Log splitter cylinder

[scarlo101]

I am going to be building my own log splitter. Has anybody ever bought this cylinder or seen it on a logsplitter.
-> Burden Sales Surplus Center Item Detail <-
It is an excellent price but not sure of the quality as well as the base plate mechanical setup. It is an unusual port configuration because both ports are on the end of the base plate.

 

[bobodu]

Stay away from that one....too puny.
4 X 24 with a 2" ram is a much better match.

 

[tnhomestead]

I am going to be using the same size cylinder(different brand tho) and have been told it will have about 8 tons of splitting force, which I hope will be enough for me -- i wonder how much force my splitting maul has - bet its no where near 8 tons and I am a big guy!

 

[eljefe]

I know someone who used this same cylinder in a splitter he built last year. His primary goal was to build a splitter as cheaply as possible, and not necessarily build one with components that would be of the highest quality or highest splitting force. This cylinder is definitely inexpensive, however the price does increase significantly with shipping. This cylinder I believe does put out around 8 tons of force at ~2250psi.

I believe a major concern is the size and type of the wood you will be splitting. His splitter does a good job with moderately sized rounds (up to ~12-14") of straight grain wood (i.e. oak) but struggles to split even 12" pieces of green beech down the center. Typically, smaller pieces must be shaved off the sides first (think 1" shingles) before attempting center splits. Forked pieces also present a challenge.

This spring I built a splitter with a 4"x24" cylinder that runs at 3000psi, and the difference between the two units is night and day. I have been splitting 24"-30" rounds down center with no problem regarless of wood type. Of course, the 4" cylinder was $200 more than the cylinder you are asking about. For the increased performance (and perhaps longevity), I don't regret my choice of a larger cylinder.

Another area of concern would be quality and longevity of the cylinder you are asking about. If something failed on this surplus 3" cylinder, repairs may not be possible and most likely not worth the price regardless.

Overall, I would go route of a larger (and perhaps higher quality) cylinder. Just an opinion.

 

[scarlo101]

Thank you all for the advise. I am also trying to construct a splitter as cheap as possible. In addition the reason I am using a 3" bore is beacause my pump only puts out 1300psi @ 7gpm. As far as the cylinder life, I can upgrade to a better one at a later time.

 

[turnkey4099]

Thank you all for the advise. I am also trying to construct a splitter as cheap as possible. In addition the reason I am using a 3" bore is beacause my pump only puts out 1300psi @ 7gpm. As far as the cylinder life, I can upgrade to a better one at a later time.

According to the formula for force applied to a circle (pi x R squared), a 3" cylinder at 3000 psi will only produce 6,750 psi force, at 1300 it gets a lot worse: 2925 psi.

Of note is that applying the formula to commercial splitters, none of them come up with the ratings that are advertised, i.e, a 4" cylinder at a common setting of 2,750 bypass will only do: 1100 psi.

I keep staring at those figures wondering where my math is wrong.

Harry K

 

[smfcpacfp]

I agree with Bobodu, that thing is way too puny for splitting wood, unless you are splitting tiny stuff.

I bought mine (below) used for $50 (30 years ago at a construction equipment salvage yard) and have never had a problem. The piston is 4" in diameter and the cylinder 8". Check out salvage yards first, before buying that little thing you are considering.

 

[bobodu]

With a low pressure pump,you wanna go BIGGER on the cylinder to make up for the difference. Like putting a flat volleyball under car car and blowing it up...won't lift the car. But put a truck tire under there and inflate it...!!!

 

[scarlo101]

Turnkey, here is a website to easily calculate your forces and speeds. Burden Sales Surplus Center - Tech Help
I realize that this cylinder may be puny and somewhat weak, and I may need to shave the larger pieces, but a valve and cylinder for $100 beats the axe.

 

[bobodu]

I have split a lot of wood and have found that using a too small cylinder just means trading the axe for a maul. Nothing like a log stuck on the wedge.
I fear you will be sorely disappointed,especially using a low pressure pump.
My numbers show me you're only gonna get 9189 lbs outta that setup...4.5 tons.
Now...if you went with a 5 inch cylinder and a two inch rod...you would get 25525 lbs or 12.5 tons.