Scratch build log splitter, beginnings and suggestions!

[WeldrDave]

Ask away - I have a few splitter builds under my belt.​

Thanks Jags, Yes it's a 5hp, 3/4 straight shaft. I looked at the husky at TSC, they had the exact motor on the 22 and the 27 ton spillters. I initially looked at an older 7hp honda, it ran,looked pretty rough, and the guy wanted $150 so I passed. With what I have, what would be your suggestions please Thanks!

 

[Jags]

With what I have, what would be your suggestions please Thanks!

You are limited to a 11gpm pump with that engine. 11 gmp on a 3.5" cylinder will be okay. On a 4" it will be slow (probably around 18 sec cycle time).

 

[WeldrDave]

You going to add a tray to the sides or maybe one side?​

I'm kicking that around swagler I've had three back ops in the past and thats why I'm doing this project, I can't take the hand splitting much more, although I enjoy the exercise it gives me.

 

[WeldrDave]

You are limited to a 11gpm pump with that engine. 11 gmp on a 3.5" cylinder will be okay. On a 4" it will be slow (probably around 18 sec cycle time).​

Thanks! I'll start doing the search on parts!, Thanks also for the heads up on the wedge wings, I did think of that, they are only 3/16", If I crush them I'm just gonna burn them off.... I thought it may have been a good idea, but after I welded them on, I thought it was "really" not needed.

 

[WeldrDave]

Curious what the plans are for a hydraulic tank?​

Oh, If I can find one, I may do a stainless Beer keg

 

[Jags]

I did think of that, they are only 3/16"

I saw that, hence the suggestion. Even a hunk of bar stock welded in the middle of the spread would help a whole bunch. I like my wedge - it is very efficient at splitting open the tough ones.

 

[BobUrban]

If you have any more of that plate you made your wedge from you could cut it on a bias and build your wedge wings from that. They would lay up nice and allow for a 100% pass on the back side and bottom. Could also add some support up top to finish?? Just an idea. I really like the way they help with tough splits and also pop the easy ones quicker so you do not need to go full stroke.

Scotty - I have not been forging much this summer. Busy with my day job and building a dual axle trailer for wood and ORV hauling. All the steel work is done but it needs sand blast, paint and deck before I take pics.

 

[WeldrDave]

Even a hunk of bar stock welded in the middle of the spread​

Good point, I'll see what I have laying around..... I could fill it with lead, also sweet splitter Jags!!

 

[Jags]

also sweet splitter Jags!!

Thanks. It was designed for dealing with the big stuff. All but unstoppable and I don't have to worry how I put the log in or read the grain. Set it on the beam and pull the handle.

 

[WeldrDave]

Jags, I found a few places on the web dealing with splitter parts and pumps, etc..... do you have a preferance or favorite to deal with?

 

[Jags]

Northern tool is a good one stop shop. There are also several hydraulic warehouse type places. Shop around but at the end of the day Northern will probably be within a couple of bean pods of the rest.

 

[WeldrDave]

Northern tool is a good one stop shop.​

Yea, I figured as much, I didn't know if there was a super secret place only loggers and arborists go!
I'm just a home owner, I was cringing at the thought of spending $1500 + for a splitter. But then I thought of the month's I layed in pain with my back "SCREWED" up, hence this project

 

[Jags]

Fleebay is also a good spot to look for pumps and valves. Good prices, just watch shipping.

 

[WeldrDave]

Nice splitter! You going to add a tray to the sides or maybe one side? That's a nice feature for splitting on a horizontal splitter.

Swagler, I was scrounging around today at work, got thinking of bending over 1000 times in a hour or two, so I think were gonna see a catch tray, and possibly Jags style lift mechanisum It'll look like something from a transformer movie