11-02-2011, 06:28 AM
+1 on not banging your blades on the ice. Even a rough set down can effect them. I would also by a hand sharpener and use after you go out each time. It is much easier to maintain a blade then try and re sharpen it after several uses. If you do get new blades you will save some $$ and you can by one of my favorite tools. The Eskimo redneck chisel ($35) is amazing, the shape of the staggered tip makes a huge difference. I cut through 2" of ice with each hit. I now use a gas auger for thick ice and the redneck for 7" or less. It also works great for old holes and checking ice thickness, I painted one inch bars on mine for accuracy. P.S. Don't use your hand auger to poach old holes. I still want to kick the guy in the ice hole that threw his trash down his hole. I hit his Mt. Dew cans and trashed a new pair of blades. blankity blank litter bugs.
Sorry it has been a while since I have posted on the board, but with ice time starting it time to get my big fish on again ... Freeze baby Freeze
[signature]