Logsplitter 2.0

[rswyan]

rswyan where I did work we had what was called a chamfer burn operation. It was basically a track burner with a bevel head torch arrangement. It pre heated in front of the cutting tip. It is more than a hobbyist like myself could afford but that is how large deep chamfers are done with OFC-X. Here is a link maybe of what I am talking about. This is not exactly the same head but similar. http://www.bugo.com/administrator/files/downloadables/Torch_Bro_9_13_1379432409.pdf We would bevel/chamfer anywhere from .50 plate to over 2.0 inch plate and larger at times and with multiple heads. One automated setups had 4 of the bevel head attachments. Just some info. Later

Interesting stuff ... :thumbsup:

Back in the day I used to haul some stuff for these guys:

GS Steel Service Company

If you scope out their "Services" page you can see they had some pretty nice kit, including beveling capability:

Services - GS Steel Service Company

 

[rswyan]

Additional gussets to help keep the push block running parallel with the H-Beam welded on, holes for the pin reamed and pin trimmed and fitted, and pin drilled for the retaining clips:

Cylinder clearly needs de-rusted and a coat of paint ... it will get that when I tear the splitter apart this spring/summer to paint everything else.

 

[rswyan]

Mounting bracket for the return filter welded on. I used the old "Level Indicator" off my Kubota bucket which was removed when I converted it to SSQA:

I installed a 0 - 300 psi liquid-filled pressure gauge on the filter mount to monitor any restriction in the filter. The filter is in the general vicinity of the drain for the reservoir, which hopefully will make servicing a little easier/neater.

I'll be using hose barbs and 1" hose to connect the filter back to the reservoir.

 

[rswyan]

Shot of the table with the valve mounted and some of the hoses fitted:

Really like how it's turning out height-wise ... the top of the beam is about waist/fingertip high for me, and the valve seems like it will be very easy to reach.

I'll be ordering the valve for the log lift and some additional fittings here shortly, after I finish this post.

 

[LD1]

4 in the morning. Don't you sleep

Valve placement is critical. Gotta have it in a place that feels natural. Glad you thought that out.

Why did you decide to Mount the filter on a bracket instead of directly to a nipple on the return port? Would have saved some fittings.

And not sure of you said earlier, but are you using a suction strainer too, since the filter is a return filter?

And where did you (or are you) sourcing parts from?

 

[rswyan]

4 in the morning. Don't you sleep

I'm a bit of night owl ... always have been ...

I'm actually headed to bed here in a few.

Valve placement is critical. Gotta have it in a place that feels natural.

Yup ... I think it will work fine from the front on either side. Fine from the rear (behind the axle/reservoir) on the right (log lift) side ...

Rear, left isn't a place where anyone would want to stand (exhaust from the engine)

Glad you thought that out.

I'm tryin' ...

Why did you decide to Mount the filter on a bracket instead of directly to a nipple on the return port?

A couple of reasons:

1. Seems more out of the way where I mounted it.

2. I already had (several of) the hoses (outlet hose from valve to filter) ... so I'm working with existing hose lengths.

3. More solid/sturdy I think ... (based on the orientation of the elbow and fittings (nipple) on the return port, the weight of the filter would act to unscrew the elbow, vibrations, etc.)

4. Already had the hose/nipples to connect the filter to the return port.

Would have saved some fittings.

True.

And not sure of you said earlier, but are you using a suction strainer too, since the filter is a return filter?

Yes, I am.

And where did you (or are you) sourcing parts from?

Keep in mind I've had some of this stuff for about 10 years ...

Most of the hydraulic stuff came from Surplus Center, some from Northern Tool, and a couple of items (fittings) locally (Summers Rubber) Hoses are from the local TSC.

I looked at the invoice for the 4 x 24 Eaton cylinder the other day ...

IIRC, it was $90 bucks ... it's China ... but it still makes me wish I had picked up a couple of 'em ...

 

[LD1]

Never bought hoses from tsc. Just never figured a prefab hose would be the exact length I want. I got mine from discount hydraulic hose IIRC. Tons cheaper than local shops. How do TSC's prices stack up for hoses?

 

[oldpilgrim]

the hoses I had made in a local shop were 2x the price of a TSC hose.

 

[rswyan]

Never bought hoses from tsc. Just never figured a prefab hose would be the exact length I want.

They (usually) aren't ... which is why you either have to do what I'm doing, as far as placement of components go ... or you just have to live/deal with some extra length.

I will always be able to get a made-to-order hose made to the length I'll need, but going the other way (prefab) success is much less likely.

I got mine from discount hydraulic hose IIRC. Tons cheaper than local shops. How do TSC's prices stack up for hoses?

Like oldpilgrim says, TSC's hoses are likely to be a good bit cheaper than your local "build-to-spec/length" hydraulic shop.

One of the downsides though is that they are only offered with male NPT ends ... no JIC. Another downside is China ...

One of the upsides (for me) is that is that if I need to replace a hose on the weekend, I'll probably be able to source it at one of the four local TSC's that are within 30 - 45 minutes driving distance.

Truthfully, I really would have preferred all JIC/STOR connections ... but it's hard to get completely away from NPT, and I already had a lot of the fittings (bought before I really knew any better ... MadReferee please forgive me ...)

FWIW, I am going with JIC/STOR everywhere I can on my re-plumb of my rear remotes and the addition of front aux hydraulics ... with the hoses likely sourced from DHH.

 

[mikefromnh]

I've bought and been happy with the pre made hose assemblies from surplus center. Price is good but they are slow to ship and UPS takes another 4-5 days to get here.

Amazon now has hydraulic hoses for pretty good prices and with Prime I can have them in 2 days or the next morning for a few bucks more. Cheaper then driving out to the local store.

Amazon.com: Hydraulic hose