Want to Build a SIMPLE Logsplitter. Any Ideas?

[Bootjack Chris]

I want to build a simple logsplitter. Emphasis on simple function over form style. Not necessarily a weak machine though, just one that is the style built on an I beam with a small 5 or 6 horse motor and an adequate pump and cylinder.

I already have a brand new in the box 5.5 OHV motor for the project. I have access to a scrap yard with all sorts of good I beams at a reasonable price. My main question has to do with pairing up the appropriate GPM pump and matching cylinder to my motor for this project. Any ideas here?

I hate small tires on equipment. I will be going to the junkyard and picking up larger tires. I think I want spindles on the unit. Any suggestion on finding spindles that will work with common wheels that I could find at the junk yard? Any ideas here? It will need to go down the highway at 60MPH no problem, those stupid tiny wheels are for toys.

I do not want to have a pivoting machine that can split on the ground. I am a big dumb vanilla gorilla Swede and don't mind picking up logs all day to lift them on the beam. Does not bother me a bit. So please do not tell me how much I need a pivoting machine to save my back, I do not want the pivoting style at all.

IT will need to split extremely tough wood, some of it crotch, Eucalyptus, almond, gnarled oak, it does not need to be fast as lighting, just tough as nails.

My old splitter has went with my brother to another town too far away so we cannot borrow it from each other conveniently.

I have an arc welder and cutting torch on site.

Any ideas or suggestions are welcome.

 

[turnkey4099]

Can't give specifics but for the pump splitting that tough stuff you will need a 2 stage pump. Minimum would be a 4 1/2" cylinder but 5" would be better. The 5" would result in extremely slow time when the pump kicks down though.

Weld it up strong and then go back and gusset and bace it _really well_, I beam needs to be very stiff also or have added reinforecemtn. Tube or another beam _under_ the operating one will gain more stiffeness than any other reinforcemtn. Try to brace to keep the beam from twisting also.

Harry K

 

[ts39136]

One the spindle/axle... Look at a late 80's early 90's caravan rear axle from a junkyard. Seems well built and the axle curves down towards the ground could be flipped to riase the axle if that's what you want. Should be able to be shortened if need be.

Just a thought I had a while back.

 

[sawinredneck]

11 or 12GPM two stage pump.
I'd look for box tubing rather than an I-beam, long piece of box tubing, small piece of larger box tubing that fits over it and slides. Lots easier to fit and a lot stronger push block than anything you wil bolt or weld.
A Ford Escort rear axle, easy to cut down to length, wheels are cheap and plentiful and you can use the suspension if you choose.
I'll do anything I can to talk you out of this, you can easily buy a ready built machine cheaper than you can build one, but no one seems to listen until they add up all the money they have in the one they just built.

 

[Bootjack Chris]

11 or 12GPM two stage pump.
I'd look for box tubing rather than an I-beam, long piece of box tubing, small piece of larger box tubing that fits over it and slides. Lots easier to fit and a lot stronger push block than anything you wil bolt or weld.
A Ford Escort rear axle, easy to cut down to length, wheels are cheap and plentiful and you can use the suspension if you choose.
I'll do anything I can to talk you out of this, you can easily buy a ready built machine cheaper than you can build one, but no one seems to listen until they add up all the money they have in the one they just built.

Thanks for the replies so far.

I already have the motor free these are on Craigslist all day for fairly cheap though
The I beam, pipe, metal, wheels and used tires $150
11-13 GPM pump $100
Junk yard cylinder $150
hoses $100
hydraulic tank probably free but lets say $25
spindle or axle $100 (I am guess at this one, think I can get the spindles for free...)
valve $75
tongue and chains/hooks $25
odds and ends (grade 8 bolts, gas for cutting torch, arc sticks, etc) $50

I think if I scrounge enough parts I can build it for less than $700. The ones I have looked at locally start around $1500 new. Used they are around $500-$1000 and up. Am I crazy for attempting this?

 

[Coldfront]

I was thinking for the tough stuff a 5.5 hp might not be big enough. I am planning to do the same and thinking more about at least 8 hp engine.

 

[Bootjack Chris]

I was thinking for the tough stuff a 5.5 hp might not be big enough. I am planning to do the same and thinking more about at least 8 hp engine.

I am not a mechanic nor any authority on the subject. The pump is where its at, not the motor. But they have to be paired properly. My old splitter with a 6 horse Wisconsin had a split time of 15-30 seconds depending on the wood. Which gave me time to rest. The smaller motors sip fuel too, which is a plus these days as well.

 

[sawinredneck]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I already have the motor free these are on Craigslist all day for fairly cheap though
The I beam, pipe, metal, wheels and used tires $150
11-13 GPM pump $100
Junk yard cylinder $150
hoses $100
hydraulic tank probably free but lets say $25
spindle or axle $100 (I am guess at this one, think I can get the spindles for free...)
valve $75
tongue and chains/hooks $25
odds and ends (grade 8 bolts, gas for cutting torch, arc sticks, etc) $50

I think if I scrounge enough parts I can build it for less than $700. The ones I have looked at locally start around $1500 new. Used they are around $500-$1000 and up. Am I crazy for attempting this?

You need to re figure the gas for the cutting torch, I have a Q and WQ bottles, last time it was $187 to refill them.
Grinding wheels are $6 a pop and you will use a bunch!
You will not be able to weld this all together in one pass and expect it to hold, you will have to 45 the stress points and make several passes building it up, so it will hold.
A junkyard cylinder sounds like a headache to start with, why is it in the junkyard to start with?
What is your time worth?

I'm not saying not to do it, I'm just saying you will save little to nothing doing it, find problems the first few runs that need addressed, then after running it a while you will see things in the design you wish you'd have thought of before.

 

[sawinredneck]

Here is a VERY nice home built splitter, but still $1200 in it, http://www.arboristsite.com/firewood-heating-wood-burning-equipment/173307.htm

 

[zogger]

don't know qabout the other stuff, but....

I want to build a simple logsplitter. Emphasis on simple function over form style. Not necessarily a weak machine though, just one that is the style built on an I beam with a small 5 or 6 horse motor and an adequate pump and cylinder.

I already have a brand new in the box 5.5 OHV motor for the project. I have access to a scrap yard with all sorts of good I beams at a reasonable price. My main question has to do with pairing up the appropriate GPM pump and matching cylinder to my motor for this project. Any ideas here?

I hate small tires on equipment. I will be going to the junkyard and picking up larger tires. I think I want spindles on the unit. Any suggestion on finding spindles that will work with common wheels that I could find at the junk yard? Any ideas here? It will need to go down the highway at 60MPH no problem, those stupid tiny wheels are for toys.

I do not want to have a pivoting machine that can split on the ground. I am a big dumb vanilla gorilla Swede and don't mind picking up logs all day to lift them on the beam. Does not bother me a bit. So please do not tell me how much I need a pivoting machine to save my back, I do not want the pivoting style at all.

IT will need to split extremely tough wood, some of it crotch, Eucalyptus, almond, gnarled oak, it does not need to be fast as lighting, just tough as nails.

My old splitter has went with my brother to another town too far away so we cannot borrow it from each other conveniently.

I have an arc welder and cutting torch on site.

Any ideas or suggestions are welcome.

I'd get a used truck axle/rear end with the exact same wheels and tires you use already, so your truck spare would fit the trailer if needed, and/or vicey versey.

Good luck on the other stuff....I can carry my splitter with one hand...fiskars FTW! heheheheheh I ain't splitting the stuff you got, worst here is sweetgum and I just slap don't split it. I give up, sweetgum can kik my buttt, fiskars, maul, sledge, wedges, small tac nukes..it don't matter..... so I just cut it small and noodle big pieces if I have to.

 

[Iron man]

Here is a VERY nice home built splitter, but still $1200 in it, http://www.arboristsite.com/firewood-heating-wood-burning-equipment/173307.htm

When I saw this post that post was the first thing that entered my mind.LOL...As far as I'm concerned bigger is always better so a 5in cylinder is the way Id go and really I wouldn't bother with with a junk yard one unless you know for sure its good because who wants to mess around with bad parts later.I got a 5in with a 16gpm pump and 10hp motor and its got all the power Ill ever need and its plenty fast enough for me.I could make it faster with a different pump but after using it with the new cylinder I have I don't feel its necessary.

 

[TreeClimber57]

I think if I scrounge enough parts I can build it for less than $700. The ones I have looked at locally start around $1500 new. Used they are around $500-$1000 and up. Am I crazy for attempting this?

Depends on what you want; how much time you have and how much you enjoy this type of work.

I looked at it a few years ago; mind you I was pricing mostly new parts.. and was almost same to build one as to buy one. So I found a good deal on new one and simply bought it. (have engine still as I had bought that - am looking at putting it on pressure washer someday maybe)

 

[Johndirt82]

Small boat trailer , so I could have a title and legally tow it, one ram, one valve no bs log lift , wood table or other crap to get in the way. I use a big round for a wood table and if I cant lift the round onto the splitter than I shouldn't be messin with stuff that big.
22hp kohler 28gpm pump 25 gal hyd. tank. all lines 3/4" .
Don't be a cheap a$$, you will only make yourself misseralbe and frustrated. I have an 8-10 sec cycle time . It burns a gallon a cord. Don't get me wrong theres nothing wrong with gettin used or trying to save money but spend it up front and it will save you alot in the long run.
total cost under 2k.

 

[Bootjack Chris]

New parts!! No wonder!! Ouch! I am confident that I can get by with used parts nicely, that does not worry me in the least.

Since when did going to the junk yard and using old parts constitute being cheap? You just have to be confident in your abilities.

I take it none of you can give me any usable input on building a simple logsplitter other than buy all new parts?

I split a 350 in half and made it a four cylinder and put it in a midget for my senior project. I AM competent, I am not just another yuppy redneck doing things the exact way the directions say. Will not be spending 2 thousand on a splitter...ever.

I might just put together the cheapest splitter I can find to show you yuppies it can actually be done, and work. I am going to say $250, but I might not be able to find a piece of I beam cheap enough.

I sell a cord of oak for $250...maybe I can make it pay for itself in one cord, hahaha.

 

[Johndirt82]

It really depends on your location. Some places have better junkyards. I just wouldn't use , used hoses, cylinders or valves, too much risk in defective crap. My motor was free. the only things new on mine other than what was listed was the tank. WHich was 100 bucks on ebay. 2k was including the cost of the trailer reg wiring and stuff. Thats cheap in my opinion. 5-6 cords of oak in Sandiego covers that. matter of perspective I guess. So sure if you know what you are doing and seem to, go hit the scrap yard get a 40lb per ft I beam and a 11gpm pump 4" cyl will do then you can use you motor you already have.

 

[dave_dj1]

I say go for it! I'm glad to see someone who is willing to scavange some parts and do some late nights in the shop.
post pics and keep a log to keep track of costs.

Personaly I don't include costs of electricity, welding gas, wire or grinding wheels for that matter.....lol (i figure i already have them in the shop) Plus for me it's very satisfying to say "I built this" Another thing I have found it's easier for me to spend a little at a time then to drop retail on something. (I don't finance my toys)

 

[Iron man]

I don't think anybody is implying your cheep for wanting to use junk yard parts Ive stopped and took thing out of peoples trash more times than I can remember.This is how I look at things in terms of cost.You said the used cylinder is $150 but didn't state the size so for comparison lets say its a 4in.Then ad 30-50 for a rebuild kit because lets face it its in the junk yard for a reason and you have to plan on things like that.So that's almost 200 in a junk yard cylinder and a new cylinder can be as low as $220 depending on stroke with a 2 1/2 year warranty.Sometimes used just doesn't make any sense when you crunch the numbers.

 

[Rio_Grande]

Chris I like you already, but take it easy they are trying to help.

That said I am probably the cheapest person anyone here has ever met and I aint joking. I make or build almost everything i have and rarely buy new. That said.

If you are gonna stick with that 5.5 hp motor you are stuck with a 11gpm dual stage pump. That motor dosent have enough hp to push a pump larger than that effiicently. You can make or build a mount and connect it with lovejoy connectors or other method.

Cylinder look for a trash truck, you can get a 36in cylinder from them and every one we have scavanged was usable or servicable. they are a 5-8 in bore. If you are going with the 5hp 11 gpm grab a 5 but be prepared for it to be a bit slow.

Spindles got out to that scrap yard and flip an old baler over. they have heavy duty bolt on spindles. Grab the wheels while you are at it unless yours will bolt up.

The valve well just pick whatever open center you valve you can find. detent is nice but not required.


The above described splitter aint gonna be a speed deamon and it aint gonna split everything but it is a good basic design.
the rest is framework and you seem to have a good grasp on that.

 

[moose5180]

Here is a VERY nice home built splitter, but still $1200 in it, http://www.arboristsite.com/firewood-heating-wood-burning-equipment/173307.htm

Thanks redneck and ironman!

 

[moose5180]

New parts!! No wonder!! Ouch! I am confident that I can get by with used parts nicely, that does not worry me in the least.

Since when did going to the junk yard and using old parts constitute being cheap? You just have to be confident in your abilities.

I take it none of you can give me any usable input on building a simple logsplitter other than buy all new parts?

I split a 350 in half and made it a four cylinder and put it in a midget for my senior project. I AM competent, I am not just another yuppy redneck doing things the exact way the directions say. Will not be spending 2 thousand on a splitter...ever.

I might just put together the cheapest splitter I can find to show you yuppies it can actually be done, and work. I am going to say $250, but I might not be able to find a piece of I beam cheap enough.

I sell a cord of oak for $250...maybe I can make it pay for itself in one cord, hahaha.

$250? no way, not for something decent.
I recently built one and am glad i did but, there are costs you are not looking at. Little things like hoses $100+, fittings $100, hydraulic fluid
$75 . Plus all the real things you need. Steel, engine, pump, cylinder, valve, axle, hitch, wheels tires. Some parts are not worth buying from a junk yard.
I went with a trailer house axle my dad had laying around, the wheels and tires were $15 a piece. I already had all of the steel used in my splitter build.
Some people don't add shop costs but they are there. Wire, rod, oxyacetylene, grinder wheels, etc. I am all for building your own anything, i have trailers, bbq's, furniture, artwork, fencing, lots of homemade projects. But if i am going to spend the time and ANY money its going to be a quality job that i will not have to do again next year.

Not trying to discourage you here but don't build a piece of **** just cause it was cheap. Thats exactly what you will have. Chances are you will be replacing many of the used parts in no time. :bang:

I am curious to see what you come up with.

My $0.02