Log splitter plans...

[Junkman]

I have had the cylinder, valve, and pump for about 15 years now, and have never gotten around to making a log splitter. Any suggestions for plans to make one. I would prefer a vertical splitter to a horizontal splitter. Easier to roll the logs under the ram, than lift them to the ram. I am open to all suggestions at this point. The splitter is next on the list of things to build after I get the old wood stove welded and ready for burning again. Haven't used it in about 10 years since oil was reasonable and I wasn't home to feed the stove on a regular basis. One more thing to do in retirement.

 

[gav64]

junkman,

I have good pamphlet on making a splitter, theory,components,design ect... if you want to pm me with your address i will photocopy and mail it to you. I have built one and have been using it for 7 years. I live in Bolton probably not to far from you. good luck, glenn.

 

[Varmintmist]

I cant stand vertical splitters. It really isnt eaiser when you have to bend and remain so constantly. If you are busting 6 inch rounds maybe it would be OK. With the horizontal I only have to pick up the log once.

You might want to use one before you make one.

 

[bczoom]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I cant stand vertical splitters. It really isnt eaiser when you have to bend and remain so constantly. )</font>

I'll second that.

The only time I go vertical is when the log it too heavy to lift onto the splitter. I made a log catcher to the far side of the ram so when I do split a large log (in horizontal mode), the far 1/2 gets caught so I don't have to bend down to get it.

Brian

 

[ronjhall]

Auto return is a good option to build into a splitter.
I like the idea of a convertible splitter like the ones I have seen at TSC. Anytime I have to bend over my back starts to ache. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Here is a thread on auto return. Click Here
I have some other photos of this splitter if it would help.

 

[mesanders]

Here is a good place for complete kits.........MetKit Corporation or if you have a plan already you might check with these metal suppliers...... Metal Supermarkets

 

[escavader]

JUNKMAN,
Ditto on the comments ,about vertical splitters...way too much bending over,and moving wood out of your way.If wood is too big to handle,add a log lift.Heres a few thoughts i have on the perfect splitter,i have built this over the years,modifying along the way,what i believe is perfect for my needs[and every one else,whos trying to borrow it.]
1 with the proper two stage pump,[which gives it power and speed]5 hp is all you need. i have an old briggs.
2 the wedge should have some angle welded on to make the wood pop right open,and you wont have to complete the stroke[on non stringy stuff]
3auto return detent valve,if you have to hold the stick back your wasting time and you could have been gathering another piece. FOR SAFETY NEVER LET SOMEONE OPERATE YOUR STICK
4make it high enough so you are standing straight up when running to save the back
5 have it on a trailer hitch,to pull with your lawn tractor,and THE IMPORTANT PART...THE WOOD SHOULD COME OFF THE BACK.You will never have to throw wood out of your way...when it builds up...drive ahead a foot or so.No need to have a helper,or a conveyor. note* i used an old boat trailer axle and wheels which i shortened up .*
6have some wings on it tokeep the wood from falling for multiple splits.If you dont want to split again the next log will push it off.

I bought alot of my stuff at NH.They sell good stuff.I cut my trees down,cut up right there to avoid dragging in the dirt,haul my splitter to the spot with my atv.All the mess is in the woods,not home .NOW THE SHOCKER...With this splitter,in maple or oak etc,6 to 12 inch sticks,IM able to split a cord an hour by my self,i cant lay it on the splitter fast enough.Its just like our tractors,its the design and hydraulics that do the brunt of the work,not the engins.SEND IN A PIC THIS WEEKEND IF YOU WANT.
ALAN

 

[Bigbear]

The attachment shows what works the best for me in a splitter. You can stand up close, waist height, log lift that also gets used for logs to be split or the other half of big ones, 5hp honda engine, very easy on fuel and cost new about 200 bucks, 2 stage pump, 4x24 splitting ram, 3x12 log lift ram, and quite easy to tow.
I don't like the vertical models because you are always bending over, or on your knees to split the wood. If the pcs are that big, then the log lift will be used.
Junkman, you will have alot of fun building and using a homemade splitter, kinda makes you chuckle every time your able to split through those tough knots or twisted stringy pcs with something you made yourself. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[tommu56]

I built one years ago about waste high but never though of building it so wood go's out back thats a good idea. I use to keep a pile of wood on the motor side so splits would rest on it so i didnt have to pick up again. Then stack both peices back and split both at same time on 2nd cross cut I also started splitting just small enough to get through stove door with a 2 or 3 split (bitmap attached)
alot of my frends started splitting this way for all nighters then stack 3 or 4 in stove then less 3am feedngs

 

[Mike_C]

My splitter swings down from horizontal to vertical, so I can use it either way. I suppose if you want the best idea it would be to have both. But I disagree with the others about this. I can use mine either way, but it is in vertical mode 99% of the time. I heat my house with wood (alone), so I split about 10 cords of wood each fall (it's almost time again). Most of the trees are 18 to 24" in diameter, and I just don't have the strength to lift up all those logs. So, I make a pile around the splitter, then stay on my knees for long bursts, I am not getting up and down. While on my knees I roll over a log, split it about 6 times, and throw each piece directly into the FEL of the Kubota which is parked right behind me. When the FEL is full, it's time to drive it over to the house and stack it.