Firewood processor (open source)

polemidis · Dec 4, 2017

Plans/BOM
The last few weeks I am CADing the firewood processor I want to build. I have changed the design so many times, but I think its time to move forward. So far only the frame, and the loading and infeed conveyors are kind of done. The link above is a work in process. The BOM is not accurate, but it will get updated as I finalize the plans.

Next week I am going to start on the splitting part, then the sawing part, and at that point I will start do the math and figure out the levers, gearing, motors etc. Any constructive critisism is welcome, any ideas, any suggestions. I am new to all that, so I am doing my research at the same time. A conveyor would be ideal but thats a stretch for now. I plan to have it ready by the spring.

The design rationale is to be able to fabricate it simple (without nice looking plasma cutting plates) even if it looks ugly. Production rate is insignificant as anything is way better and safer than manual bucking and splitting, and handling heavy firewood. Feel free to edit (I believe access is open) or add comments here or at my wiki. It is open source. I have no questions for know, I just posted it if someone wants to help and save me some CADing or some research, so we can finish it sooner

Thank you guys, its been a pleasure being here, I have learned so many things the last month from this forum.

4570Man · Dec 4, 2017

The best advice I have to offer on the splitting part is make sure you've got an adequate beam with about a 5/8 inch or preferably heavier top strap. I can say for a fact that 1/2 is not adequate. Here's the start of my processor that I'll probably never get finished. Another lesson at my expense is a tall I beam is not a good choice. That beam is 3/8 inch thick and 16" tall with a 5" bore cylinder. It's too weak for that load.

4570Man · Dec 4, 2017

Another lesson at my expense. Those fancy box wedges are unlikely to work with the amount of engineering a first time wedge builder is likely to have. I don't know that even the best designed box wedge would hold up without high grade steel.

polemidis · Dec 5, 2017

4570Man said:
The best advice I have to offer on the splitting part is make sure you've got an adequate beam with about a 5/8 inch or preferably heavier top strap. I can say for a fact that 1/2 is not adequate. Here's the start of my processor that I'll probably never get finished. Another lesson at my expense is a tall I beam is not a good choice. That beam is 3/8 inch thick and 16" tall with a 5" bore cylinder. It's too weak for that load.

I was thinking a 8x28 wide flange I beam, it looks like its 7/16" think. 1/2" in not adequate? Man, what are you splitting??? :confused2:

Isn't too much for 16" lengths of mostly white ash and red oak? Some black ash at worse. I am thinking just a 4" cylinder , 2500psi. Isnt 15 tons enough for that wood? Even if splitting it before its dry?

4570Man · Dec 5, 2017

A 4" might be adequate with a single way wedge. Forgot the idea of a multi way wedge. Is your beam 28" tall or 28" wide. If it's 28" tall toss it and find something else. My 16" tall beam was rolling sideways. Think textbook example of a DNA strand. I reinforced it, but it's still not a good choice for a beam. My original plan was to use a piece of 6x6" tubing with a 3/4 wall with a piece of 8x1/2 plate welded at the top for the track. That would have been way better than my current beam.

davedj1 · Dec 5, 2017

4570Man said:
A 4" might be adequate with a single way wedge. Forgot the idea of a multi way wedge. Is your beam 28" tall or 28" wide. If it's 28" tall toss it and find something else. My 16" tall beam was rolling sideways. Think textbook example of a DNA strand. I reinforced it, but it's still not a good choice for a beam. My original plan was to use a piece of 6x6" tubing with a 3/4 wall with a piece of 8x1/2 plate welded at the top for the track. That would have been way better than my current beam.

Could you slice the center web the length and slide one over the other and weld back together to gain strength?