Clam auger plate, Anyone use them ?

[enslow]

I am just trying to see if anyone else has had an issue with their auger plates

I purchased one in December and took it out to use with my son. I have a Milwaukee M18 drill that is only a year old with very little use and when I tried drilling holes it just wobbled and vibrated and barely made it through 10 inches of ice.

I contacted clam and sent pics and a video of the play in the bearing assembly. They quickly sent me a new bearing I installed and there was much less play but still some. My drill is fairly expensive and I didn't want to risk it so I sent another email and video and clam response was that was normal play.

I took their word and thought I would test it and sure enough it's wobbling enough that it cant even drill through 4 inches with out stopping the drill.

I sent another email and video of the attempted drilling to clam and I am awaiting their response but I was curious to know if anyone else has had this issue ?

[zuperalexu]

Hi there!

My plate also has a little bit of wobble but it does not seem to affect the drilling too much. Make sure you have the drill set on the slowest drilling setting. Mine slipped into screwdriving mode and it was doing something similar to what you are describing. So make sure you are using the correct setting on the drill.

Hopefully this helps,
Alex

[fundseeker]

Just started using a plate and it works really well with the M18 on drill mode , setting #1. I'm turning an 8" Fin Bore auger. Occasionally I get a buildup of ice near the tip or on the blades and it won't cut very well. I carry some ww antifreeze in a spray bottle to soften up the ice on the end a bit.( Probably should spray some Pam , coconut oil or silicone on the auger prior to first drilling to prevent ice buildup. Also spin the auger freely after finishing a hole to blow off the slush and water. Possibly your blades are dull , nicked, or out of alignment. You might try loosening the retaining bolts reseating the blades and retightening them.( or replace them)
I'm getting about 12-15 holes in 24 " of ice with a 2 amp hr battery, I havn't tried to exhaust the 5 a hr battery yet. AMAZING!

[enslow]

Thanks for the help everyone....I am just using it on the wrong speed
I wish that was mentioned by clam before replacing 2 bearings and and a shaft