My favorite ice cutting method is to find out where other folks like to ice dive, then go to the same place 4-24 hrs after they have been there. A 2x4 will often suffice to break the hole open. Use a bucket on a rope with nail holes in the bottom to strain the opening clear.
AS THE TENDER or otherwise on the ice and not zipped up in your drysuit
If you are the rope tender before your dive, you might want to wear some kind of exceptionally warm boots instead of your drysuit while standing around on the ice. tending is hugely colder work than diving and you don't want to start a dive with pre-frozen feet. Wear an icefisherman's coverall if you can or have some type of floatation in case you go in the water when you weren't supposed to do so.
When you are near the holes and not wearing a zipped/up dry suit, KEEP THESE THINGS AROUND YOUR NECK
https://www.google.fi/search?q=ice+...IF6LTygP6hoKIAQ&ved=0CB8QsAQ&biw=1152&bih=730
If you cannot find any for sale, you can make your own from a rope, 2 big nails and 2 pieces of wood. These things are a lifesaver for pulling yourself out if you accidentely fall in or through the ice.
AS THE TENDER or otherwise on the ice and not zipped up in your drysuit
If you are the rope tender before your dive, you might want to wear some kind of exceptionally warm boots instead of your drysuit while standing around on the ice. tending is hugely colder work than diving and you don't want to start a dive with pre-frozen feet. Wear an icefisherman's coverall if you can or have some type of floatation in case you go in the water when you weren't supposed to do so.
When you are near the holes and not wearing a zipped/up dry suit, KEEP THESE THINGS AROUND YOUR NECK
https://www.google.fi/search?q=ice+...IF6LTygP6hoKIAQ&ved=0CB8QsAQ&biw=1152&bih=730
If you cannot find any for sale, you can make your own from a rope, 2 big nails and 2 pieces of wood. These things are a lifesaver for pulling yourself out if you accidentely fall in or through the ice.
