Help me design an electric log splitter

[cstamm81]

Can the Super Splitter handle 36" plus diameter knotted up hardwoods? It is impressive to say the least, and I would love to own one. The vertical waist height table design I could see splitting anything as long as you could get it on the table (loader on a tractor) and thus in my mind is more versatile. Realistically it could be a year or two until I scrounge up all of the parts to make this become a reality. Trying to nail down the motor size, pump size, etc, so when I run into the parts I make sure to choose the right ones for the job and not have to purchase twice.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I cannot see the motor plate well but according to the specs this 5HP motor has FLA of 19 WEG 00536OS1CCDG56HZ AC Electric Motor M00333 - Single Phase, 5 HP, 56HZ Frame, 3600 RPM, ODP, 208-230 Volts, 60 Hz, Compressor Duty

I suppose I could go to a 40 or 50 amp dedicated circuit if necessary. My intent would be to run the largest HP motor I can get away with to thus be able to run the largest hydraulic pump. Where I get confused is whether or not a 5hp electric can compete with say an 8HP gas. The logic behind that gets fuzzy for me.

That motor run with 230 V should handle momentary 10HP surges like you will sometimes encounter with a 22gpm pump splitting wood. It should drive a 2 stage 22gpm to about 2500 psi max. You would have to fuse it for about 40A and run good sized wire to it.

 

[the old grind]

Just my :2cents:, but I agree with davehowell that need for raw hp can be overrated. PSI get you ram power.

I also agree with spyderlk that a 40a circuit would be a good idea, esp if your 'run' would be any distance from the panel (say >25'). btw: FLA and starting amps aren't exactly the same. Split-phase (ie: capacitor start, capacitor run) motors are powerful and efficient but can use the extra capacity to start up, and they will indeed 'out-pull' their rated hp considerably for brief periods (knots?). TEFC motors are sealed and externally cooled. No mess ever inside but keep stuff away from the fan's intake.

Not sure whether a 16 or 22gpm pump would give the same pressure quite the same way with 5hp applied. You should get a good combination of ram speed, and force when needed with the 2-stage pump anyway, but how to choose the right cylinder diameter? You might be happy with 3.5" if davehowell is any example (not to discourage 4") but that's about PSI again as much as anything. I dare say you could easily crack anything you can lift with what you propose.

 

[SpringHollow]

A few years ago, I took the gas motor off of my 24 ton vertical/horizontal splitter and replaced it with a 5 HP 240V GE air compressor motor (3450 RPM, 15 Amp). I also replaced the 11 gpm pump with a 16 gpm pump. It works great, faster than when i had the old setup. I run it off a 240V 20 Amp Circuit and never had any problem. I can swap back to gas in about 15 minutes but so far, I never have because I like the electric setup so much.

Ken

 

[deezler]

5 HP Open Drip Proof
3450 RPM
Full Load Amps 20.8
Service Factor 1.0
7/8'' shaft
Catalog # 120554
Compressor or other industrial application
I did build a cover over the motor and pump for protection from the elements

The Totally Enclosed 5 HP electric motor
Full Load Amps 22
Service Factor 1.15
1 1/8'' shaft

I used the LoveJoy L95 series coupler with the Buna Spider. 7/8'' for the electric motor and 1/2'' for the pump. I ordered the L 100 series but the 1/2'' coupler half was too large to fit on the pump shaft.
View attachment 315659

Terrific. I want one of these.

 

[cstamm81]

So everyone thinks 5HP would be enough HP to run a 22 GPM pump properly? If I can make that decision I can then pick out the best (with price in mind) 5HP single phase motor I can find. I use and have access to Leeson at work and have good luck with their motors.

 

[cstamm81]

So everyone thinks 5HP would be enough HP to run a 22 GPM pump properly? If I can make that decision I can then pick out the best (with price in mind) 5HP single phase motor I can find. I use and have access to Leeson at work and have good luck with their motors.

 

[cstamm81]

SpringHollow, what size cylinder are you running?

 

[cstamm81]

If I go 22GPM on the pump, the most economical choices seem to be from Surplus Center:
Surplus Center - 22 GPM DYNAMIC 2-STAGE PUMP
or
Surplus Center - 22 GPM 2 STAGE HYD PUMP S31004-5278

Other than the brands, not sure of the difference between the two.

 

[cstamm81]

tempting to just to go a 7.5HP motor: Leeson 132044.00 AC Electric Motor M01750 - 1 Phase, 7.5 HP, 184T Frame, ODP, 3600 RPM, 208-230 Volts, 60 Hz, General Purpose
Actually cheaper than the similar Leeson 5HP: Leeson 131616.00 AC Electric Motor M01746 - 1 Phase, 5 HP, 184T Frame, ODP, 3600 RPM, 208-230 Volts, 60 Hz, General Purpose