welding project: log catcher

[s219]

Made this up for my splitter a couple weeks ago and finally got around to posting pics. They wanted $80 for the factory catcher, and I knew I could weld a better one up for a fraction of that cost.









It's interesting to weld up a design with a lot of angled cuts and parts that need to match, as it really forces you to plan things and jig things properly.

 

[vulcancowboy]

Good job. Looks like it will protect the engine too. BTW, looks like we have the same welding table.

 

[gwstang]

Looks very functional. :thumbsup:

I would skin my knuckles up pull starting with that on there. :confused2:

 

[s219]

Looks very functional. :thumbsup:

I would skin my knuckles up pull starting with that on there. :confused2:

It's a good thing the pull aims out sideways, because I didn't even think about that part! That would be just like me to overlook something important though...

 

[Porkman]

Very nice!

 

[SPYDERLK]

Made this up for my splitter a couple weeks ago and finally got around to posting pics. They wanted $80 for the factory catcher, and I knew I could weld a better one up for a fraction of that cost.

View attachment 456289

It's interesting to weld up a design with a lot of angled cuts and parts that need to match, as it really forces you to plan things and jig things properly.

Great weldment. ... You will need a couple braces angled back to the beam to ease the cantelever stress at the root, or sizable log splits flopping down will finally crack it.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Is it welded to the beam or bolted?

Do have enough access to the motor and pump?

 

[lomita]

Made this up for my splitter a couple weeks ago and finally got around to posting pics. They wanted $80 for the factory catcher, and I knew I could weld a better one up for a fraction of that cost.

View attachment 456286

View attachment 456287

View attachment 456288

View attachment 456289

It's interesting to weld up a design with a lot of angled cuts and parts that need to match, as it really forces you to plan things and jig things properly.

Looks like a "Dirty Hands" log splitter and I did the same thing (log catcher) with some scrap metal, we both saved $$$. BTW, I love my splitter it hasn't met a log it couldn't split. I wedged a 2x10 from the "I" beam frame up to the log bracket at an angle to support larger logs.

 

[s219]

Is it welded to the beam or bolted?

Do have enough access to the motor and pump?

Bolted. Was tempted to weld it in place, but would have to deal with the gas tank first to make welding safe, and the splitter already had bolt holes. Plenty of access to everything below.

 

[s219]

Great weldment. ... You will need a couple braces angled back to the beam to ease the cantelever stress at the root, or sizable log splits flopping down will finally crack it.

I may do that at some point -- or use a block of wood as mentioned above -- but so far the rigidity of the catcher and mount is more than enough for the wood I am handling. I have put a healthy amount of body weight on the catcher to test it.