Firewood processor build thread

[archertwo]

I just finished reading all 45 pages of this thread. Great work on the project. It's all trial and error till you get everything like you want it.

I hope your eye is doing better and was wondering if the processor was splitting as you expected seeing it's been four months since you posted an update.

 

[kiotiken]

I just finished reading all 45 pages of this thread. Great work on the project. It's all trial and error till you get everything like you want it.

I hope your eye is doing better and was wondering if the processor was splitting as you expected seeing it's been four months since you posted an update.

Wow, I thought I was the only one who read all 45 pages, and it took me months! No long term effects from the eye injury, just a good lesson learned, thanks for asking.
The processor is working extremely well. My biggest problem with it now is dealing with the massive pile of wood that it spits out. I still haven't finished the conveyor system so it piles up in front of the machine, to the point where I've actually started pushing the machine backward. The concern that was raised about my new chute being a pinch point and clogging isn't an issue at all, it is doing it's job perfectly. Having to stop and load my bags, carry the bags away and set up a new one really limits production. If you're bagging the wood, it's really a two man operation, one to operate the processor, the other to deal with the bags. The other issue I still need to deal with is powering the 12V fan for the hydraulic cooler. I'm still using my battery charger.
The next round of enhancements is to add an axle so it can be towed, it's too heavy for my tractor now, I can literally only lift it 2' off the ground, and I struggle to do it. Also, I'm going to build a structure that will allow a canvas tarp to snap on so that the machine has it's own shelter built in. I'll be able to take the canvas tarp off to tow it but not have to worry about a permanent shelter for the processor. I currently have it tarped, but I want something that doesn't look so bad and is easier to use.
I took two videos and have been meaning to post them to youtube but haven't had the time or figured out how to edit two videos into one. I'll get it done soon and post a link here.

 

[Wild Bill the 2nd]

Having to stop and load my bags, carry the bags away and set up a new one really limits production. If you're bagging the wood, it's really a two man operation, one to operate the processor, the other to deal with the bags.

That is what we are finding too. You can get more than double the work done in the same time by having 2 people. I guess the nice thing I've found about ours is that the infeed rack holds almost a perfect two bags worth. And with the tipper we have 2 bags set up. So when running with 1 person by the time your are done running the logs out you just end up doing everything. Tie and remove the bags, set 2 new bags up, and load the logs.

We are just going to tarp ours for the winter. I'd be interested in what you do with yours.

 

[Wild Bill the 2nd]

Forgot to say but I'm really glad that it is running well for you. At the last posting it seemed like you were a "little" frustrated. So great to hear that you have worked the major bugs out.

Some of it is just figuring out what will run through it and what wont. Be it the log size or knots. The guy who delivered our 5 loads of logs had built and sold a processor of his own. From the start he told us to cut out and gnarly knots, that it was not worth the potential issues.

He was right. It's not worth spending 45 minutes trying to get a stuck split back off the wedge. Using chainsaws, sledgehammers, wedges, digging bars, and whatever else pops into your mind to try to get it off...

 

[mx842]

I wonder why every time you see a video from some factory that is trying to sell their latest and greatest wood eating machine they always are splitting nice clean straight logs? Me thinks there may be a reason for that.:laughing:

 

[muddstopper]

I am sure i will find out a few things wont work like I want them to when I get mine going. With 50tons of splitting force, it will be come, bleed, or blister, if the wood wont split, something is sure to break. I just got to get thru therapy so i can get back to building the blasted thing.

 

[Agvg]

I wonder why every time you see a video from some factory that is trying to sell their latest and greatest wood eating machine they always are splitting nice clean straight logs? Me thinks there may be a reason for that.:laughing:

Production equipment demands a certain quality on the raw materials it uses.

 

[Wild Bill the 2nd]

I am sure i will find out a few things wont work like I want them to when I get mine going. With 50tons of splitting force, it will be come, bleed, or blister, if the wood wont split, something is sure to break. I just got to get thru therapy so i can get back to building the blasted thing.

We only ran the splitter at 2000 PSI (20 tons) for the first 25 or so full cords.
Right now I have it at 2500 PSI (25 tons) but it worries me a bit. I really don't want to clean the wedge off the back of the machine.

Our design wouldn't have a chance at 50 tons, no question. the beam would be in the shape of an upside-down C and the wedge would be gone. Be careful when bringing that relief pressure up!

 

[muddstopper]

With a 12 way wedge, I plan on plenty of beef to support the wedge. I bought a old forklift mast I plan on modifying to hold the wedge. I have to widen it some, but plan on braceing it off the processor frame in two places,(each side), as well as off the Hbeam itself. I have came up with a ideal to use two 30gpm pumps to saw and split with. It will work sort of like a 2 stage pump, but not exactly. 30gpm will be supplying the saw at a low pressure and when the saw isnt running the flows will combine to supply a full 60gpm to the splitter. I have to come up with a control valve that will flow the 30gpm and has power beyond to make it work, and I will need a flow control with a pressure reducing valve to cut down the pressure and allow a little adjustability to the saw motor. I only plan on using about 700psi at the saw, but will be able to turn it up to 3500psi if it even hints at bogging down

 

[archertwo]

The other issue I still need to deal with is powering the 12V fan for the hydraulic cooler. I'm still using my battery charger.

Ken, if you're using the bigger of the oil coolers from PA you may have to run an alternator to have enough juice to keep it going. I'm using the bigger one with bypass on another piece of equipment I have and it draws 16+ amps. I wired a fused circuit to the tractor's alternator. That solved the problem.