Posted 31 October 2012 - 11:45 AM
I can see using a chainsaw IF you are cuttnig a large hole for under your Ice Hut and the Hut will stay over the hole all year, becuz like others have sayed Larger Holes on the ice can be Very danger. But I do not use a Chain saw, I have Other tools, Ice Chisle, Hand Auger and Power Auger.
For "Thin ice" 4" to 6" ( I will not go out of less then 4") an Ice Chisle is all you need, with a sharp tool you can have a 8" sqare Hole in 30 Sec, I find it lighter then an Auger.
For ice 6" to 9" and Hand Auger works fine. Most hand Augers run $65 for a 6" or $85 to $100 for a 8", with sharp Blades you have your hole in 30 to 45 secs.
Ice thicker then 9" the Power Auger is what I take, unless I have to walk Miles out. My 8" power Auger weights around 30Lbs, but even with its dull Blades I cut my holes in less then a min.
But My hand auger can still cut throw 12" of ice in less then 2 min, more do to me tireing then the auger failing.
Over all; if I had to start over Grubman I would get a 6"Auger to start with.
I have sen People bring 8 pound pike and Trout out a 6"hole and @ $65 cant really go wrong