Bizarre log splitter idea

[oldboyscout]

Great info everyone.
Im less concerned about speed cuz i would use this for bigger rounds only. The usual rounds ill split by hand. Looking at a 3x8 cylinder plus hoses probably total 200$. I dont think id get a 3 point so id be looking at 1000 for the huskee or yard machine. Im on tsc mailing list but have never seen a coupon

 

[LD1]

Great info everyone.
Im less concerned about speed cuz i would use this for bigger rounds only. The usual rounds ill split by hand. Looking at a 3x8 cylinder plus hoses probably total 200$. I dont think id get a 3 point so id be looking at 1000 for the huskee or yard machine. Im on tsc mailing list but have never seen a coupon

Just my opinion only,

But I think you are going to be utterly dissapointed with a 3"x8" cylinder.

Not enough tonnage or stroke length. I think it is going to be a wasted $200

 

[oldboyscout]

<But I think you are going to be utterly dissapointed with a 3"x8" cylinder.>

I have the feeling you're right.

Maybe i'll "upgrade" the idea.

If I spend the same money on a 3x18 cylinder, use some other steel I have for a beam, and run it off the curl control the same way......


I can always improve it later when I have money.

 

[J_J]

A 3 in cyl with 1.5 shaft, at 2500 psi will only produce about 17,671 lbs or about 8.8 tons of force.

 

[oldboyscout]

Gee Wiz, that's all, 8.8 tons? How do any of the 3 pth splitters like the Powerhorse work?

 

[J_J]

Using 3000 psi on the 3 in cyl will bring the force up to 10.5 ton.

Powerhorse Dual-Split Log Splitter &#151; 13 Ton, 208cc, 3000 PSI | Log Splitters | Northern Tool + Equipment

They are stretching the truth about the 13 ton.

 

[oldboyscout]

so a 4x18 cylinder will give me more useful force, but be slow. At 8.3 gpm how slow?

 

[LD1]

A 4" cylinder would give you about 16 tons:thumbsup:

And the speed wouldnt be too bad. You have to keep in mind that a store-bought unit would have a 2-stage pump. Usually something like 16GPM @ 650PSI and 4 GPM @ max PSI. And they rate the cycle times NO load, or on the 16GPM stage.

As soon as the wedge meets a little resistance, it drops down to the 4GMP, which is really slow.

Whereas you will maintain a faster speed while splitting.

So look at it this way, while the wedge is in the wood, you will be about twice as fast as a commercial splitter. But while NOT in the wood, you will only be half the speed.

A 4x18 cylinder (assuming a 1-1/2" rod) your speeds would be 7.2sec extend and 6 sec retract. That is a 13.2 second cycle time. Store units are about 15-16 seconds, but using a longer 24" cylinder also.

Here is a good website for the calculators if you want to play around

Baum Hydraulics Corp :: Spec Calculator

 

[oldboyscout]

Cool thats not bad at all! Looks like all i need is:
4x18 cylinder
3'x1/4 hose
5xx1/4 hose
2 male quick fittings
Something to use for a wedge

 

[oldboyscout]

I guess i should go with longer hoses so i can tow or put on the 3 pth