This just came in yesterday morning. I promised to put up pics and here they are:
http://s232.photobucket.com/albums/ee154/walexa07/Split-fire/
After splitting about 2/3 of a cord I will state my opinions. Overall I really like the splitter, however, there are some changes I would like to see and plan to make on my splitter. The track width of the splitter is too narrow with the log lift attached. The driver's side wheel needs to be extended about 6" to 8". One log I lifted probably weighed 200 pounds and the splitter wanted to turn over. This is rather disappointing but should be an easy fix since I have a welding machine. The second thing I would like to see changed is the cooling air that goes across the fins of the engine is directed towards and parallel to the beam. Splitting in 90F weather with warm air blowing towards you isn't that great. The wood I was splitting was picking up alot of dirt and some of this was blowing around and getting in my eyes. One of the photos shows a cardboard diverter that I zip tied to the splitter..........this took care of that issue, but I would like to make something a little more permanent to take care of this, possibly something easily removed. I am sure the warm air may be welcomed if splitting in cooler weather when the logs aren't being rolled through dry dusty dirt before splitting. I also had one very minor leak where one of the pressure supply lines connects to the cylinder. I probably could have just given it half a turn more, but I went ahead and removed it, cleaned the teflon tape from the threads, applied new tape, and tightened it up pretty snug.
The things I like about the splitter: It's fast, it made splitting large rounds very easy, the honda engine is superb. It starts with half a soft pull. My wife or 8 year old son could crank this thing easily even though it is 6.5 hp. The unit is built very stout. The suspension should make towing it at normal speeds a breeze.
Please note that several of the detailed photos of the log lift are for farmersid. He has built a clone of the split-fire and had asked me to share photos of the log lift as he is interested in adding one to his splitter.
Waylan
http://s232.photobucket.com/albums/ee154/walexa07/Split-fire/
After splitting about 2/3 of a cord I will state my opinions. Overall I really like the splitter, however, there are some changes I would like to see and plan to make on my splitter. The track width of the splitter is too narrow with the log lift attached. The driver's side wheel needs to be extended about 6" to 8". One log I lifted probably weighed 200 pounds and the splitter wanted to turn over. This is rather disappointing but should be an easy fix since I have a welding machine. The second thing I would like to see changed is the cooling air that goes across the fins of the engine is directed towards and parallel to the beam. Splitting in 90F weather with warm air blowing towards you isn't that great. The wood I was splitting was picking up alot of dirt and some of this was blowing around and getting in my eyes. One of the photos shows a cardboard diverter that I zip tied to the splitter..........this took care of that issue, but I would like to make something a little more permanent to take care of this, possibly something easily removed. I am sure the warm air may be welcomed if splitting in cooler weather when the logs aren't being rolled through dry dusty dirt before splitting. I also had one very minor leak where one of the pressure supply lines connects to the cylinder. I probably could have just given it half a turn more, but I went ahead and removed it, cleaned the teflon tape from the threads, applied new tape, and tightened it up pretty snug.
The things I like about the splitter: It's fast, it made splitting large rounds very easy, the honda engine is superb. It starts with half a soft pull. My wife or 8 year old son could crank this thing easily even though it is 6.5 hp. The unit is built very stout. The suspension should make towing it at normal speeds a breeze.
Please note that several of the detailed photos of the log lift are for farmersid. He has built a clone of the split-fire and had asked me to share photos of the log lift as he is interested in adding one to his splitter.
Waylan