Need a quiet log splitter? :)

[bcp]

I think I'll pass.




Diagram source:

Low-tech Magazine: Pedal powered farms and factories: the forgotten future of the stationary bicycle


From Wikipedia:
When considering human-powered equipment, a healthy human can produce about 1.2 hp briefly (see orders of magnitude) and sustain about 0.1 hp indefinitely


With 0.1 hp input, what would be the time of the cylinder stroke on a typical log splitter?

Bruce

 

[murphy1244]

I think I'll pass.


View attachment 323981

Diagram source:

Low-tech Magazine: Pedal powered farms and factories: the forgotten future of the stationary bicycle


From Wikipedia:
When considering human-powered equipment, a healthy human can produce about 1.2 hp briefly (see orders of magnitude) and sustain about 0.1 hp indefinitely


With 0.1 hp input, what would be the time of the cylinder stroke on a typical log splitter?

Bruce

100 years

 

[OldMcDonald]

I saw this a while back and would like to see somebody actually split even a straight grained softwood log with it. Having said that, the site does contain some other useful ideas for people who like the idea of using human power - also some more "nutty" ones.

I will stick with my block splitter and wedges, partly because it keeps me fit, partly because it costs so little, and partly because I only need about 6 tons a year.

 

[creekshorefarms]

A human that can sustain 0.1hp would be capable of about 0.06GPM hydraulic flow @ 2500PSI.

Actual cycle times based on just the raw math assuming 0.1hp sustained and 2500 operating PSI with a 12" stroke under full load would be:

4ton splitter: 2.8 minutes
8ton splitter: 5.6 minutes
12ton splitter: 8.4 minutes
20ton splitter: 14 minutes

That is assuming the wedge is already up against the wood to be split and you need to exert the full 2500PSI for the 12" of stroke, but it does give you a rough idea of time.

I'd split the load with an axe long before I got that machine out

 

[smiley]

Apparently the stroke time is between 15 and 25 miles.
Exercise induced stroke [Archive] - Bike Forums

 

[OldMcDonald]

smiley, A very good point or three are made in that link. Part way through there is a remark about the benefits of cardiovascular exercise being of more benefit than the risks. I have lived that way all my life (50 years ago being a very active athlete/soccer and rugby player of little ability) but have purposely slowed down over the last 10 years. I find splitting wood by hand is a particularly useful way of keeping my upper body working and for the last three years have been using grubbed out olive tree boles and roots so it is not wasy work, but I pace myself and do not do too much in one day. We probably all get enough walking in during the day if we are operating a small farm. I avoid doctors as if they had the plague - I have never heard of anyone consulting a medic and being told that they are perfectly fit and do not need any medication whatsoever.

 

[94BULLITT]

A human that can sustain 0.1hp would be capable of about 0.06GPM hydraulic flow @ 2500PSI.

Actual cycle times based on just the raw math assuming 0.1hp sustained and 2500 operating PSI with a 12" stroke under full load would be:

4ton splitter: 2.8 minutes
8ton splitter: 5.6 minutes
12ton splitter: 8.4 minutes
20ton splitter: 14 minutes

That is assuming the wedge is already up against the wood to be split and you need to exert the full 2500PSI for the 12" of stroke, but it does give you a rough idea of time.

I'd split the load with an axe long before I got that machine out

So a maul would be faster and easier.

 

[Splitter Mike]

So a maul would be faster and easier.

I would agree.. Silly silly contraption But hey its creative.