Speeco 5-Ton Electric-Would you buy it for this?

[richg]

Gang,

It's on sale at tractor supply for $250 vs regular price of $300.00. I can rent a gas splitter whenever I want for $50.00 per weekend from a local tree guy, and also have a megal maul and a fiskars ss. My planned usage for the speeco was to make kindling and re-split larger pieces. Waste of money or a useful tool to have for these applications?

Thanks.

 

[graycatman]

I have the Task Force 5 ton electric splitter and find it very useful for your intended purposes: kindling and resplits. It does a decent job of splitting rounds that aren't too big or messy (knots etc.)

 

[velvetfoot]

I have a small electric splitter, and have split an amazing amount of stuff with it.
Can be moved around very easy and even use it inside, out of the weather.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Rich, as long as you rent a bigger splitter I would not go for this purchase. If you want to make kindling, you can't make it faster than you can using a hydraulic splitter. I actually find it fun to make kindling every year with the big splitter. Also, you can make kindling just using an axe once you get the hang of it.

 

[Kenster]

I would think your Fiskars would kick any splitter's butt for resplitting and making kindling. Lots faster.

 

[jmhpsu93]

I have a Ryobi 5-ton electric splitter and I LOVE it. I've split some decent size rounds with it and those I can't I just bash with the maul. It does make for a good firewood "customizer". I keep it on my porch right next to the wood pile.

 

[DanCorcoran]

The Ryobi is apparently no longer available, but is available under a different name (see photo of Ryobi at this distributor's website):

http://powrkraft.com/products.htm

 

[thinkxingu]

I hate renting, especially when I can buy something that will do 90% of what I need to.
SO: having owned an electric splitter, I'd say buy it if a gas is not in your budget now or in the future. Then you can split most of your wood and rent the splitter rarely. You'd only have to skip 5 rentals to pay for the electric. May be a good investment, not to mention that it would get rid of the whole having to arrange for, pick up, and return the rental.

S

 

[EatenByLimestone]

That little electric will do 90+% of what you want to split. I have a little electric that I picked up for around $250 and it doesn't owe me a dime.

Matt

 

[richg]

Gents,

Thanks for your replies. I have decided to refrain from purchasing the electric for a few reasons:

1. While the purchase price is $250.00, with New Jersey's lovely 7% sales tax, the total cost is $267.50
2. There are always gas splitters to be found on Craigslist....I saw the Huskee 22-ton for $800.00 the other day and it looked mint. No sales tax on a Craigslist deal.
3. I have a dang garage full of top-of-the-line power tools that I don't use. Better to sell them and generate funds for a tool I will use.
4. Buyers remorse....don't want to spend $267.00 and then think, gee, for only $500.00+- more I could have had a gas splitter.

Thanks again for your replies, and Happy Burning!

 

[TreePointer]

I agree with others who say to forget the electric and just get the <$1000 gas splitter. Have no regrets.

 

[richg]

Gang,

A line from one of my favorite songs: "Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right". Well, I'm downing beers with a buddy yesterday who is big time woodburner, as is his next door neighbor. We agreed to go in for 1/3 each for a kick-@$$ gas splitter. I drive very close to his house on the way to/from work, so pickup and drop off won't be an issue.

Problem solved!