Electric Splitters ....Might be a better Choice Right Now ...

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Dix

Dix

Minister of Fire
May 27, 2008
6,686
Long Island, NY
So, I've been saving for a 22 ton, but it's a slow process :mad:

Anyways ... mostly, what I need to split right now are the "too big's" to big to fit in the doorway of either stove, but short enough to fit if they were split again. I figure I've got 2 + cords of this stuff not split, just sitting on pallets, looking forlornly at me as I pass the buy, just saying to myself "Sorry, to big" :confused:

I know, as I purchase my split firewood mostly, that pieces of firewood like this are a norm. So hence my question (s).

Best / most recommended electric splitter?

Will it get the job done for a much more doable price @ the moment?
 
If all you're going to do is resplit large pieces, I'd say go with a generic electric splitter. I say generic, because to me, they sure all look the same, and I have one. I'd go for the cheapest you can find. On the other hand, you'd really like the 22 ton splitter that you can do anything with, and the electric splitter is what, a third or so of the cost? A case could be made that any money spent on the electric would be a waste.
 
Maybe renting a splitter would be the most effective option for you, probably $60-85. Sometimes a late saturday rental gets you an afternoon plus all day sunday with an early return on monday am for just one day's rental.
 
I'm going against the group, but I love our electric splitter. It's quieter, safer, doesn't smell bad and for our Alaskan birch and spruce it gets the job done. You can raise it to whatever height you like, so it's generally on the tail gate of the truck, no more bending over. I feel very comfortable using it to create smaller splits, not something I like to do with the big gas splitter. Check the reviews on home despot or lowes, people like them. I have lazy teenagers split much of our wood, and its a safer option. I will get them out in a work party and they get a lot done. A good friend, who had been splitting wood for 20 years just lost 2 fingers to crushing injury from a gas splitter. We may still use the 18 ton splitter, but I don't want them doing it any more. We've used teh electric (Ryobi) for 3 years averaging two cords plus a year, and it's done just fine. Cheap, easy to store, reliable, what's not to like? I also like not messing around with gasoline and do not miss the smell. Since I use conscripted labor, it really is our best option.
 
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tlingit said:
I'm going against the group, but I love our electric splitter. It's quieter, safer, doesn't smell bad and for our Alaskan birch and spruce it gets the job done. You can raise it to whatever height you like, so it's generally on the tail gate of the truck, no more bending over. I feel very comfortable using it to create smaller splits, not something I like to do with the big gas splitter. Check the reviews on home despot or lowes, people like them. I have lazy teenagers split much of our wood, and its a safer option. I will get them out in a work party and they get a lot done. A good friend, who had been splitting wood for 20 years just lost 2 fingers to crushing injury from a gas splitter. We may still use the 18 ton splitter, but I don't want them doing it any more. We've used teh electric (Ryobi) for 3 years averaging two cords plus a year, and it's done just fine. Cheap, easy to store, reliable, what's not to like? I also like not messing around with gasoline and do not miss the smell. Since I use conscripted labor, it really is our best option.
Click to expand...

+1!!

tlingit - i think you hit every point that makes me love my electric splitter. safer, quieter, no gasoline fumes, less maintenance, and it has handled most everything I have thrown at it! I have been splitting with it for 2 years now, and I am not even thinking of anything bigger! I purchased the Homelite 5Ton splitter at Home Depot and would do it again in a heartbeat!
 
I love mine because it is inside the breezeway. That going out in the rain and snow to whack those two splits to pack the load sucked big time. I'm old. I need my creature comforts. >>

Of course it didn't hurt that Craig paid for it when I fell on ice and wrecked my left shoulder.
 
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I'd say if all your doing is resplitting nice straight grain too large to fit splits then go with the electric on the other hand down the road if you want to do more, larger , knarly wood then go with the 22 ton.
My experience has been if well kept and it looks good the big splitters hold resale value.
 
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My first splitter was an electric from Lowes and it did the work just fine. I would borrow my friends 18 ton for the larger stuff. If you can wait till the end of the season I got mine for $100.00 off as they don't like to carry them over till the next year. However keep saving for the 22ton as I have not touched my electric splitter since I got mine.
 
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You can get electrics as big as the gas jobbies. And cost like them too.
 
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The smaller Powr Kraft electric 5-ton or a clone is probably OK for what you're wanting to do. From what I understand it's hit or miss for quality and longevity. Some folks love 'em, others regret buying 'em. It's all in what you expect it to do, I suppose.

As for electric over hydraulic, they've come a long way. They're essentially gas splitters OEM with an electric motor instead of an engine. I've been running a 16-ton Ramsplitter electric for years. It's given fine service and is all we've ever needed. 120-volt, runs all day on a 15-amp branch circuit.
 
Just ordered one up from HF. They are currently on sale and HF has their 20% coupon running right now.
$245 shipped to my door. Cost, shipping, tax and all.
Gonna sit it on a high counter in my Wash house (wood shed). I think the little bugger will come in handy for resizing splits.
 
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Yeah, I think it's the way to go for right now.

I could probably come up with at least 2 cords, including splitting the pile of 3 - 6" tree limbs that need to be cut to lentgh, then split. Oak & maple, mostly, there.

Okay, now that we've settled what I want for my birthday ;)
 
I'll trade you some splitting service for some seasoned wood.
 
Jags said:
Gonna sit it on a high counter in my Wash house (wood shed). I think the little bugger will come in handy for resizing splits.
Click to expand...

Be very careful if you're working at chest level. I've had many a split take off like a rocket and I'd hate to have one hit me in the chest or head. I'm always above and behind my electric 7-ton Pow'RKraft.
 
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DanCorcoran said:
Be very careful if you're working at chest level. I've had many a split take off like a rocket and I'd hate to have one hit me in the chest or head. I'm always above and behind my electric 7-ton Pow'RKraft.
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Noted. Counter is at belly button level. I really don't care to take a gut shot. I will have the ability to step to the side.
 
I've got around 2 cords of douglas fir to split, most of it is in the 28"-35" diameter range I'd estimate. Can an electric splitter tackle those? It's freshly cut wood in the last month. In the past I rented a gas splitter and that worked out well. I could buy a gas splitter, but they take up a lot of space and I'm not sure where I'd store it.
 
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Doing The Dixie Eyed Hustle said:
+ 1. They are pretty durable. (The splitters, not the covers, some times :) )
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Well, for one a gas splitter won't fit through the gate to my back yard, and two, I doubt the Mrs would go for an unsightly splitter sitting in the backyard, covered or otherwise. It already took some convincing just to allow 3 firewood racks in the back yard (I'd like a 4th and a 5th, but will save that argument for a later date). I placed those in shady areas where nothing grows anyway, so it's not taking up space that could be used for gardening.

I've been splitting a few rounds after work and on weekends with my Fiskars. But quite a few of them are just too big for an axe. I'll need a splitter or possibly a maul and wedge, which I've never used before.
 
I loved my Homelite from Home Cheapo. It did not like anything that even looked like a knotty piece, but straight pieces split without hesitation.

Kept it covered in my woodlot with an old sailboat cover previous HO left behind.
 
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