Building a Log Splitter from Scratch

[Suz]

I expect to have to make some changes. I have seen this same wedge design work, so I'm giving it a try.

The under-carriage is nearly finished, motor mount affixed and welded.

Rolling Chassis

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With that much of the H beam hanging past the axle how is your weight at the hitch on the tongue? When I built my horizontal/vertical splitter the rig ended up pretty light on the tongue.
Also, I'd like to suggest looking at making a boom lift rather than a log lift on the side of the splitter. I run mine with a 3000# winch and we are able to pick rounds up from any position around the splitter. Whereas if you have a log lift off to the side you are restricting yourself to working off one side of the splitter, plus you still have to roll or carry the rounds to the log lift. Plus you will be adding a lot more weight hanging off the back of the splitter.

Here are a couple of pictures of my boom lift in action.

 

[rdbrumfield]

I am all for the boom lift also. I built mine with a T knife. It doesn't split the block intwo. It just takes firewood size off the bottom of the block as you work it down. the main block stays complete. Just take a couple of pushes off the bottom, rotate with the tongs and finish it off. Having the hyd or elec winch sure saves on the back and like said above, you are able to grab from either side. My unit is likely overkill for most. I built it over 25yrs ago using the pto. Have since changed it to be self contained. faster and easier on the tractor.

 

[SkunkWerX]

The weight on the tongue will be fine. I have the hydraulic tank to mount, and can slide it forward, if need be. In the picture there is plenty of tongue weight, it's an optical illusion because it looked that way to me too.

With the FEL and grapple it's no problem bringing logs to the log-lift side of the splitter. The booms and winches are great, just not for me, on this project.

 

[richmatz]

can you please post photos of your adjustable splitting head?
Do you have plans that you are working from or just designing as you go?
How come you didnt place the wedge on the ram end and not on the ibeam end?
Thanks

 

[SkunkWerX]

Here is the latest progress. Log lift is completed, 4-way is completed, running the plumbing currently.

THe wedge should be on the beam on a horizontal model if you want the wood to move past the splitter and onto a feed table, tray, or into a tractor bucket.

I do not have plans, sorry.

The 4-way is working fine, tested on on air pressure, waiting for the final hydraulic fittings.

Splitter with Log Lift and 4-way

 

[sizzami]

looks like a good light duty splitter , but you will want to brace the lift arm its too light. also your adjustable wedge is still too tight not bad all in all for a first try:thumbsup:

 

[SkunkWerX]

looks like a good light duty splitter , but you will want to brace the lift arm its too light. also your adjustable wedge is still too tight not bad all in all for a first try:thumbsup:

The "lift arm" is braced. You didn't kneel down and look underneath? :laughing:

How can you determine strength over the internet?
What thickness of steel would you think would be strong enough?

 

[sizzami]

I could be on the moon and see that 1/8 x1x1 box isnt heavy enough , I allways use 1/4 x 1 1/2 x 1/2 for mine but the main strength issue is that your cylinder stroke is too short when you raise the arm the log will be cantilevered over the cylinder end this will cause eventual breakage of the light tube .

 

[SkunkWerX]

Moving right along....


Update to anyone interested:
I finally fired it up and checked out everything.

It did have a small hydraulic leak, at a fitting, fixed that. Towed it out to the woodpile, and split some black cherry in the 20" diameter size range.
Went through about 20 logs as a "shake down" run.

Everything is working properly. Next up will be the out-feed table.

maybe some pics soon.

 

[OrangeinWis]

Moving right along....


Update to anyone interested:
I finally fired it up and checked out everything.

It did have a small hydraulic leak, at a fitting, fixed that. Towed it out to the woodpile, and split some black cherry in the 20" diameter size range.
Went through about 20 logs as a "shake down" run.

Everything is working properly. Next up will be the out-feed table.

maybe some pics soon.

Good job, you should be proud of your machine, I can see your grandchildren borrowing it from you, years down the road! My questions aren't structural, or ergonomic, but piddly little aesthetic ones (design/build, mate enginepumpvalvehosesteel WAY out of my league).
1. Did you have the adjustable wedge chromed ? It sure looks shiny!
2. Is the gray color the basecoat for Kubota orange?
3. The 11R clamped on the H beam, is it holding a mock-up of perhaps a beverage holding device?:thumbsup:
Driving down to Dallas for two weeks, I'm interested in your outfeed table, I need ideas to help me complete splitter set-up I built and posted. Indeed, please show your progress with pics. Thanks