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VirginiaIron

Minister of Fire
Dec 19, 2013
1,117
Central Virginia
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It seems there are various postings online about a specific log splitter. Hopefully we can compile a thread of nothing but log splitters- all types.

It does not matter if it is powered by electric, gas, foot, or arm or if you found it in the trash, purchased it, swapped something for it, rebuilding it, or made it yourself. The only thing that matters is that you are using it or you are planning on using it to split your wood supply.

Here is our homemade splitter. This splitter was made circa 1980 and is an heirloom piece. This splitter has a 28 inch capacity and was raised from the originally very low height via tires and axle. The unit was made from an 8hp Tecumseh (cast iron sleeve) engine, 12 or 16 gpm- two stage pump combo kit from the once Northern Hydraulics (now Northern Tool). Recently, we swapped out the engine to a 13/14hp Preditor from Harbor Freight, added a lift and splitter wing. The larger HP allows us to run the engine at a slower speed and now the governor regulates the rpm.


So, let's see those beautiful splitters and a description of the specifications right here!
 
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Here is mine...A Oak Series made by ALLWOOD in Milan, Michigan. A true 28 ton splitter with a hydraulic log lift and hydraulic wedge lift.It also sports a disappearing splitting wedge and a recessed push plate that allows for a complete split each time.This is all powered by a 13hp Honda.It also has heavy duty torsion axels that are meant to be run on the road..I ran it 70 mph all the way back from Michigan. I also have a 6-way wedge for it but only run it when I get into a uniform run of logs.4 of us knocked 6 cord of Ash with it in a days time.
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3G63F63H65Gf5E15Facao707d1c8992a91a51.jpg hmmm I need to update this!
Looks the same just to update with the new motor and in my yard!
 
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Old powertek splitter I bought from a rental company.
 

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I have been continually impressed with them. They are a great company, with great service.
 
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View attachment 196265 Here is mine...A Oak Series made by ALLWOOD in Milan, Michigan. A true 28 ton splitter with a hydraulic log lift and hydraulic wedge lift.It also sports a disappearing splitting wedge and a recessed push plate that allows for a complete split each time.This is all powered by a 13hp Honda.It also has heavy duty torsion axels that are meant to be run on the road..I ran it 70 mph all the way back from Michigan. I also have a 6-way wedge for it but only run it when I get into a uniform run of logs.4 of us knocked 6 cord of Ash with it in a days time.View attachment 196263View attachment 196264

Eye candy! Six cords, I am impressed. I like the idea of the hydraulically adjustable wedges.
 
Eye candy! Six cords, I am impressed. I like the idea of the hydraulically adjustable wedges.
My son and I had dragged the ash logs out and cut them up and had the rounds strung out in a rough line prior to bringing in the splitter. We split it all with the 6-way...makes quick work of it...it was a loooong day..:)the adjustable wedge allows you to adjust on the fly...a sweet feature.
 
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My son and I had dragged the ash logs out and cut them up and had the rounds strung out in a rough line prior to bringing in the splitter. We split it all with the 6-way...makes quick work of it...it was a loooong day..:)the adjustable wedge allows you to adjust on the fly...a sweet feature.

How wide is your lift platform? I am wondering if I am making mine too wide.
 
How wide is your lift platform? I am wondering if I am making mine too wide.
16 inches and I wish it was wider and had side wings to keep pieces from vibrating off and I don't care for the smooth metal platform as it allows the wood to slide to easy and vibrate off. I will be correcting this with heavy wire mesh and wings. This will allow you to stage a lot of wood to be split. This is really beneficial when you are splitting by yourself.
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16 inches and I wish it was wider and had side wings to keep pieces from vibrating off and I don't care for the smooth metal platform as it wallows the wood to slide to easy and vibrate off. I will be correcting this.
I was going to turn my angle up for that purpose, but thought it would get in the way of the splitting logs. I planned on diamond-plate but thought your smooth deck would be beneficial- back to diamond plate I guess.
 
I was going to turn my angle up for that purpose, but thought it would get in the way of the splitting logs. I planned on diamond-plate but thought your smooth deck would be beneficial- back to diamond plate I guess.
You will be fine turning the angle iron up as it would act as side wings. I am going to to try the side wings before I do anything else.I just saw where you already had it welded up...some flat stock would work to make those wings.
 
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You will be fine turning the angle iron up as it would act as side wings. I am going to to try the side wings before I do anything else.

I will use flat stock since it is a little late to modify at this point.
 
I will use flat stock since it is a little late to modify at this point.
Thats what I am going to do with mine as well...here is a pic of the recessed push plate.This allows you to set your split closer than you normally can and allows a complete split of the piece.

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I'll have to incorporate some of the newer features on mine.
 
OK
Here are some updated pics of my splitter!
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New engine that I installed to replace the one I toasted!
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Does it operate any better with the new engine? I think I'm going to put a worktable on my splitter similar to your table.
 
Does it operate any better with the new engine? I think I'm going to put a worktable on my splitter similar to your table.

Works the same, as it's a direct replacement!
However it is a better built engine, a metal fuel tank even ...not plastic!
 
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Here is my little 5 ton electric splitter.
Got it on CL for $65 bucks.:cool:
Needed some TlC but I was able to get it working.
For it's size it works very well, splits most of the rounds I have.
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