Splitter improvements

[SolarAndWood]

I did a quick and dirty repower of a splitter my FIL built last year from a 4 cyl Wisconsin to a 5 hp electric. I split 15 cord with it and think this is my long term splitting solution. However, my mounting and weather shield leave a little to be desired. I am thinking that mounting the motor and pump in a box similar to the one on the front of the dump trailer would protect from the elements, reduce noise and provide a compartment for the cord.

I am a little concerned about the heat though. This seem like a legitimate concern?

I am also thinking that holes for the hoses to run through the wall of the box are preferable to fittings?

 

[SolarAndWood]

bigger view

 

[flewism]

It could, below is the rating system for electric motors. The insulation class of your motor should be on the tag. you could vent the box and hook up a small electric 110 fan on one side and cut some small slot vents on the opposite side. Those rating are in Celsius, to convert Celsius (Centigrade) to Fahrenheit, multiply by 1.8 and add 32.
I believe it would be a good idea to permanently cover the motor if it will stay out in the elements all the time. If it stays in some kind of covered shed or even a tarp when not being used it would be OK with out the cover.

INSULATION CLASS
Insulation have been standardized and graded by their resistance to thermal aging and failure. Four insulation classes are in common use. For simplicity, they have been designated by the letters A, B, F, and H. The temperature capabilities of these classes are separated from each other by 25° C increments. The temperature capabilities of each insulation class is defined as being the maximum temperature at which the insulation can be operated to yield an average life of 20,000 hours. The rating for 20,000 hours of average insulation life is as shown below.

Insulation Class
A 105° C
B 130° C
F 155° C
H 180° C

 

[SolarAndWood]

I bet it gets to be 300 degrees in there real quick. This is my current front runner for a case. I'm thinking I'll drill a bunch of holes in the ends and then mount a fan blade on the shaft near the pump coupler.

 

[raybonz]

I did a quick and dirty repower of a splitter my FIL built last year from a 4 cyl Wisconsin to a 5 hp electric. I split 15 cord with it and think this is my long term splitting solution. However, my mounting and weather shield leave a little to be desired. I am thinking that mounting the motor and pump in a box similar to the one on the front of the dump trailer would protect from the elements, reduce noise and provide a compartment for the cord.

I am a little concerned about the heat though. This seem like a legitimate concern?

I am also thinking that holes for the hoses to run through the wall of the box are preferable to fittings?

That looks like an air over style of motor to me and I would advise that you do not enclose it.. If it were a TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled) you could get away with vents using an enclosure as these forcefully move the air and not rely on natural cooling as yours does.. TEFC is a better outdoor style of motor but yours will work if you avoid lots of dust and rain..

Ray

 

[SolarAndWood]

Thanks Ray. It is one of the free style motors off a rotted compressor. Do you think i would get away with running it with the top off the box?

 

[raybonz]

Thanks Ray. It is one of the free style motors off a rotted compressor. Do you think i would get away with running it with the top off the box?

You may be able to get away with it however if the motor isn't thermally protected I wouldn't.. You may find it's noisier running inside a metal enclosure though unless you add sound deadening foam or similar (think it may reverberate somewhat)..

Ray

 

[JustWood]

Prop the lid open when running , close when done.
My mill has lots of motors and under any kind of load in the heat of the summer they get HOT. I woodn't permanentLEE enclose it.

Nice setup. How does it work compared to the gaser?

 

[SolarAndWood]

The 5 hp electric with the 16 gpm pump is just about perfect. 4.5 inch cylinder gives decent power and cycle time with that pump. Height of the beam is good for me.

I got the Wisconsin running again after 15 years of sitting in the orchard. It seemed like a lot of motor for the job and needed some love. I always process adjacent to the shed so electric works for me and flip the switch is pretty convenient.