Auger Bit Size survey

[stevenf]

I have a Bell Tec Hydraulic Auger and I need a larger bit all I have currently is a 2" puff drill for putting in T post. What size is best for all around wood/metal pipe fence post holes. Also I need to use it to drill 48, 2' deep holes in mostly solid rock to sink piers for my new house I intend to use .60 pressure treated 6" x 6"s since nothing else seems to be available or reccommended for this purpose. The point of the question is I can only afford one more bit right now so it needs to do everything, the bit cost around $1,100 I'm thinking a 10" but I welcome everyones input.

 

[Partsman2]

I've always used a 12" bit for everything.

 

[Freds]

I don't have a setup like yours but, I have a 9"auger for my PHD and things can get a bit touchy unless the holes are pretty plumb and right on the mark when setting 4x4 posts. Especially if I hit something that throws the bit off a little.
My next bit will be a 12" and that's the minimum I would use if setting 6x6 posts.
The contractor that extended my porch last year used an 18" bit for 6x6 posts /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. A bit overkill, but he could move that post all over until it was exactly where he wanted it without having to chip away at the hole.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Are you going to use tubes and fill with concrete? You might ask a contractor or engineer to recommend how you set your posts/piers. I would bet you probably have termites in your area like we did in Cedar Park and here in Giddings too. Keep your wood off the ground as much as possible.....

Did you ever get a disk for your food plots?

 

[stevenf]

Kyle, I got a 8'6" Hay King disk it works great I need to get a subsoiler to do a first pass break up as the disk doesn't get down quite far enough but I planted with the disk only and everything is coming up great. As far as the sonotube I decided to pass when we figured out I'd be handling 22,000lbs of concrete. I'm going to go with the treated 6 x 6's as they are still using cca for 6x6 and larger lumber because they assume it would be for commercial or farm use. As far as termites they tell me out here that if you have mesquites you have termites and we only have 1 one on 347 acres so I'm going to chance it, worst case my kids will have to do something about it after I'm long planted like my food plots.
Steve

 

[stevenf]

Kyle, Here are some pictures of the food plots and disk.

 

[stevenf]

Kyle,Those pictures don't show the disk that well heres another single.
Steve

 

[EddieWalker]

I have a 12 inch auger and would consider it the minimum size. I consider myself lucky if I don't hit a rock or root that sends it off at an angle. At 12 inches and a six inch post, you only have 3 inches on the sides. That's just not enough space when dealing with the unknown. Of course, your hydraulic post hole digger is allot better then my three point one, so maybe you can hold it steady if you hit something.

 

[stevenf]

I ordered the 12" RAD auger on Friday and picked it up this morning I ended up paying $1235.00 for it. It is a piece of artwork this thing weighs almost a 100lbs and has rotating carbide teeth on the bottom, I can't wait to hook it up and give it a spin hopefully it was money well spent.
Thanks to everyones helpful ideas about the 12", I'd have ended up with the 10" and been wishing for a larger hole it sounds like.
Steve