whats a good one I've never used one. They look like I could make one just need some ideas on what works best.

My friend makes these and sells them. I've got one of his bars now. Basically you'd want to make it out of a piece of fairly strong bar steel. I'd make it about five and a half feet long. The business end of the bar should resemble a chissel head. He hardens all of his, paints them, puts a string on the end (so you don't loose it and for safety) and adds a very rudementary grip. He's selling his for around 45 bucks a peice. They generally take a fair amount of time to get made. They work great and they hold one heck of an edge too. I use mine to chip out early ice for fishing and to test the ice all year. For backcountry trapping where you can't feasibly haul in a chain saw and gas, they work very well. Anyhow if you'd like more info, PM me and I'll give you his number.

if i were you id just go buy a 10 inch power auger. i know i cant afford it either but the 16 to 20 inches ive got is too much for anything not powered.

Thay are very ez to make. they dont cost much here but what guy doesnt get a little pleasure from working in the shop.

Used lots. The Jiffy with the serrated edge works the best. VERY sharp, and make sure to not relax and let it go on your boot or you will have PROBLEMS. Probably the best chisel I've used.

Farm stores sell a tamping bar which works also. The blade on the end will chip ice. I went to an ice saw and don't use the bar any more except for fence.

I second the Jiffy. Mille Lacs I think they call it. It comes in two sizes, get the big one and keep it sharp.

I use the jiffy also works great

Stanley makes a spud. $20 at most any hardware/home center.

I made one from a double bladed axe head that I cut in half and then welded to a piece of on inch black pipe works good for me total price zero dollars my favorite.

I used to cut LOTS of ice when we had the resort. I have a chisel that is made out of the end of a truck leaf spring and has teeth. It cuts awesome. The secret to any chisel is the handle. Use SQUARE tubing. It doesn't bend like pipe or rod.