New toy

[Majja]

I cant wait to get on the ice, finally I jut recieved my 1st auger. It is an 8' Mora strike master, i picked it up new off of ebay for 25.00. Has anyone got any advice that i really need to know about it before i get out and try my luck on the ice?

Thanks
Majja
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[lunkerhunter2]

Watch the blades! I tried changing mine on the berry one morning and ended up with about 17 stitches.[pirate] Good choice. You won't be dissappointed.
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[Flycasting]

Don't ever pound the ice with the auger. []
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[crestliner]

Dont try and re-drill old holes from the day before. That will dull your blades in a hurry.

[trollboy8]

don't start drilling until you are sure it is not on your foot, and make sure you are actually out on the ice and not just on very flat, snow covered ground--like a parking lot--for example.
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[Hawkez]

There's gotta be a story behind that.
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[trollboy8]

There is a story, but I will let you all fill in the blanks. Its actually funnier if you let your imagination do the work![]
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[dpdenny]

great auger. keep sharp blades, nothing more frustrating than trying to cut a hole with dull blades. I replace mine every year. I think it's worth the cost to keep them sharp and cutting good.
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[BearLakeFishGuy]

Everyone has offered good advice, but I think what I have to say is THEE most important of all. Don't store the auger during the summer months by standing it on the blade end (even with a guard in place). The weight of the auger and the heat will warp the cutting edges of the blades ever so slightly and it will not cut the next time you use it. I ruined several sets of blades doing this. Now I store my auger hanging on two nails horizontally on my garage wall. If not garage, then store it with blades UP and the handle down. I also spray my blades while in the blade guard with WD-40 prior to the summer so it keeps them rust free. This isn't too important in Utah, but in Michigan where the humidity is high, it makes a huge difference.
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[macscabin]

It is very important that you use it regularly and often.
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[Wasatch801]

Majja,

The "Microbe" looks quite comfy in the blue tube! I saw some Ugly Stik ice rods that you (ahem, cough, gag), I mean SHE might like!



Kev
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[Luke72]

Best advice i have for you is to make sure and take me sometimes
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[polokid]

[font "Arial"][red][size 3]I second what BLFG said. Make sure you store your auger in a dry enviroment or spray with a lubricant to avoid rust. [/size][/red][/font]
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[Majja]

Thanks for all the great info. LH2 i have already fond out how sharp the blade are as i bumped it looking at them and ever so slightly made a small cut on the back of my thumb. I will be adding it to my hang-in stuff. Man i can not wait to use this thing..... To bad i am headed to Susanville Ca, this weekend for work. But i will be back on the 23 in time for the rod building class and than the following weekend look out fishies cause here i come.
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