How fast is too fast?

[Isaac Carlson]

I have been thinking of putting quick connect fittings on my splitter. This would allow me to switch between the 4 inch and a 2.5 inch cylinder for faster cycle times in the easy stuff. The cycle time on the 4 inch is roughly 7 seconds out and 5.5 back. The times on the smaller cylinder would be roughly 3 seconds out and 2 back. I know that is fast, but nowhere near as fast as those mechanical rack and pinion splitters.

The total time for the 4 inch is roughly 13 seconds
The total time for the 2.5 inch is about 5 seconds

This means the smaller cylinder would be almost 3 times faster. I would have to get some quick fittings and the cylinder, but that would be it. If I ever did get a 16 gpm pump, the max return flow would be about 21 gpm and the cycle times would drop to 2 seconds out and 1.5 seconds back for the small cylinder. With my new tank and the oil running cooler, do you think this would generate too much heat?

 

[jb6l6gc]

only one way to find out

 

[Longstreet]

I'll be very interested in this answer as well. Also, does anyone know how to convert cylinder size and PSI into tonnage? My splitter has a 5 inch cylinder, 24 inch stroke, and 16 gmp pump. I have no idea how that adds up. I know what the manufacturer claims but I'm sure it's a lie.

 

[Isaac Carlson]

Tonnage is surface area and psi. If your cylinder is 5 inches, then you have to multiply 2.5x2.5x3.14 to get area, which is 19.625". That gets multiplied by your psi, we will call it 2500 psi. 2500x19.625 is 49,062 lbs or just shy of 25 tons. If you set it at 3,000 psi you would have around 30 tons. At 3500 psi it would be close to 35 tons. 15-20 tons is enough to split any log if the wedge is sharp. A blunt wedge will require more tonnage and will put more stress on the splitter. I use a very sharp wedge and run about 15 tons. This will split anything and will split it sideways if I let it.

 

[legrandice]

WOW, what a great idea! The majority of the wood I split would benefit from faster cycle times. Then I can save the tough stuff and switch out the cylinder. I will be paying attention to this one...

 

[BrotherBart]

I like things that can cut off my fingers to move slow.

 

[Ashful]

A 5 second cycle time ain't that fast, Bart. The splitter I used to rent had a 5 - 6 second cycle time, and the difference that made in my weekend wood processing was noticeable, over the 11 second splitter I own. I like this idea so much, I may steal it for my own splitter.

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

I don't think you'll find it's worth the effort. Raw cycle time is WAAAY overrated. Your own efficiency makes a much bigger difference in actual productivity. For example, if you have a horizontal splitter, and no log catcher, you'll gain FAR more improvement from making a log catcher than any increase in cycle time will provide.

Not only will you have the expense of the parts, you'll have the additional labor every time you want to switch over, and you'll have the additional labor of making sure you sort your wood before you split it. I think you'll wind up with LESS actual productivity.

My splitter has a 5 inch cylinder, 24 inch stroke, and 16 gmp pump. I have no idea how that adds up. I know what the manufacturer claims but I'm sure it's a lie.

Most do lie, but not in a way you could prove in court. They rate the splitter at what it would be if you ran maximum allowable pressure, but it's never actually running that pressure. I checked this out extensively some years back, and found that most rate their tonnage at 3500 PSI, but actually run at 2500. One exception that I know of is Speeco (they build for Tractor Supply). They rate and actually run at 3500, so my 35 ton splitter really is a 35 ton splitter.

I believe it, too, because managed to bend the foot plate on an old, really hard oak. It was replaced under warranty.

 

[kennyp2339]

I try to get into a groove, then I start stopping the wedge early so it doesn't go back into the cradle, its easier to go in horizontal mode.

 

[Isaac Carlson]

I think it will work. Remember that I have a very sharp wedge, like a thin axe head. This reduces the required tonnage by at least half. I have split everything I have ever put on the splitter with only 15 tons. Most of the wood takes less than 1,000 psi and a good portion of it takes less than 500 psi. The smaller cylinder gives me 2.5 tons at 1,000 psi and would give me 6 tons at 2600 psi. A tougher piece would flip the pump into low gear, but only for a second or two and then it would be right back to 11 gpm, which would still save me time. I can keep a stacker busy full time with the 4 inch cylinder, but I don't mind splitting faster than my stacker can stack. When the wood is split, we can both stack and it will save even more time. I also have a 34 inch table on my splitter.