am I missing something here?

[mikehaugen]

there is a guy selling these "log splitters" on craigslist...

Log Splitter

How are these supposed to split a log?

[CliffordK]

Oh
they work well...
All you have to do is add one or two additional parts.

An engine.
A hydraulic pump
A ram.
A few hoses.

Other than that, they're mostly complete.

[mikehaugen]

but the parts are welded solid... nothing moves!

[davedj1]

They were the ones built on friday afternoon, the assembly team didn't quite grasp the concept! LOL Maybe they were lawn art?

[CliffordK]

The blade is often fixed on the log splitters.
You would need something to connect your ram to.

And, assuing you're splitting about a 16" piece of wood, you would need about a 16" ram, plus a few inches for the ends. So, one would need the bed to be at least 3' long, perhaps a bit more.

The I-Beam would make a good guide for the ram.

Perhaps these were working machines that were stripped, but more than likely, an unfinished homebuilt project with some serious design flaws.

The steel is probably worth at least $50 for the pair. But, unless you already have the parts, or are planning to use tractor hydraulics, the build will be expensive.

[vtsnowedin]

Designed by our friends at OSHA so that there is no way to pinch your fingers between the foot and the wedge.

[murphy1244]

Designed by our friends at OSHA so that there is no way to pinch your fingers between the foot and the wedge.

[Sfrankland]

I have seen one like this before. You use a bottle jack to split your wood. Very slow process if you have more than 4-5 pieces to split.

[6011Artist]

I'm with you Mike, I seem to be missing something too. It looks to be well used after painted but how it was used is beyond you n me I guess.

[CliffordK]

I have seen one like this before. You use a bottle jack to split your wood. Very slow process if you have more than 4-5 pieces to split.

That would work. A bit clumsy. Better have an air powered hydraulic bottle jack with spring return.

Otherwise, I would wonder if an axe and a maul would be less work. Perhaps give the kids the bottle jack while the older people use the maul.