Posted: 2/23/2013 3:00:59 PM EDT
| I am spooling up to build my own in time for next wood season. Just curious as to why people rigidly mount the wedge at the end of the beam. With this design one has to keep resetting the log to further split it (4 beam wedges not included of course). I am thinking of going opposite with a solid plate at the end of my beam and the wedge on my ram. Any inherent issues with my plan? |
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Mine has the wedge on the ram as it should be. If your wedge is mounted to the end plate and a piece of wood gets stuck you will have to pound it off there. Put the wedge on the ram and build in an "ejector" at the top to free any stuck wood. Yeah I have noted that before on the splitters I've used. Would you suggest a hard mounted 2 bar wedge, or a standard wedge and then a removable 4 piece wedge? I am pretty excited about building this here wood splitter. 
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Mine has a single bit wedge. I have found that on some particularly gnarly twisted oak that it simply functions as a sheer as opposed to a splitter. In order to function as a 4 way sheer it would need lots more hydraulic pressure and I suspect would still get stuck far more frequently. If I were to be building one I would use a single bit, as far more of my stock is knotted than clear.
ETA: Also if you are going to power it with a small engine (Briggs or some such) that you will need a "heavy flywheel" version not a standard mower engine, as there is no rotating mass to assist the power curve. . |
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Mine has a single bit wedge. I have found that on some particularly gnarly twisted oak that it simply functions as a sheer as opposed to a splitter. In order to function as a 4 way sheer it would need lots more hydraulic pressure and I suspect would still get stuck far more frequently. If I were to be building one I would use a single bit, as far more of my stock is knotted than clear. ETA: Also if you are going to power it with a small engine (Briggs or some such) that you will need a "heavy flywheel" version not a standard mower engine, as there is no rotating mass to assist the power curve. . That is good to know on all of it bud, but especially the engine thing. I was just going to do that very thing! Much appreciated. |
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http://www.arboristsite.com/, the Arfcom of the chainsaw/splitter world.
I agree with all the above: wedge goes on the ram, with a big thick anvil plate at the end of the beam. The wedge moves, the log does not except to split. One thing to think about is that the Tractor Supply/Huskee 22 ton splitter is considered the best bang for the buck, about $1000 or so at most TSC stores. Something to think about, since you'll be hard pressed to build your own for anywhere near that amount unless you are given or already have the pump, engine, steel etc. http://www.tractorsupply.com/huskee-reg-22-ton-log-splitter-carb-compliant-1032822 Good luck! |
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http://www.arboristsite.com/, the Arfcom of the chainsaw/splitter world. I agree with all the above: wedge goes on the ram, with a big thick anvil plate at the end of the beam. The wedge moves, the log does not except to split. One thing to think about is that the Tractor Supply/Huskee 22 ton splitter is considered the best bang for the buck, about $1000 or so at most TSC stores. Something to think about, since you'll be hard pressed to build your own for anywhere near that amount unless you are given or already have the pump, engine, steel etc. http://www.tractorsupply.com/huskee-reg-22-ton-log-splitter-carb-compliant-1032822 Good luck! Thanks for the link and the Tractor Supply info. I knew I could but it cheaper, but I kind of like projects to fool around on. Anyone can buy something, only a handful can build it.
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I kind of like projects to fool around on. Anyone can buy something, only a handful can build it. https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Atractorbynet.com+splitter e.g. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/265345-another-homemade-log-splitter-question.html and http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/219145-woodsplitter-build-timberwolf-clone.html and in general: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/ http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/ ps https://www.surpluscenter.com/ --> https://www.surpluscenter.com/techhelp.asp?catname=hydraulic ar-jedi |
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If I were to build one as a project I would try to make it electric or find the most silent gas engine they make. My only gripe with splitting wood is the noise everytime I do it it reminds me of standing next to a old lawnmower for a couple of hours. This is true. I was actually surprised how quiet some of them little Harbor Freight Predator motors are. I've watched a few youtubes on them and they don't seem too loud at all. |
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http://www.arboristsite.com/, the Arfcom of the chainsaw/splitter world. I agree with all the above: wedge goes on the ram, with a big thick anvil plate at the end of the beam. The wedge moves, the log does not except to split. One thing to think about is that the Tractor Supply/Huskee 22 ton splitter is considered the best bang for the buck, about $1000 or so at most TSC stores. Something to think about, since you'll be hard pressed to build your own for anywhere near that amount unless you are given or already have the pump, engine, steel etc. http://www.tractorsupply.com/huskee-reg-22-ton-log-splitter-carb-compliant-1032822 Good luck! Thanks for the link and the Tractor Supply info. I knew I could but it cheaper, but I kind of like projects to fool around on. Anyone can buy something, only a handful can build it. I got you there, bubba! I just didn't want you to go in with your eyes closed! Pics, we gots to have'em!!!! 
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If I were to build one as a project I would try to make it electric or find the most silent gas engine they make. My only gripe with splitting wood is the noise everytime I do it it reminds me of standing next to a old lawnmower for a couple of hours. This is true. I was actually surprised how quiet some of them little Harbor Freight Predator motors are. I've watched a few youtubes on them and they don't seem too loud at all. I have a 6.5hp harbor freight engine on a power washer. it is about the same noise level as any other 6.5hp engine. No louder or lower. |
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http://www.arboristsite.com/, the Arfcom of the chainsaw/splitter world. I agree with all the above: wedge goes on the ram, with a big thick anvil plate at the end of the beam. The wedge moves, the log does not except to split. One thing to think about is that the Tractor Supply/Huskee 22 ton splitter is considered the best bang for the buck, about $1000 or so at most TSC stores. Something to think about, since you'll be hard pressed to build your own for anywhere near that amount unless you are given or already have the pump, engine, steel etc. http://www.tractorsupply.com/huskee-reg-22-ton-log-splitter-carb-compliant-1032822 Good luck! Thanks for the link and the Tractor Supply info. I knew I could but it cheaper, but I kind of like projects to fool around on. Anyone can buy something, only a handful can build it. I got you there, bubba! I just didn't want you to go in with your eyes closed! Pics, we gots to have'em!!!! Oh yes. The best thing about a project is helping others follow along.
I beam sized and cylinder sized. Axles and design are pretty much nailed down. |
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Quoted: If you were closer I have an axle Id donate to you.Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: http://www.arboristsite.com/, the Arfcom of the chainsaw/splitter world. I agree with all the above: wedge goes on the ram, with a big thick anvil plate at the end of the beam. The wedge moves, the log does not except to split. One thing to think about is that the Tractor Supply/Huskee 22 ton splitter is considered the best bang for the buck, about $1000 or so at most TSC stores. Something to think about, since you'll be hard pressed to build your own for anywhere near that amount unless you are given or already have the pump, engine, steel etc. http://www.tractorsupply.com/huskee-reg-22-ton-log-splitter-carb-compliant-1032822 Good luck! Thanks for the link and the Tractor Supply info. I knew I could but it cheaper, but I kind of like projects to fool around on. Anyone can buy something, only a handful can build it. I got you there, bubba! I just didn't want you to go in with your eyes closed! Pics, we gots to have'em!!!! Oh yes. The best thing about a project is helping others follow along. I beam sized and cylinder sized. Axles and design are pretty much nailed down. I want to build one too but.........................I dont have a fireplace  |
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I've got this Speeco splitter and I'm totally happy with it. I split the purchase with a buddy and we paid about $1300 for it.
I totally understand the desire to build your own though. Go down to Coastal or Wilco and look at the splitters they have there, maybe get some dimensions/specs off them to use in your design. One thing I really like about mine is the 2-stage pump. It runs at a lower pressure/higher flow (faster cycle time) until the ram meets resistance, and then shifts to a high pressure/low flow to power through any knots. I haven't found a single log this thing won't split so far, even the knottiest old fir. |
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Mine is homemade with an I-beam. 5" x 24" ram
Wedge is opposite the ram. The ram goes nearly all the way to the wedge so I've never had to pound a log off, not even the knarliest elm I've split. Ram is huge, but I run it with my tractor, and it has 17gpm flow rate so cycle time is surprisingly quick, even at idle. |
