Woodsplitter build #2

[6sunset6]

Another wood splitter build. No pictures yet Just getting going.
I have been using a 11 gpm pump with a 2hp electric motor for 10years. Little slow but I think the suction hose has collapsed. It has worked ok But I am getting older and the trees are getting bigger. I have 12A all very mature trees. In any given big storm something will come down. I just winched in a 68' white oak 20" 4 ft off the base. It's 20" for 30ft . 1 more came down 2 weeks ago and took another with it. Both big. My operation is to haul as big pieces as I can to the splitter . The splitter is at the wood shed which has electric.
I have been thinking for a long time about a log lifter but it just did not seem worth it on a splitter that I then had to recycle the remaining big piece thru numerous times.
I started looking at verticals and 3 point but I don't want to tie up my tractor with a splitter and I hate small gas engines, although the Hondas seem to be ok.
So after reading some of the other posts here about tee wedges and box wedges and looking at OEM prices for parts I decided on a build it myself.
I have all the tools . I was going to strip my old one for some parts but then I sold it for $800. My estimate for parts and the beam is $3000 . Minus $800 leaves me at $2200. This is for all new parts and the beam. Not bad for a $13000 splitter. I have enough stock around for everything else, including some 5/8 plate I will use for the box wedge. I am thinking 6'' high by 5 wide maybe 3 verticals. The box wedge will bolt on so I can bolt on a tee or a single or what ever .
I think I am zeroing in on a 4.5 x 20 inch 3000 psi cylinder . I have set everything up for a 22gpm pump but am putting in a 16gpm. IF I have to go bigger I can with just a pump change. The motor is a 5hp c face pressure washer pump. That's what I used before and it has worked well for years.
I think it will run a 22gpm pump if I need to go that way. It draws 20 amps.
I have # 10 wire out to my wood shed so I just need to change the breaker from 20A to 30A and put in a plug. I will probably try it on 20 A first and see what happens. Since I never move my splitter and it runs on electric I am going to separate the motor , pump , tank ,filter from the beam splitter assembly. The power supply will stay under cover with a couple of 12ft hoses running out to the beam. At the moment the hoses attach to the beam with QD at the beam. Roll up and store on the power supply. I am debating with myself whether or not to put QD at the power supply so I can disconnect the hoses completly. $100 more.
The beam will have a log lifter and hydraulic option for wedge lift. Table . Splitter valve will be the Prince auto return model. No wheels but fork pockets.
All right need to stop typing and do some work. This will take a while I just brought the beam home yesterday
WF8 x35 8ft long. Yard had that exact piece lying around. The flange thickness is .495 so with a 1/2 spacer the sled should work out nice.

 

[toxicjeeper]

I found the same beam 8 foot long and just finished my sled with a 1/2 spacer..worked good..a little play but nothing serious...Signing up for a cool electric splitter thread:thumbsup:

 

[6sunset6]

Oh boy the pressure is on now . Welds have to look good and I guess I will have to paint it.

 

[Scooby074]

subscribed

 

[HoosierKnob]

Hi Bob! Look forward to seeing updates on this.

Dave

 

[J_J]

This is one of the most thought out splitters I have seen in a while.

Owner American Bulldog on TBN.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/183187-log-splitter-5.html#post2144626

Post #46

Autovalve, log lift and wedge lift, Honda engine, 22 GPM two stage pump.

http://www.built-rite.com/woodsplitters.html

 

[Scooby074]

Your wanting to do a box wedge correct?

Have you seen this design? I found it after i begun my conventional splitter. I like it. It looks very fast and easy on the back. Its called the tempest.

Tempest EF-3 Wood Splitter - YouTube

 

[6sunset6]

Yes I saw that Tempest. If I was selling wood I would be there in a second.
It is very well thought out from an ergonomic standpoint. I like the log lifter on the same side as the pile and the controls. Even though it looks like it could launch the operator.
Somehow get the force out of the retract move. Maybe there are 2 cylinders. There is a lot of different fabrication and more different steel from what I have around. I am going to pass on it.
I will try to get some pictures later today.
The motor and pump arrived. Motor is good. I wanted a TEFC (Totally enclosed fan cooled) but they were $200 more. This one is dripproof and will be inside a shed so I think it will be ok. It is reversible. Needs CCW for a CW pump. Nameplate voltage is 230 +/- 10%. My line voltage is 240 and I have 30a available at the shed. This is single phase. The adapter , motor face to pump will be here next week.
I never figured out what size log is optimum for my fireplace. I have an insert with doors and outside air supply. I made a card board log. Started with 5 x 6 x 16. Too big. Ended up 4 x 4 x 16. So that sets the size of the box on the wedge. It uses a after burn air supply to reduce particle emissions so it wants to burn hot. Smaller log sizes do this.
Working on the sled.

 

[6sunset6]

Pictures Cardboard model of log size
Motor base plate in saw sorry about the focus phone camera old
Hole in the plate is a left over from another project
Sled fab in progress.

 

[Scooby074]

The tempist is nice for sure.

I dont think there are any extra cylinders, just a single one like the Splitfires. So you would have a little less power in the retract.

Your build looks like its off to a good start.