building splitter

[Boogieman142]

Hello all. I am working on building myself a splitter. It will be horizontal with wedge on beam. I'm using a 10" beam. Its a 11 h.p. briggs I/C motor(electric start) a 22 gpm barnes pump. I will be using a 5x30x2 cylinder. I'd like to add a log lift and hydraulic wedge but i just want a splitter at the moment. What i'm wondering is what does everyone use/like for a wedge, like as in the dimensions, and if the hydraulic wedge is really worth the effort and $$ or not.

 

[mga]

i bought my wedge from northern tool. once mounted i had 1 1/2" angle iron added to the back to help split the wood.

my only regret is that i bought the 1x8 inch wedge and i should have bought the 1x12.

 

[DanManofStihl]

I used northern tool wedges they are high quailty. Heres a link to the one I have on my splitter now. http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_28657_28657