I bought the 8" Ion and used it for the first time this weekend and it would not cut a hole! The blades look like they are on right and seem to be sharp but it doesn't want to dig? I am very confused beacause there are so many great reviews... has anyone else had this problem and if so did you figure out want the problem is? I bought the 8" Ion and used it for the first time this weekend and it would not cut a hole! The blades look like they are on right and seem to be sharp but it doesn't want to dig? I am... » Read More I bought the 8" Ion and used it for the first time this weekend and it would not cut a hole! The blades look like they are on right and seem to be sharp but it doesn't want to dig? I am very confused beacause there are so many great reviews... has anyone else had this problem and if so did you figure out want the problem is? « Show Less
1989253
What does it do (or not do)? Are the blades turning in the right direction? Mine cuts through ice like butter.
1989254
On the new model I believe there is a reverse option used to push slush down the hole once the hole is cut...Sounds stupid but I would check to make sure it's spinning in the correct direction...if it's not engaging the motor then I would check the safety switch on the handle and make sure it's not broken. (that happened on mine and I just removed the safety switch and it works just fine)
1989255
The newer version has a reverse gear. That would be the first place to start. If it is spinning in reverse it will never engage the cutting edge of the blades.
1989256
We never had that problem. Very sharp blades. Make sure you are pressing straight down on the auger. We bought replacement blades as a precaution, but were lucky to find a reputable blade-sharpening business in our town.
1989257
I would contact the manufacturer and ask them about it - my best guess is the blades aren't sharp enough - they should be razor sharp. The only time we've had trouble cutting holes is if we leave it sitting outside wet, and the blades freeze and have a layer of ice on them (but this will be an issue with any auger out there).
574178
I'm so sorry you had this problem. I have never had that issue. This might be a stupid question but are you sure we're holding straight up and down. It also takes more pressure pushing down on it than most augers as it is lighter. I'm sure you know that though. I would contact ION immediately. I really wish I could help you. That would really frustrated me
799619
Don't know returned mine due to ongoing issues. Those problems were experienced by quite a few owners and discussed in the forum. Some appeared a few months after purchase. Save the money and buy something better. If you Google CNC & Stone cutting you will find some information.
762745
Appreciate an answer but....The question is and was, "Does the blade scallop the wood at entry?" Apparently the narrower "kerf" blades have a propensity for this problem. Especially if they are not metal.
605947
Hi Nicolas,Disappointingly, no, it was not ready to shave. I purchased it as a Christmas present for my husband. He liked it, but you almost expect it to be ready to use when it came out of the box. It is kind of like getting a toy on Christmas and forgot the batteries. So, my husband did have to use the leather strap to sharpen it. He did try to use it before realizing this. You can imagine that was not too comfortable. No major damage, but, again, you just awesome when you purchase it that it is ready to use.Other than that, it is a good straight edge razor.Hope this helps!Cathy Hi Nicolas,Disappointingly, no, it was not ready to shave. I purchased it as a Christmas present for my husband. He liked it, but you almost expect it to be ready to use when it came out of the box. It is kind of like getting a toy on Christmas and forgot the batteries. So, my husband did have to use the leather strap to sharpen it. He did try to use it before realizing this. You can imagine that was not too comfortable. No major damage, but, again, you just awesome when you purchase it that it is ready to use.Other than that, it is a good straight edge razor.Hope... » Read More Hi Nicolas,Disappointingly, no, it was not ready to shave. I purchased it as a Christmas present for my husband. He liked it, but you almost expect it to be ready to use when it came out of the box. It is kind of like getting a toy on Christmas and forgot the batteries. So, my husband did have to use the leather strap to sharpen it. He did try to use it before realizing this. You can imagine that was not too comfortable. No major damage, but, again, you just awesome when you purchase it that it is ready to use.Other than that, it is a good straight edge razor.Hope this helps!Cathy « Show Less
1088413
amazon asked me to answer this for some reason. are you cutting clean or dirty metal? have you made sure the cut head is assembled correctly? do you have a good ground? mine wont cut unless it has a clean spot to start on. and also clean air is crucial for it to cut good. how old is the plasma? ive cut about 150ft of 1/4 plate flawlessly with only changing the consumables a few times. not sure how plasma savvy you are this isnt a post to offend you just trying to help. hope this helps. also a bad ground on the power side could be causing a issue. are you gettn air flow when you push/pull the trigger?
1859765
I've drilled maybe 50 holes from 24 to 36 inches and haven't had a problem. I never stand mine on my blades and always leave the guard off to dry completely. I also don't drill holes where there is sand, dirt etc on the surface. The ION blades are the only kind to use as the motor is not powerfully enough for a ripper blade
1815758
Yes. Yes I have. I lowered the blades and it did not make a difference. It seemed to barely cut anything and when opening the grass catcher it had almost nothing in it. I ended up going back to gas and couldn't be happier. I bought a troy built with a grass catcher for 199 and love it!
2126320
It didn't work well for me either. I took off a lot of steel shavings using it but it was never razor sharp. Try a stone. I wonder if you run it through their sharpener then a stone if it doesn't sharpen up quick.
788140
Joseph Question when the blades are fully locked onto the shaft, the blades still rattle?? Sounds like there's a gap most likely due to the head not fully screwed onto the shaft, did you receive the blade tool with your package use it to apply the broad head. If no examine the clip make sure it is in place between the head and shaft, Mine do not slip nor raddle Keep me posted I'm interested in what is creating the bouncing blades. TY
8690
As I recall, this machine was a piece of C**p. It did not last long at all and it wasn't cheap. I now have a Sharp, which seems to be holding up pretty well. Good luck!
1718610
I just got mine and I'm wondering if I should return, my drive shaft appears slightly bent and when I grind with nothing inside it scrapes ceramic on ceramic at one section of the rotation. :(
1829498
Just sharpened my No.2 with it and it comes out perfect. I bought it for home, bc I have two in elementary and I didn't want to fool around. I'm very pleased. Kids use it just fine. Works fast too. Seems you always get what you pay for. Good Luck
560482
First, do not use a long extension cord instead plug direct to the outlet. When cutting, do not push hard, let the blade do its work. For parts, call rikon parts department. I never have problem with mine.
1404279
It sounds like you have it snapped in but not engaged. Pull the blade back without removing it. Take a close look and see if the lever on your 76 is inside the socket of the blade. You will likely see that it is not. Remove the blade. Now put it back in making sure you are sliding the socket on the back side of blade over the lever. I have quickly snapped blades in and out and immediately see it not working. It is a simple whoops/ahah thing. It will snap in even if the lever is inside the socket so it is very easy to do. No biggie. If you find it installed correctly and your number 1 blade works, but another one doesn't then the blade is either broken or not an Oster 76 compatible blade. Oster blades are made of high quality, hardened steel. I have never seen one broken but anything is possible.
527726
See my review. I had the same problem. The blades were not the same outside diameter, thus one cutting deeper than the other.
1088412
amazon asked me to answer this for some reason. are you cutting clean or dirty metal? have you made sure the cut head is assembled correctly? do you have a good ground? mine wont cut unless it has a clean spot to start on. and also clean air is crucial for it to cut good. how old is the plasma? ive cut about 150ft of 1/4 plate flawlessly with only changing the consumables a few times. not sure how plasma savvy you are this isnt a post to offend you just trying to help. hope this helps. also a bad ground on the power side could be causing a issue. are you gettn air flow when you push/pull the trigger? amazon asked me to answer this for some reason. are you cutting clean or dirty metal? have you made sure the cut head is assembled correctly? do you have a good ground? mine wont cut unless it has a clean spot to start on. and also clean air is crucial for it to cut good. how old is the plasma? ive cut about 150ft of 1/4 plate flawlessly with only changing the consumables a few times. not sure how plasma savvy you are this isnt a post to offend you just trying to help. hope this helps. also a bad ground on the power side could be causing a issue. are you gettn air flow when you push/pull... » Read More amazon asked me to answer this for some reason. are you cutting clean or dirty metal? have you made sure the cut head is assembled correctly? do you have a good ground? mine wont cut unless it has a clean spot to start on. and also clean air is crucial for it to cut good. how old is the plasma? ive cut about 150ft of 1/4 plate flawlessly with only changing the consumables a few times. not sure how plasma savvy you are this isnt a post to offend you just trying to help. hope this helps. also a bad ground on the power side could be causing a issue. are you gettn air flow when you push/pull the trigger? « Show Less
1860588
I like the knife my friend has the same brand but not as good a model his works very well but gets. Hotter with prolonged use I have used mine for 4 hours straight without stopping his he needs to let rest every so often . I also like the blades that came with mine it easy to do small fish with the blades that are 1/2 the thickness but they can be bought separate . I have bought and and still have a Berkley knife and a tatertwister knife they was a a waist of money in my opinion . I hope this helps you make your mind .