Any suggestions on how to build a bullet proof 4 way?

[blkcloud]

I may be asking for too much.. After tearing my 4 way up 3 times I thought I had it. Started with a piece of 2x6 rect. Tubing, added a 1/4 x 3 hot rolled flat strap around the tubing to prevent it from tearing open, then welded my wings on.. As you can see.. The hot roll flat ripped open.. Who wudda thunk?? Now what??

 

[cantoo]

Need to weld the center piece in solid. Even a little gap will pull open. And don't be afraid to use lots of heat. Mine is a different style but you can see the heat marks on it. Better penetration than John Holmes.

 

[blkcloud]

That's my problem.. It's a slip over wedge..

 

[dave_dj1]

Make the slip over a lot thicker, mine are 3/8". Don't use a piece of rectangle tubing use two separate pieces, bend them and fit them. I have not had any problems with mine.
Good luck.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

You want it BULLET PROOF, copy Timberwolf!

My Timberwolf will split anything and everything and keep on ticking!! AND, it's a "slip on" 4-way...

SR

 

[cantoo]

I meant to fill in the top piece so that it's solid. Can't spread it apart if it's welded solid. Still a slip over wedge.

 

[blkcloud]

Actually the tubing didn't really fail ... The 1/4 plate I used as a strap failed.. The metal just ripped open..

 

[cantoo]

Plug weld the strap on next time? Looks like the weld to strap was fine. Heavier strap?

 

[flyboy553]

I used cutting edges off of a dozed to make mine. Heated the metal up first and stick welded into a V. Then welded the wings on.
It's as stubborn as I am!

Ted

 

[esshup]

Ditto making it solid as close to where it slips over as possible. If there are air gaps, the metal can move. You are putting a LOT of force on the pieces, and with it deflecting every time it goes through a log will weaken it over time (technically if it's plastic deformation).

I have a slip over 4-way but it actually goes in front of the existing wedge, and just a strap slips over so it doesn't pull off of the 2-way wedge if the ram is reversed.