Vertical or Horizontal build ?

[Operator]

I'm planning a splitter build this spring with parts from a 24 ton Brave splitter that I currently use. Question is, what style of splitter ? Vertical or horizontal?
I'm 44 years still strong but getting smarter about taking care of myself. I really like the Eastonmade Axis vertical style splitter.

It will have a conveyor, log lift and a 24 ton 4.5 x 1 3/4 cylinder that is currently on the brave splitter. I am aware that I will need to upgrade to at leas a 16 gpm pump for faster cycle times as well as a larger engine. The log lift will not be a problem for me to build but I will need opinions on the conveyor.

 

[cantoo]

Check out woodchuck canuck's new one. This will be the next one I build. Already have the vertical splitter that will be mounted to it.

 

[Operator]

That's a nice splitter.

 

[Ol' Brian]

I've been thinking about doing the same thing. If I ever start cutting metal, it will be a vertical splitter along the lines of the Eastonmade Axis. The only problem is, I used to love cutting metal and welding, and now I'd rather be splitting, LOL. Sometimes it's easier to write the check. We'll see...

 

[sean donato]

Hydraulic 4 or 6 way wedge, horrizontal beam with log lift. Not into those vertical splitters and don't see much of any advantage to the vertical splitters.

 

[Operator]

Would the 4.5" cylinder handle a 4 way? I'm trying to convince myself to purchase a 5" but the Brave splitter has one, so that would save me a few hundred. The 4 or 6 way would be great, something to consider.

 

[sean donato]

Would the 4.5" cylinder handle a 4 way? I'm trying to convince myself to purchase a 5" but the Brave splitter has one, so that would save me a few hundred. The 4 or 6 way would be great, something to consider.

This last splitter I built has a 5" cylinder on it. No issues with a 4 way wedge, I made it bolt on and only gave it a little adjustment up amd down,only about 6 inches of total travel. 6 bolts to take oit to move it up and down. Works great for a similar run of logs, but us a pain to adjust. I screwed that up thinking it was a good idea. next one will be hydraulically adjustable.

 

[Ted Jenkins]

I'm planning a splitter build this spring with parts from a 24 ton Brave splitter that I currently use. Question is, what style of splitter ? Vertical or horizontal?
I'm 44 years still strong but getting smarter about taking care of myself. I really like the Eastonmade Axis vertical style splitter.

It will have a conveyor, log lift and a 24 ton 4.5 x 1 3/4 cylinder that is currently on the brave splitter. I am aware that I will need to upgrade to at leas a 16 gpm pump for faster cycle times as well as a larger engine. The log lift will not be a problem for me to build but I will need opinions on the conveyor.

A couple things you did not mention was your hydraulics and your ram capacity. I have welded fittings on hydraulic rams to suit my needs but it does not always work well. If part of your system is chrome plated then of course that can be a concern, If a OP increases speed then the system needs to be larger, Hoses valves and fittings. I have built and modified many splitters for my needs. At the moment I have plans ASAP to build some thing that will meet my needs better.

I have experimented with log lifts only to discover they are a compete waste of time. I found log lifts to be dangerous and impractical. When a very easy solution to placing a large round of wood on a splitter is available it seems ridiculous to mess with a log lift. In my operation it is essential that my system be mobile and not too clumsy. My set up utilizes a winch that is mounted and not electric. To place a large round of wood on my splitter I just wrap a couple of wraps of cable around it and push a button on my remote control causing the round to roll up on the splitter and done. Thanks

 

[sean donato]

A couple things you did not mention was your hydraulics and your ram capacity. I have welded fittings on hydraulic rams to suit my needs but it does not always work well. If part of your system is chrome plated then of course that can be a concern, If a OP increases speed then the system needs to be larger, Hoses valves and fittings. I have built and modified many splitters for my needs. At the moment I have plans ASAP to build some thing that will meet my needs better.

I have experimented with log lifts only to discover they are a compete waste of time. I found log lifts to be dangerous and impractical. When a very easy solution to placing a large round of wood on a splitter is available it seems ridiculous to mess with a log lift. In my operation it is essential that my system be mobile and not too clumsy. My set up utilizes a winch that is mounted and not electric. To place a large round of wood on my splitter I just wrap a couple of wraps of cable around it and push a button on my remote control causing the round to roll up on the splitter and done. Thanks

Glad we're all intitled to opinions, I wouldn't do without my log lift. Which I have yet to find dangerous or impractical and doubles as a work table when it's up.

 

[kyle1!]

After watching that video I feel like I would not have any fingers left after a long splitting sessions. That is so nicely built though.

And I would put the firewood racks on 3 to 4 pallets so I didn't have to bend over to stack.

 

[cantoo]

I built this splitter a few years ago. It's a 4" x 36" stroke cylinder with 4 way adjustable wedge. The push plate is 12" tall. The last picture is my roller conveyor staging table. I will use my loader to load rounds onto it to feed the splitter. I split 32" long rounds for my OWB. I have several other splitters but when I have the parts gathered and have time I plan to build the vertical splitter anyway. I have a processor too but one can never have too many toys.

 

[cantoo]

kyle1, that was the first time ever operating that splitter so hand placement is a little bit off. It also wasn't a speed run just a nice video of using the new machine. I'm sure if Jim did another video now after both of them operating it for awhile things would be much better. When I first built my splitter I'm sure I was shaky too. Now even with the auto cycle on it seems like I'm always waiting on the cylinder.
A picture of another one of my splitters. Speeco splitter changed to wedge on the foot. Thats a 36" maple round on it.

 

[rancher2]

Glad we're all intitled to opinions, I wouldn't do without my log lift. Which I have yet to find dangerous or impractical and doubles as a work table when it's up.

I couldn't agree more with this statement. Years ago I had a splitter with a hyd crane on it to lift the big rounds up. It work fine and was better than lifting them up by hand or getting on and off of the tractor to use it and the loader. Too slow. Sold the splitter. The splitter I use the most is a little over waist high more like chest high with a log lift. The lift also serves as a staging area when doing smaller rounds. I wouldn't be without my log lift either

 

[turnkey4099]

Hydraulic 4 or 6 way wedge, horrizontal beam with log lift. Not into those vertical splitters and don't see much of any advantage to the vertical splitters.

Same here. horizontal is much kinder to one's back. I only go vertical for big rounds and then only to cut them down to a size I can lift.

 

[Operator]

I appreciate all the opinions. Cantoo, the horizontal splitter looks like a well built machine. I will start a build thread the first of couple weeks of March after I gather materials.

 

[cantoo]

Operator, I'm not sure how much I have invested in it anymore but I'm betting it's over $5000. Hoses, connectors and valves add up real quick. Auto cycle valve alone was $500. Chinese engine and pump were cheaper but still. I think I have around 25 or 30 gallons of oil in it. And a ton of time.
Here is more pictures of my Speeco that I converted to wedge on foot end. I have split a lot of wood with it and it was only $1600 brand new. Bonus pic of my little used log cutter roller conveyor.

 

[Operator]

The only new parts that I will need to buy is the pump, motor, auto return valve, and some hoses. I have all material for the trailer portion including brand new tires, all the frame materials including 1" thick materials. I am hoping that I will not have over 2 grand total in the project. I like the roller conveyor, that is way better for the back!

 

[rancher2]

Operator The main piece of advice I would give on this build is since you are going to buy a bigger pump and engine. Bump it up and go with a 28 GPM two stage pump and engine. My main go to splitter I am running a 28 GPM two stage pump with a 16 HP Van guard engine and a four inch cylinder. You can't beat the speed of that combo. You never hear any one say my splitter cycles too fast.

 

[Operator]

With out a doubt that is the combination. What you said is what I needed to hear.
I didn't want to build something and not get great performance. Thank you

 

[sean donato]

I never have to wait for my splitter. 5" cylinder and 16gpm pump. 10gpm more would mean -12 pressure lines and 3/4"ports ports minimum.