welding project: log catcher

[s219]

Looks like a "Dirty Hands" log splitter and I did the same thing (log catcher) with some scrap metal, we both saved $$$. BTW, I love my splitter it hasn't met a log it couldn't split. I wedged a 2x10 from the "I" beam frame up to the log bracket at an angle to support larger logs.

For the money, it's a great splitter -- noticeably stouter build quality than you normally see in this price range.

 

[Ford850]

I doubt you'll need any more support. I have a Speeco shelf which isn't quite as heavy, and it only has a couple bolts similar to yours. It handles "2 man" logs dropped on it just fine. It's a lot stronger than I expected it to be. One thing though, you might want to add a couple small '****' or short spikes on the surface of the cradle. The vibration while splitting encourages a waiting log to walk off the end occasionally. It would take much of a spike or edge to hold a log rather than let it skid off.
Nice work.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Bolted. Was tempted to weld it in place, but would have to deal with the gas tank first to make welding safe, and the splitter already had bolt holes. Plenty of access to everything below.

Sounds great. Nice addition.

 

[lomita]

For the money, it's a great splitter -- noticeably stouter build quality than you normally see in this price range.

I bolted my catcher in the predrilled holes, makes for easy removal if needed.
I picked up the splitter from Lowe's and saved several hundred (10%) with a military discount. I agree the price was great and the quality of the unit is as good as others priced much higher.

 

[Oldpath05]

Made this up for my splitter a couple weeks ago and finally got around to posting pics. They wanted $80 for the factory catcher, and I knew I could weld a better one up for a fraction of that cost.

View attachment 456286

View attachment 456287

View attachment 456288

View attachment 456289

It's interesting to weld up a design with a lot of angled cuts and parts that need to match, as it really forces you to plan things and jig things properly.

I like the valley on your spliter beam, but where does the splitting debris go, do you have to keep removing the stuff by hand?

 

[s219]

I like the valley on your spliter beam, but where does the splitting debris go, do you have to keep removing the stuff by hand?

They cut two slots near the end of the slide/cradle that are big enough for most crap to fall out. It keeps getting pushed out on every stroke. I think I only had to clean debris out by hand a couple times.

 

[4570Man]

Nice, definitely going on my project list. The biggest obstacle I see is my splitter appears to have a much wider wedge than yours. And I need it to be easily removable because I split a fair bit in the vertical position.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Nice job. I like the valley you put in that. I made mine flat and inclined slightly towards the splitter. It works good until I try to pile a bunch of small rounds on it before they are split. They want to roll into the splitter. A little valley like you have would prevent that. I agree, if you use vertical some times like I do bolt on is the way to go.

gg

 

[s219]

I haven't used this splitter vertical yet, but the catcher shouldn't get in the way -- we'll see....

 

[ETpilot]

I purchased a used Huskee splitter. I use it mostly in the horizontal position and a table is needed. I made a bracket which is bolted to the beam. The table then slips on the bracket, easy on easy off. The table has angled support legs. When going vertical I can remove the table or just leave it on. What I am now finding out is that I need a small table on my work side. I'm going to make one when I find some time.