The struggles of an ice fisherman!

[iluvgillz]

Ok, so, got this girl at a yard sale for $40.  Didn't run very good so I had a guy rebuild carb for $40.  Didn't cut good, after further inspection realized it had mora blades on it, so replaced with quantum 8" for roughly $30.  No blade guard so ordered that as well for $15.  Took it out for a test and the plastic dog in the recoil broke.  Replacement part was $20.  The part was different then the original and I couldn't figure out the mod, so took her to a small engine shop.  $30 later she was a sweetheart again!!  So, back to the ice.  I almost cried when it wouldn't cut without applying pressure.  Researched and came to the conclusion the chisel tip needed sharpened.  It was pretty bad, and I wasn't too confident in my job based on the amount of material I had to remove to get a point.  Soooo, ordered a new tip for $30 ($10 fast shipping).  Took it to my cousin wo cut out the old tip, and welded in the new.  Couldn't wait to get it back out there, and I was not disappointed again.  Glad to report is put her up against any newer auger out there!!! I'm still smiling:)⬅️   See!!!! 

[iluvgillz]

I forgot, the gas tank leaked where the gas line went in.  Must have shrunk over time.  New line and no more mixed gas all over!

[JiggerDan]

My calculator started smoking when I added all that up. Glad I paid $170. for a new Nils auger.

[iluvgillz]

It was a slippery slope, and it became a mission!!!  If u got a brand new power auger for $170, I applaud you sir!

[pastaboy]

It never ends. Always "tweaking" something but I myself do not want any problems while on the ice. Once on a "mission" ya gotta see it through. Done a few "mission's" myself...... 

[CWlake]

Just  spend another $300 and get a Milwaukee fuel. You wont regret it.

[3300]

saved her from the bone pile, good job! one of those things, if you only woulda known before putting any thing into it.
i run into those at times too.
never quit!

i see two drills in his picture already. not thinking he needs more.

[bobberbill]

still cheaper than a boat motor that won't run!!

[Gills-only]

Ok, so, got this girl at a yard sale for $40.  Didn't run very good so I had a guy rebuild carb for $40.  Didn't cut good, after further inspection realized it had mora blades on it, so replaced with quantum 8" for roughly $30.  No blade guard so ordered that as well for $15.  Took it out for a test and the plastic dog in the recoil broke.  Replacement part was $20.  The part was different then the original and I couldn't figure out the mod, so took her to a small engine shop.  $30 later she was a sweetheart again!!  So, back to the ice.  I almost cried when it wouldn't cut without applying pressure.  Researched and came to the conclusion the chisel tip needed sharpened.  It was pretty bad, and I wasn't too confident in my job based on the amount of material I had to remove to get a point.  Soooo, ordered a new tip for $30 ($10 fast shipping).  Took it to my cousin wo cut out the old tip, and welded in the new.  Couldn't wait to get it back out there, and I was not disappointed again.  Glad to report is put her up against any newer auger out there!!! I'm still smiling:)⬅️   See!!!! 

               Is that a "chrome" auger flute??

[iluvgillz]

It is, and the warning stickers are there so Im assuming it's factory.  I have not seen another like it!

[redhorseking]

sometimes it's great to find some old thing and use it for years! my buddies old used esximo shanty died, rip! but for 100 bucks and some help from a boat store w/ support poles and a few bucks to them, that thing lasted 8 seasons on Saginaw bay and the rivers! he want's the new frabill side zip... OUCH! those prices r high! I just put 50 bucks in my old sno-boat shanty. 15 years old and still going, bought it for 185 bucks, display model in an old bait shop! it's a tight lil prick to fish in w/ a flasher, 2 big guys, and a heater. but u can get out and fish!

[yotehunter66]

Nice job.

[Capt J]

WTG!

[Tipup Master]

Never even thought of a power auger here in SW MI until recently.  Been cutting holes with my 8 in Nils in 14-16 inches of ice for pike.  It's quite a workout for an old geezer.  Even sharp, it takes alot more horsepower then my 6 in does.  About 76% bigger in cutting area which makes for more horsepower then I like to give.

[iluvgillz]

I didn't set out for one, it kinda fell in my lap.  I've been ice fishing for 20 years without one.  Honestly, I don't remember ever really needing one till last year. I sure am glad I have it now tho, makes those up north trips a lot easier!