Log splitter wedge

[Couple of Achers]

This may have been discussed before, but I guess I wouldn't know what to search for. Not even sure if this is the correct category to post it in, but here goes. I have seen log splitters with the splitting wedge that was stationary and the ram pushes the wood through the wedge. Then others that have the wedge on the ram, so the wood is stationary and the ram pushes the wedge through the wood. Is there any particular reason for this and is there any advantage one has over the other? Does it have something to do with the size of the splitter maybe?

 

[sailorman]

I know at least on mine a stationary wedge would not work well because the splitter can be tilted into a vertical position. In this way a log does not have to be lifted up on to a horizontal bar. If my wedge were stationary I would have to lift log on to wedge and do a balancing act while ram made contact.

 

[Couple of Achers]

I know at least on mine a stationary wedge would not work well because the splitter can be tilted into a vertical position. In this way a log does not have to be lifted up on to a horizontal bar. If my wedge were stationary I would have to lift log on to wedge and do a balancing act while ram made contact.

That makes perfect sense. Thanks. I'm kind of embarassed I even asked it now. Since the one I saw with the wedge on the ram, was one that could be tipped up vertically. It was being used horizontal at the time, but I did know it could be tipped up.

 

[Opti-Mist]

With the movable wedge, the hydraulics also unstick a wedge stuck in a knotty block.

 

[Dead Horse]

With the movable wedge, the hydraulics also unstick a wedge stuck in a knotty block.

Not always, unless the wedge has a shield over it at full "withdrawn".

Re a virtical splitter, a 4 way wedge "can" solve the balancing act. The general purpose of a virtical is for really sizable rounds that you don't want to or cannot lift off the ground. On a TMV you can back the trctor right to to the round and tuck the back plate under the round. That is time consuming work though. That is the only time I have ever seen anyone actually use a virtical splitter. IE for MASSIVE rounds.

I have an American TNH 30 with a 4 way wedge that I keep pretty sharp. When not in use I have an old plastic milk crate covering the wedgd. My attempt at avoiding exposed shin bone!

 

[SpringHollow]

I almost exclusively use my splitter vertically. Much easier to sit next to a pile of wood and just keep grabbing asn splitting versus bending down and picking up. I also do not split anything less than 10" or so. 24" logs are heavy to lift.

Ken

 

[Diamondpilot]

I almost exclusively use my splitter vertically. Much easier to sit next to a pile of wood and just keep grabbing asn splitting versus bending down and picking up. I also do not split anything less than 10" or so. 24" logs are heavy to lift.

Ken

I am the opposite. I find it easier to use it horizontal. I only use it vertical when I can not lift it.

Another advantage of the wedge on cylinder method is you can make a shop press adapter like I did. I use it only few times a year for this but its handy as heck. Here is a picture of the splitter I built and the wedge in with the press end sitting on it for quick change out by simply pulling a single pin.

Chris