I've had a hollow auger (from a local shop) and spoke pointer (from hyperkitten Josh) for a few years now and finally am putting them to use. I'm making a couple of the Tage Frid stools.
First step was getting them sharpened up. The auger blade still had it's factory grind. The pointer's blade was not only short but angled so the most difficult sharpening I've faced.
I did a couple of test tenons (1 1/4") on spruce and while the tools cut remarkably well, both tenons ended up a bit crooked. The stock I'm using is slightly rectangular in shape. On the second attempt I squared off the end with a drawknife prior to using the spoke pointer. It turned out very slightly straighter.
Is it just a matter of practice or are there some tricks? The auger is a Millers Falls and doesn't have the guide hole plate like those from Stearns.
Thanks.