Electric Log Splitters?

John_Mc · Sep 22, 2005

Has anyone here used one of the electric log splitters? I specifically interested in the Omega Splitters . They advertise here on TBN. I'm looking for something a little heavier-duty than the DR Splitter. I do have access to my neighbor's 3PH splitter (homebrew from an old bulldozer hydraulic cylinder) for the really heavy jobs, but I'm thinking something lighter and quieter might be nice for more regular use.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

John Mc

beenthere · Sep 22, 2005

Feedback
I will let you know, as I just ordered one. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Looked good to me, and just what I have been looking for to re-split dry firewood, that I have on a pallet in the garage, for my 'great-room' woodstove. Usually I use a maul, but don't like doing that on the garage concrete floor, and it makes a mess. Interested in having this on the bench (or maybe the floor) and re-splitting the dry oak (white and red). I hand carry the re-split wood up stairs in a wood sling, and the smaller pieces are better for carrying and for controlling the fire.
For my primary wood boiler, I don't re-split that, but burn it in good-size chunks.

jeffinsgf · Sep 22, 2005

I have a "Fisch" electric splitter that I am quite happy with. Looks just like the smaller unit in your link. It is rated at 12 inch diameter, but I have split 18 inchers on it with little problem. Over 2 feet you have to make the first split with a maul, then do the resplits in the machine. Here's a little tip. If the cylinder hits its limit, spray the wedge with WD-40 and try it again. 8 times out of 10, it will then split. I used it inside all last winter to resplit some wood that was here at the house when we bought it. This year I parked it under a shade tree and spent a couple days working up some limbs and scrubs that I took out this spring. Now its all palletized and waiting for winter. A Werner 2 foot scaffold from Lowe's or Home Depot makes a perfect stand for these.

jim_wilson · Sep 22, 2005

My father bought a Super Split log splitter at least 20 years ago and it works great. The Super Split uses and electric motor ( you can get a gas engine as an option ) to drive a flywheel - the spinning flywheel then is engaged to a toothed shaft which pushes the log against the wedge to split the wood. Very reliable , pretty darn quiet, and the fastest log splitter I ever used. You can wear yourself out trying to keep up with it. Nothing like the hydraulic ones where you wait and wait for the ram to do it's thing.

Super Split site: Super Split web site

They are more expensive than the typical splitter with a hydraulic cylinder - but like I said - they are extremely reliable. There are a lot of firewood operations up here that use them because they are fast.

kensfarm · Sep 23, 2005

I saw that Lowes has one on sale.

beenthere · Sep 23, 2005

Said I'd let you know.

I cancelled my order.
I was uncomfortable when they would not accept a credit card. But then they wanted a FAX of the check (didn't need the check??). But the thing that scared me off was I found the log splitter warranty on the net.
http://www.omegastores.com/log_splitter_warranty.htm

Too many weasel words for me to feel good about this deal if there would be any trouble in the near future. Also, the small size I ordered did not have a 30 day warranty, and according to the warranty, it wasn't a 'satisfaction guaranteed' type, but only if something was broken. The conditions the item would be accepted back at their shop is spelled out in the warranty, and I got cold feet.

Now, I was really looking forward to that splitter.
I will look elsewhere, thanks to the other suggestions listed. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

John_Mc · Sep 24, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Said I'd let you know.

I cancelled my order.
I was uncomfortable when they would not accept a credit card. But then they wanted a FAX of the check (didn't need the check??). But the thing that scared me off was I found the log splitter warranty on the net.
http://www.omegastores.com/log_splitter_warranty.htm

Too many weasel words for me to feel good about this deal... )</font>

Wow! you weren't kidding about that warranty. That scares me more than not even having a warranty. It sounds like someone was more worried about writing a "waranty" to cover their own but, rather than to show how they stand behind their product. It also reads like it was written by someone for whom English is a second language. You'd think they'd at least take the time to have their lawyers clean it up a bit.

Still hoping to hear from someone who has actually gotten a good bit of use out of one of these electric splitters. The Super-Split that Jim mentioned is more than what I was looking for.

John Mc

beenthere · Sep 24, 2005

Early next week I plan to look at one from Harbor Freight, that is a 4Ton at $279. There is also one at the Rockler site that is a 4T and it is $499 + $50 S&H. Interesting that the omega site and the Rockler site, have electric splitters that all seem to have the same dimensions, 39" by 11" by 18". But apparently they come with different cylinder sizes. They range from 4T to 8T.

I'm not a big fan of Harbor Freight, but I do know they will take back what doesn't work.

shvl73 · Sep 24, 2005

I'd be interested to know how that works out. Home Depot has a Ryobi 4 ton electric for $299. It looked interesting but I didn't think it could split much. I'd like to see one work. My current splitter is 6lbs. of steel with a hickory handle. Luckily I only supplement with wood rather than rely on it for my main heat.

jimg · Sep 25, 2005

I've used one of these machines and they are *very* good...far better than any hydraulic splitter I've used. I wasn't privy to price and ordering details as the machine belowed to a friend. I was told it was a bit more expensive than a comparable hydraulic unit though. We split and stacked 2+ cords in half of an afternoon so there's no doubt the machine is fast. We worked right along but also didn't over work either. I was of the impression (from what the owner told me) that the mfg was very good about standing behind this product. I also believe he said a couple firewood businesses use this machine.