Log splitter done, works better than expected
I completed the splitter a couple of months ago but have now just got around to posting about it. I don't have any good pics yet, the next time I take it out, I'll get some good pics and maybe even a video.
It works better than expected. This is coming from someone who have never been around wood splitting before (other than with a maul!).
I copied several different designs and it also has some of my own ideas and ideas from a friend at work who is very innovative.
My components: -8 hp Briggs and Stratton Engine (New Old Stock from the 80's) It was missing a carb so I got a new one and put it on. It runs great.
- New Dynamic 16 gpm two stage pump. (ebay)
-New Prince hydraulic valve, two spool. Splitter spool is a simple three position with detent for cylinder return. Log lift spool is a
three postition. Main relief set at 3000 psi. (Surplus Center)
-Force America Hydraulic tank (@25 gal)
- Used 3 1/2" bore by 24" stroke cylinder from a Troy-built log splitter
- 6" wide I-beam, 3/8" thick
- Surplus 18" stroke cylinder for log lift (2" bore, I think)
- Old small trailer frame. Original leaf spring mounted axle failed after first time out. (hub failure) Replaced with a rigid drop axle, cut
and modified for frame width.
- Used rims from a Jeep, tires from ?
- and various other components
We split logs up to 24" in diameter and it did great. We put two logs 24" diameter and @22" long on the lift and it brought them right up with no problem. When doing small logs, the lift is positioned level with the beam and serves as a table to set logs to be split and slide logs back into the splitter that must be split multiple times. The wedge is made of two pieces of loader bucket cutting edge, welded back to back. The wedge has a small "pre-wedge" that protrudes from it that is made from super-hard wear plate to aid in penetration of tough logs.
Pics to come soon, I hope. It doesn't look like much (did not spend the time to paint the whole thing) but it works great and that's all that counts.
I completed the splitter a couple of months ago but have now just got around to posting about it. I don't have any good pics yet, the next time I take it out, I'll get some good pics and maybe even a video.
It works better than expected. This is coming from someone who have never been around wood splitting before (other than with a maul!).
I copied several different designs and it also has some of my own ideas and ideas from a friend at work who is very innovative.
My components: -8 hp Briggs and Stratton Engine (New Old Stock from the 80's) It was missing a carb so I got a new one and put it on. It runs great.
- New Dynamic 16 gpm two stage pump. (ebay)
-New Prince hydraulic valve, two spool. Splitter spool is a simple three position with detent for cylinder return. Log lift spool is a
three postition. Main relief set at 3000 psi. (Surplus Center)
-Force America Hydraulic tank (@25 gal)
- Used 3 1/2" bore by 24" stroke cylinder from a Troy-built log splitter
- 6" wide I-beam, 3/8" thick
- Surplus 18" stroke cylinder for log lift (2" bore, I think)
- Old small trailer frame. Original leaf spring mounted axle failed after first time out. (hub failure) Replaced with a rigid drop axle, cut
and modified for frame width.
- Used rims from a Jeep, tires from ?
- and various other components
We split logs up to 24" in diameter and it did great. We put two logs 24" diameter and @22" long on the lift and it brought them right up with no problem. When doing small logs, the lift is positioned level with the beam and serves as a table to set logs to be split and slide logs back into the splitter that must be split multiple times. The wedge is made of two pieces of loader bucket cutting edge, welded back to back. The wedge has a small "pre-wedge" that protrudes from it that is made from super-hard wear plate to aid in penetration of tough logs.
Pics to come soon, I hope. It doesn't look like much (did not spend the time to paint the whole thing) but it works great and that's all that counts.