Log Splitter Wedge ripped off.

Scotty Dive · Nov 4, 2013

My home built log splitter wedge ripped off tonight. The wedge was already welded onto the I Beam when I got it and it was a welded up mess of hand wedges and steel in a 4 way wedge - Who am I to criticize - it split at least 25 cords of wood for me. Well the top vertical section ripped off and I think the horizontal section isn't really all that horizontal and puts added stress on the system and I am considering cutting the whole thing off and starting new. Looking for ideas - would like to keep the 4 way - the splitter seems to handle it ok - a few pieces get stuck but only the nastiest. Should I go to just a single wedge? Any TBN vendors I should consider? Solutions?

Dozernut · Nov 5, 2013

Had the same thing happen on my old home built splitter. I got a longer wedge, cut a hole in the top of the I beam and inserted the wedge so it rested on the bottom I beam flange. Then I welded the top, bottom and sides of the wedge to the I beam, problem solved.

Arc weld · Nov 5, 2013

Judging by the bolt for a brace, I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did. Pretty crappy workmanship. Make a new 4 way wedge at least 6" long and if you don't have enough skill, get an experienced welder to weld it with 7018. A 3 pass fillet about 5/8" to 3/4" all around it would be plenty strong enough. While your at fix up the welds on the cylinder mount. There's a lot pressure and you don't want pieces flying if it breaks. Some log splitters use a vertical I beam welded behind the wedge for added strength.

CJONE · Nov 5, 2013

Arc weld said:
Judging by the bolt for a brace, I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did. Pretty crappy workmanship. Make a new 4 way wedge at least 6" long and if you don't have enough skill, get an experienced welder to weld it with 7018. A 3 pass fillet about 5/8" to 3/4" all around it would be plenty strong enough. While your at fix up the welds on the cylinder mount. There's a lot pressure and you don't want pieces flying if it breaks. Some log splitters use a vertical I beam welded behind the wedge for added strength.

+1 Look at the weld or lack of on the top wedge, it looks like 1 small stringer bead at best. No wonder it broke. A slip on wedge for the 4 way works well also, then take it off when you don't need it. Great plains has them sometimes. CJ

merlynr · Nov 5, 2013

My homemade wedge has the Ibeam behind it also and no problems in 4 years.

Scotty Dive · Nov 5, 2013

I think I am going to try to repair it. I can mig a little but do have a new to me stick welder and this would be a good project for me to get some experience. Even if a spend a few hours putting this back on and it fails I will be better off getting some real world experience and can just cut it off and install a brand new wedge later and I will be a little smarter when/if I do.

Arc Weld - you mentioned 7018 rods. I do have a box of 1/8" 6011 - would that suffice or are the 7018 far superior for this project especially for someone with little experience? And, three passes at a minimum and bevel back the edges before welding right?

merlynr · Nov 5, 2013

I'm a self taught welder and the 7018 are harder to use. I welded a bunch on mine with 6011 and all ok so far.

davedj1 · Nov 5, 2013

If it was mine (and it's what I have) I would use a single wedge (knife) and make a slip on 4 way. I like having the option of taking it off and I also have a 6 way for special wood.

Shield Arc · Nov 5, 2013

Scotty Dive said:
Arc Weld - you mentioned 7018 rods. I do have a box of 1/8" 6011 - would that suffice or are the 7018 far superior for this project especially for someone with little experience?

Couple threads that may be of some interest to you.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/welding/211904-7018-break-test.html
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/welding/211903-6011-break-test.html