03-09-2010, 05:56 AM
I've always used the 8" Mora, its the only auger I've ever owned. I've seen the smaller holes from folks fishing next to me, never thought they were as comfortable to fish for trout, but they got the job done.
The more pressure I put down on the drill, the faster it cuts through the ice. Better to take it easy and go with the flow on some sharp blades (blade sharpeness is critical).
You may have found it different in thick, hard ice - like the typical 24"-36" ice I used to drill through in the Uintah Basin when I lived there (some used to drive their trucks out on the lake rather than walk). Here is a clip from the Bass Pro Shops how to buy that talks about this:
"[size 2]For manual augers, it can become a bit more complicated. As I've already stated, the larger the hole you are drilling with a manual, the more effort you will need to exert while drilling. When dealing with thin ice, there really isn't a difference between drilling a six-inch hole and an eight-inch hole. Take those same augers' and attempt to drill through two-feet of ice, and the difference will be astounding. (You may get through the ice with an eight-inch auger, but your body will certainly pay the price!)"[/size]
An old friend used to drill the smaller hole with a razer sharp spoon-style hand auger. He really had a knack for drilling with it, it looked like he was cutting through ice like butter.
I guess if I'm just going to drill a few holes, my old hand auger is still fine. But, if I wanted to drill a hole or two, move, redrill, move again, redrill, move... the power one might start to look good.
[signature]
The more pressure I put down on the drill, the faster it cuts through the ice. Better to take it easy and go with the flow on some sharp blades (blade sharpeness is critical).
You may have found it different in thick, hard ice - like the typical 24"-36" ice I used to drill through in the Uintah Basin when I lived there (some used to drive their trucks out on the lake rather than walk). Here is a clip from the Bass Pro Shops how to buy that talks about this:
"[size 2]For manual augers, it can become a bit more complicated. As I've already stated, the larger the hole you are drilling with a manual, the more effort you will need to exert while drilling. When dealing with thin ice, there really isn't a difference between drilling a six-inch hole and an eight-inch hole. Take those same augers' and attempt to drill through two-feet of ice, and the difference will be astounding. (You may get through the ice with an eight-inch auger, but your body will certainly pay the price!)"[/size]
An old friend used to drill the smaller hole with a razer sharp spoon-style hand auger. He really had a knack for drilling with it, it looked like he was cutting through ice like butter.
I guess if I'm just going to drill a few holes, my old hand auger is still fine. But, if I wanted to drill a hole or two, move, redrill, move again, redrill, move... the power one might start to look good.
[signature]