Cutting Larger Ice Holes (pro/cons)

[Heron]

I have never done this but it appeals to me. Chainsaw? Heavy ice pick? Axe? What works best?

[mooseknuckle]

A big truck on 4" of ice should do the trick.

Chainsaw.

[Big Red 250]

How big of a hole do you want? If your using a power auger, you can use that. I've seen an ice-saw advertised on some sites. Chainsaw, ice chisel, dynamite.

[turnpike]

I own and have tried the ice saw, chisel and chainsaw. Nothin beats the chainsaw. Ice saw works ok, but becomes very tiring..especially in 18" of ice

[Vessey]

I have an ice saw from icesaw.com, it works good. It won't start a hole like advertised but we just use the auger in the corners. The block of ice makes a good table and then just slide it back in the hole when you are done.

[Heron]

Originally Posted by Big Red 250

How big of a hole do you want? If your using a power auger, you can use that. I've seen an ice-saw advertised on some sites. Chainsaw, ice chisel, dynamite.

Not that big. Not doing a polar dip. Perhaps just about a line of 4, 8" holes. More to keep my kids interested really.

I have some cousins who chainsaw huge chunks for ice scultpture. I have only seen pictures but thats pretty neat.

[Gumbi]

do u take the chain oil out first?

[Redfrog]

I could see a larger hole offering better chances to catch fish.

Depending on how big the hole was, a guy could maybe use a float tube if the hole was mostly round, or if it was long and narrow, a guy could troll. The latter appeals to me cause it would also be an excellent way to exercise and keep warm.

[drhu22]

They're at least as good for falling in as fishing in, especially for people who dont know they are there.

[jts1]

You can drill out a good size hole with your power auger no problems. I have done 4 ten inch holes to make one big hole. Just be sure to mark it well after you leave.