Electric log splitter valve

[J_J]

Is there such a thing as an electric log splitter valve that would activate the fwd stroke , complete the stroke, and auto return?

If not,

I am thinking that I can set up a set of switches to accomplish this, by using pressure switches.

 

[kennyd]

I have never seen one...

 

[BobRip]

Sounds a little dangerous. I always thought the reason you have to hold the lever down during the split stroke was to reduce the danger to the operator. Sorry I did not really answer. I wonder if you could modify the existing lever to hold it engaged until the log was split and then engage return. You could monitor the pressure and when it went down you could reverse the stroke probably after a short delay. You probably already thought about this.

 

[dynasim]

Someone around here has talked about a mechanical valve that does just that(it was in one of the discussions about build it yourself). Sorry I don't have time to look. If mechanical is available, it would seem better than electric.

Chris

edit 1
Sorry, I was wrong. The threads talked about detented returns, not auto return(though that was what it was called). Sorry. What is described ought to be available, even if it isn't, though. Good luck.

Chris

edit 2
Ok, this is my last edit. This is the valve I saw. I think the "autocycle" is as you describe.

Chris

Valves: Single Spool Valves
Prince Logsplitter Valves

LS-3000 Valves: These are the popular valves found on many factory-made logsplitters. Pressure actuated detent at “in” position releases when cylinder bottoms out.
Hard chromed spool, adjustable relief, reversible handle. Inlet & outlet 3/4” NPT.

AUTOCYCLE VALVE: Pressure actuated detents at both “in” and “out” positions. Maximum 3000 PSI, 25 GPM. All ports ¾ NPT.
This is a modified 2 spool valve which is used to automatically cycle a hydraulic cylinder (out, back, stop). With the cylinder retracted, both handles are pulled back. The cylinder extends. When it reaches full extension, the first spool will kick to neutral and the cylinder will begin retracting. When it reaches full retraction, the second spool will kick off, and the cycle is complete. To begin the next cycle, both handles are again manually pulled back.

http://www.cylinderservices.net/catalog.asp?prodid=503883

 

[J_J]

Sounds a little dangerous. I always thought the reason you have to hold the lever down during the split stroke was to reduce the danger to the operator. Sorry I did not really answer. I wonder if you could modify the existing lever to hold it engaged until the log was split and then engage return. You could monitor the pressure and when it went down you could reverse the stroke probably after a short delay. You probably already thought about this.

Bob,

A detent on each position would work, but you would still have to hit the lever to return. I haven't seen a log splitter with this function, although a rod attached to the lever could reverse it at the end of the stroke.

 

[dynasim]

Here is another source, from surplus center:

Chris


Prince Auto-Cycle
Control
Valve
ITEM 9-6587 $249.95
Brand new PRINCE. Special Auto-Cycle
valve allows operator to completely cycle
(out and back) a double acting cylinder by
only one handle movement. Ideal for log
splitter applications.
Both levers are pulled out to detent position,
cylinder extends and at end of forward
stroke one lever automatically returns to
neutral and cylinder reverses. When fully
retracted second lever returns to neutral.
(3 work ports are used, two are tied together
and then run to rod end of cylinder, third
connects to base end of cylinder).
SPECIFICATIONS
For 1 double acting cyl. Adj. relief 1500-3000 PSI
GPM 25 max. factory set at 2000 PSI
PSI 3000 max. Double press. relief detent
IN/OUT ｾ˝ NPT Size 9ｽ˝ x 7ｽ˝ x 3ｼ˝
Work ports ｾ˝ NPT Shpg. 25 lbs.

 

[Scooby074]

Here is another source, from surplus center:

Chris


Prince Auto-Cycle
Control
Valve
ITEM 9-6587 $249.95
Brand new PRINCE. Special Auto-Cycle
valve allows operator to completely cycle
(out and back) a double acting cylinder by
only one handle movement. Ideal for log
splitter applications.
Both levers are pulled out to detent position,
cylinder extends and at end of forward
stroke one lever automatically returns to
neutral and cylinder reverses. When fully
retracted second lever returns to neutral.
(3 work ports are used, two are tied together
and then run to rod end of cylinder, third
connects to base end of cylinder).
SPECIFICATIONS
For 1 double acting cyl. Adj. relief 1500-3000 PSI
GPM 25 max. factory set at 2000 PSI
PSI 3000 max. Double press. relief detent
IN/OUT ｾ˝ NPT Size 9ｽ˝ x 7ｽ˝ x 3ｼ˝
Work ports ｾ˝ NPT Shpg. 25 lbs.

Thanks for posting that. I've never seen a valve like that. Looks like it will make splitting a little more efficient. Ill keep it in mind for when i build a gas splitter (if my electric ever dies).

 

[Scotty370]

Surplus Center 'cut-sheet':

Burden Sales Surplus Center Item Detail

 

[Industrial Toys]

Old thread I know. Something I am thinking about.

The split fire sales guy told me that double detent splitters are illegal. Stupid people make life more difficult and expensive for the rest of us it seems!

Anyway . . . in splitting wood, I found the biggest waste of time is standing there holding that **** lever, watching the wood split, like some kind of zombie!

This is what I propose (for my own use):

An electric valve with suitable flow characteristics.

Weather proof, forward, STOP, and reverse pushbuttons.

Another strategically placed STOP button.

A mechanical pressure relief valve.

Possibly an adjustable hydraulic pressure switch.

Probably adjustable magnetic limit switches. One at the end of split function and an adjustable one for stopping the ram at a selected location.

I can't see how this would be terribly dangerous. For one, there is no speed involved.

I would imagine that such an arrangement would increase productivity, especially for a single person operation, beyond any other log splitter set up. Load the log, press the button, and pick up split logs to put away in the wood shed.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

the small electric splitters work that way. You hold the switch down to start the pump and get pressure to the cylinder. They have a safety setup so you have to use both hands to operate and keep them off the log. I have one and it works great though a little slow and won't spilt a knot.

Ron