Another splitter wedge/piston question

[milkie62]

I see many 6 way and 8 way wedges going through straight grained wood with relative ease. How much cylinder size would be needed and how skinny a wedge would be needed to split crotchy elm with a 4 or 6 way. I can stall my 4 way which is dramatic in width with my 4 way @ 2500 psi on gauge.

 

[NSMaple1]

Not a simple question to answer. There is also engine size, pump size, valve & fitting size, hose sizes, all related.

I would start with assuming a knife wedge, for the wedge question.

 

[VirginiaIron]

You go to YouTube and observe the operation of several of the top brands. Observe the speed at which the round pushes the knotty round through the wedge. The go to the site and compare the specifications to give you an idea.

 

[c5rulz]

IMHO, splitters with 4 or 6 way wedge must be hydraulically adjustable so that just the single edge can be used to split crotches. Attempting to run crotches through a 4 way is just abuse. No matter how much force you have, wood still wants to split along the grain.