Wood Splitter Pic's (98% done)

[michigander]

Here's the pic's I promised of almost completed splitter. Thanks to all who gave me "Tips". I built the "woodcatcher table" with tips from Mike Van. I cut some angle iron and welded onto push plate. I put all the hoses on and fired it up for first time the other day. Was great to see it move for first time. I had a little problem with a small leak by my drain plug. Had to drain hydraulic fluid out and flip over to repair. I'm glad I put that shutoff valve on suction line. I want to put a lift on this, but more than likely not until next winter. I need to put this to work. Will paint when it gets warmer. Again thanks for all the help! If I ever build another one, it will be much easier. This was my first one.

 

[czar800]

Looks good, Very nice build.

 

[woodchop]

That is a good idea on the wood catcher table. I might have to build one myself.

 

[tanker]

as much as I hate to,I've got to agree with blackdoggy from a previous post and say that you probably should brace that push plate on each side of the cylinder.I would hate to see you break or bend it and wipe out the ram on your splitter. The grate on the end is a real good design and your splitter looks real good.Nothing like the feeling of using something that you have built knowing that you can't buy as good as you would do it yourself.Good luck with it

 

[michigander]

Tanker, Could you explain about bracing the push plate! Let me see if I can find another pic to show it better.

The push plate is made out of 1'' thick steel, including the brace across the top. The slider plate on the bottom is 1/2, as is the spacer that is in the middle between the bolts.

 

[tanker]

get some metal preferably the thickness of the metal on your push plate,make a triangle to match the height and the length of the bottom(part that rides on the I beam) 1 for each side,put them behind your holdown bolts(so you can remove holdown bolts if needed) and weld them to pushplate.this will keep the top of your pushplate from bending backward if you happen to get a pc of wood that is not cut square .generally most firewood is not square or is cut at a little bit of an angle I guess that I went the long scenic route to tell you that the braces will ensure that your plate stays 90 degrees to the bottom peice

 

[cabinman]

Pics

Tanker, Could you explain about bracing the push plate! Let me see if I can find another pic to show it better.

The push plate is made out of 1'' thick steel, including the brace across the top. The slider plate on the bottom is 1/2, as is the spacer that is in the middle between the bolts.

Hi Neighbor,..If you wood post some close up pics of your pusher shoe, Top view,side,and diagonal, most important a rear view, showing the distance between the cylinder end and the bolt pattern, several different pics,and angles, you will get lots of feed back, on bracing,..E,J,

 

[michigander]

Cabinman, I will take some pic's tomorrow. And post them later that night. Thanks!

 

[turnkey4099]

Yes, bracing is mandatory! I learned that the hard way. My pusher is 1/2" plate, originally braced with two 1/2" x 2" FB stock at an angle. Bent the pee out of of both them and the plate. Fixed now after a trip to a welding shop. Should have gone with my original plan which was triangles out of 1/2" stock with a big hole cut in both for access to the cylinder pin.

Harry K

 

[Blazin]

Great job! The table came out great too!

 

[kellog]

Nice looking splitter. Love the clean, neat design and fabrication. The catch table is slick. A coat of paint and it will look better than any on the market. Hats off to you.

By the way I think I have the same arc welder you have.

 

[stonestacker]

Good looking machine!

 

[michigander]

Here's the Pusher plate pic's

Here are the pic's of the pusher plate. Do you think I still need to brace it up? I usually over engineer things! I didn't think it would bend, but will take your advice.

 

[daemon2525]

Wow, I'm putting my money on it NOT bending!!!

/not an expert

 

[gtstang462002]

The weak link on this machine is probably going to be the beam itself and that probably won't give you any trouble anyhow. Good looking machine you built there...

 

[michigander]

The beam on this is a 8x10 with a 1/2 inch top and bottom. The welding shop said it is a 45 lb. per foot of beam

 

[user 19670]

Do you think I still need to brace it up? I usually over engineer things! I didn't think it would bend, but will take your advice.

WOW! I spent 34 years as a Millwright and I sure appreciate the over-engineering. We had lots of raw materials and tended to over-engineer everything.
Quality work you have there.
Would you adopt me so I can be in your will? I only want the splitter LOL :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[cabinman]

Heavy Duty

Thats a Bad ass splitter your building there,..Ive seen timberwolf tw5 pusher shoes bent,. I think they are 3/4 with webing, Id brace it If it were my build, I wood use a 1x2 bar from the top of the pusher to the rear of the shoe, Nice work you are doing there, E,J,

 

[Blazin]

Ha! Nice a man after my own heart! Your pusher taint gonna bend!!!

 

[pacman]

Very very nice looking splitter !

How does it split ?

Im not an expert but the wedge looks like you might have to add some kicker to the back side . Then again it might be ok . It looks like you have a very strong machine . Nice job !!!