Woodsplitter build #2

Scooby074 · Dec 9, 2011

Wedge looks good. Like the bevel.

I like the powerpack idea. Could be used to run various items when the splitter isnt needed.

6sunset6 · Dec 9, 2011

Yes the dual use is always in the back of my mind. The only real issue is the dual stage pump. It might not work for something else. Would work great for a press though.

6sunset6 · Dec 13, 2011

Slow going. Waiting for plumbing fittings, waiting for the big cylinder. Mean time I do not use a cad program. I used to use Autocad but with so many upgrades to new operating systems my Autocad became non compatible. I don't use it enough to pay for one. I tried google sketch bit can't make it do what I want.
Tried Doublecad ,free, but not comfortable with that either. So pencil and paper and some old tricks like cardboard and pivot points. See picture,
Log lift. Since the controls are on the same side as the lifter and I have to stand on the lifter to move a log I need to make the lifter vertical , That meant the motion has to be 90d. I was trying to package the cylinder into a short space under the beam but it won't work. A 4 inch stroke is 14.24 inches long.
It is going to stick down Oh Well
Did not get to welding yet but have the rod. Soon Actually I think I am waiting for the big cylinder just in case something has to move

J_J · Dec 13, 2011

6sunset6,

About where to mount the filter, I would put the filter in a 10 in extension on the side of the tank.

Install a nipple in the tank return port, then 90 elbow, then 10 in vertical pipe, then 90 elbow, a short nipple will connects filter out port on the filter housing. Connect the filter input side whatever way you want. Now, when you remove the filter housing there will be no loss of fluid.

The filter housing should be equal to the top of the tank.

6sunset6 · Dec 13, 2011

Thats the plan. Might not be quite that high but close. Waiting for DHH to ship.

6sunset6 · Dec 18, 2011

3 shipments due next week Plumbing on Monday, big cylinder on Tues and the lifter cyl and some hoses on Thurs. It's a good thing I tack stuff. I wanted to maintain clearance for a 24" cylinder in case I sold the thing to a purist. I forgot when I was tacking the valve platform. I only had 23 1/2 inches clear. I was going to leave it but then I realized the platform also got in the way of the mag drill I need to use to drill 12 holes for the cylinder anchor. So off it came.
I also cut and tacked the log lifter. What a disaster that turned into. Pivot point is wrong as well as some other stuff. More grinding out tack I think. I quit after a couple of hours today. Too cold and since it is Sunday I started too late to heat up the shop. I will get some pictures tomorrow.

6sunset6 · Dec 19, 2011

Got some work done today 2 steps forward 1 step back.
Need a longer nipple for the return filter picture 1 Fittings were structured different at the beginning and then I had to raise the whole thing.
Ram cylinder came , it fit and I drilled the holes to bolt down the anchor , plus 4 extra holes so if someone wants to install a 24" cylinder it can be done.
Then the valve mounting plate hit the cylinder fittings at the original height. Right now I raised the valve mounting plate to clear the fittings on the cylinder. I would have to extend legs 2 inches but I don't have enough material. I could patch something up but I am not sure I like the valve handles that high. Have to stare at it for a while. Getting closer to major welding.

Scooby074 · Dec 19, 2011

6sunset6 said:
Got some work done today 2 steps forward 1 step back.
Need a longer nipple for the return filter picture 1 Fittings were structured different at the beginning and then I had to raise the whole thing.
Ram cylinder came , it fit and I drilled the holes to bolt down the anchor , plus 4 extra holes so if someone wants to install a 24" cylinder it can be done.
Then the valve mounting plate hit the cylinder fittings at the original height. Right now I raised the valve mounting plate to clear the fittings on the cylinder. I would have to extend legs 2 inches but I don't have enough material. I could patch something up but I am not sure I like the valve handles that high. Have to stare at it for a while. Getting closer to major welding.

Love the mag drill. They sure make life easier. Good idea adding the extra holes.

I had the same issue with the valves hitting the head end port of the cylinder. I didnt want to go up higher, so i moved the valve mount back about 3" towards the rear. I should have moved it 6" because i ended up with some funky plumbing. Not the neatest but it works.

6sunset6 · Dec 19, 2011

Jason, Where did you get that tank with the immersion return filter. I looked for one like that but only found Donaldson and would have had to modify the tank.
It looks like you have the same splitter valve I have automatic. How do you like it?
I guess I will look at stepping the valves out like you did , mine are 90 d ccw from yours. I could raise it higher and turn the handles down. Have to look at that as well. I think I am going to have to buy some 3/4 x 1 1/2 x 1/8 wall tubing. Bummer but it looks really good.
Forgot to mention the bolts holding down both the wedge and the cylinder anchor are all grade 9 , as are the nuts on the anchor. Allowed me to go from 12 bolts to 8 bolts for some imaginary calculated load. Bolts on the sled are grade 8, but that moves.

Scooby074 · Dec 19, 2011

6sunset6 said:
Jason, Where did you get that tank with the immersion return filter. I looked for one like that but only found Donaldson and would have had to modify the tank.
It looks like you have the same splitter valve I have automatic. How do you like it?
I guess I will look at stepping the valves out like you did , mine are 90 d ccw from yours. I could raise it higher and turn the handles down. Have to look at that as well. I think I am going to have to buy some 3/4 x 1 1/2 x 1/8 wall tubing. Bummer but it looks really good.
Forgot to mention the bolts holding down both the wedge and the cylinder anchor are all grade 9 , as are the nuts on the anchor. Allowed me to go from 12 bolts to 8 bolts for some imaginary calculated load. Bolts on the sled are grade 8, but that moves.

Bob, The tank cane from Princess Auto. Its one of their PAL hydraulics line. Its their "Industrial line". Made in Canada.

The hardware came installed, but i believe the housing should be available at a decent hydraulics supply house. you'll have to cut the top to give a place for the filter to go, and weld on (or bolt) the housing mount to the tank. The part you see in the pic bolts to the housing mount thats welded to the tank on my one, the same effect could be achieved by nuts and bolts or tapping the metal of the tank if its thick enough . There is a door bolted on top of that part that allows you to change the filter without removing your return line.

An intank filter like a Donaldson FIK or TI25 is what you want, as you mentioned, there is no way to install it without modifying the tank. One good thing is, the filter is above the oil level so it shouldnt leak easily.

Low Pressure Filters Overview

My Tank.

15 Gallon Reservoir with In-Tank Filter and Baffle | Princess Auto

I love my autovalve. Its great, dont think id change it for anything. Really speeds things up and allow you to keep hands free for loading or piling wood during the cycle. Only thing id do different would be to get the valve that was PB capable. It makes plumbing easier.

My valves are on the opposite side of the lift. This is the "work" side. You might look at offsetting the valve location to one side for clearance. My valves are about breast height. This works for me.