape. has the smaller blade guard, but this one doesn't seem flimsey at all. The head looked repainted but I see here on IS that that is the normal deal. I checked the edge sharp Nils said and it seemed ok. When i got home I looked closer and it seemd the edge of the blade was a bit wavey when seen from a side profile. But the proof's in the pudding so I had to wait until today to use it.
Over 22 inches of ice and it went through with 30-35 spins. I think that is good. I'm still trying to get used to the offset handles, and my holes were a bit crooked but what an ease to use! Didn't really apply any downward pressure and it just kept slicing the ice. I did 5 holes, all that I needed today. Don't know if its the offset handles as much as the auger itself, but I'm pleased.
I already take very good care of the blades on my cheap mora 6", and it slices well, not too much downward pressure, so I'll apply the same care to these blades/head and see if I can get 10 years outta them like my Mora!
I'm happy, you can put me in the "NILS is good" camp. BUT, just don't ask to borrow MINE! You can use my mora, and take care of it, but the nils is off limits!