I am guessing that I will be splitting wood next weekend with it. We will see what the schedule looks like.
One of the reasons for this thread (besides the obvious need for praise :lol: ) was to show people that this can be done and on a budget. I have seen many posts, both here and the other site (AS) telling people that they will have just as much cash in a homebuilt as they would if they went and bought one. Baaaa. Even my big boy splitter came in at under $600 and that sucker is comparable to any $2000+ machine out there (hydro type).
Used hydro cylinders are aplenty.
Motors are all over the place in the form of used/retired/broke mowers, rototillers, power washers, generators, etc.
Some things are not so easy. Beams, control valves , hoses, pump are the typical purchase items. I have $100 into the beam, $107 into the pump and I had a control valve (a brand new one can be had from fleebay for about $60.) and some hoses. I bought one half of the lovejoy (had the other on hand) and the spider for the lovejoy - less than $20. And $34 in a 5 gallon bucket of hydro fluid. $261 bucks so far and the only thing I MIGHT have to buy from here on out is a hose or two if I don't have a match.
I used what I had/have. Does the axle and uprights need to be 4" channel - no, they could just as easily been made out of pipe. Scrap pipe is EVERYWHERE. If your not afraid to ask or look, steel drop offs can be had for scrap price in many shops around the country. Get your network going. It took me a little time to source everything, but I was in no great hurry. Once all the pieces are in order it just takes some shop time to stick it together.
Tools used to get this done were:
Welder
Torch
Die grinder
Angle head grinder
Hand tools.
Metal chop saw.
Nothing exotic in the mix. If you don't have those tools - get them. :lol: Joking aside, if you can get your welding or torch work laid out so that you could have a small batch job for a shop (or friend), it will turn out pretty darn cheap.
Its a fun project (for me, anyhow) and I end up with a useful tool. The value of the machine outweighs the cost, so that is win/win.