Log Splitter - Irish Build

[richeyc2000]

Hi Folks,
So, I was looking to build a log splitter and I decided on a screw splitter just because it seemed like a handy machine to make.

I had some 50mm box iron left over from the bench builds so I used all but a full single 7.5 meter in this build. Think I had approximately 300mm left over. But don't worry that will be used also.

The layout:

 

[richeyc2000]

After a load of welding and a lick of paint this was the result.

I drilled 4 holes (with the wondrous Mag Drill) for the bearings then to line it up with the centre of the benchtop.

I should have mentioned the base is around 3ft square. A good size base for splitting and placing the timber to one side as you break it from a half into a quarter.

 

[ambenz]

I didn't know what you meant by a screw type log splitter until I saw the video!

Interesting...you gonna make your own screw?

 

[richeyc2000]

I picked up some pins for the lower base to attach it to the three point linkage of the tractor.

Drilled a few holes and tightened up the bolt and hit them with welds to lock them in place.

Next up was the sheet of steel base plate. I had some laying around the place so cut it to size and welded it in place.

I them attached the screw to get the measurements for the steel piece to go under the screw. This is used so nothing can go under it to bend the shaft etc.

I gave it around a 5mm gap between the screw and the steel block. I then added two end pieces off at sharp angles. This is used to guide any timber that may not be fully split but by the time they slide down on these the block is spread further.

Note:
I know this is a dangerous machine in one way but even with a hydraulic log splitter there is an element of danger.

So I use this with great respect and i'm not splitting anything too hard or big. Its just to help speed up the splitting operation. I'm amazed how well it work and how easy it is to use. It is very fast also.

I'm delighted with the machine.

 

[richeyc2000]

I didn't know what you meant by a screw type log splitter until I saw the video!

Interesting...you gonna make your own screw?

No, I picked up the shaft, bearing blocks and a screw with a replaceable tip for 200 Euro. At that price I couldn't go wrong.

 

[richeyc2000]

I must also say that the welding bench has more than paid for itself in the easy of operation in building stuff. Delighted with it.

 

[richeyc2000]

So, I've to build a frame above where I'm splitting to stop anyone falling into it and a cover for the Shaft between the bearings but this was a trial run to see how it worked.


https://vimeo.com/195044167

Thanks for looking.

 

[Jazz1]

I like it! Never seen one set up like that. Myself I usually wait till I have a few cords and then just rent a 30 ton splitter for the day and get bizzy.

 

[KevinFox]

That's cool,
Did you make the screw yourself ?
What's it driven off ? A Tractor ?

 

[richeyc2000]

That's cool,
Did you make the screw yourself ?
What's it driven off ? A Tractor ?

Hi Kevin,
I bought the screw. It's driven off the PTO of a Zetor tractor we have. A 5711, the screw runs around 540 RPM with the tractor just ticking over.

 

[richeyc2000]

I like it! Never seen one set up like that. Myself I usually wait till I have a few cords and then just rent a 30 ton splitter for the day and get bizzy.

Thanks, I thought about that also but for circa 300 Euro I can't go wrong.

 

[kbs2244]

I am watching.
The screw type splitters have a lot of bad press over here.
But they are so much simpler they are irresistible.

 

[930dreamer]

I have one that attaches to a truck rear axle, it's very scary.

 

[432bullet]

My dad had one very scary, we sold it after very little use. This was was yrs ago and we were using on a 3 point hitch on a 8N Ford, was always getting stuck and no way to reverse it to fee it up.

 

[richeyc2000]

I have one that attaches to a truck rear axle, it's very scary.

My dad had one very scary, we sold it after very little use. This was was yrs ago and we were using on a 3 point hitch on a 8N Ford, was always getting stuck and no way to reverse it to fee it up.

A rear axle one sounds crazy! [emoji6]
This one is just ticking over at around 540 RPM, I've seen ones going like the clappers but I think slow and steady wins the race. It's more controlled I think just from using it.
Noting has got stuck with this one so far but the steel runners under the screw stop anything getting caught.

 

[1953mercury]

Nice job on the splitter build. When I first saw the title, being Irish myself, I thought there might just be a pic of the Mrs out back with a stump and a maul. Cheers, Mike

 

[NUTTSGT]

Cool build and looks like it would work well. Personally, I'd avoid wearing gloves and having long sleeves while using it to prevent any accidental entanglements.

I remember watching one the PTO screw splitters at a power and steam show. As a kid, I thought it looked dangerous but it was fast.


Dangerous.... well coming from a guy that runs into burning buildings, how about a calculated risk ?

 

[richeyc2000]

Nice job on the splitter build. When I first saw the title, being Irish myself, I thought there might just be a pic of the Mrs out back with a stump and a maul. Cheers, Mike

Cool build and looks like it would work well. Personally, I'd avoid wearing gloves and having long sleeves while using it to prevent any accidental entanglements.

I remember watching one the PTO screw splitters at a power and steam show. As a kid, I thought it looked dangerous but it was fast.


Dangerous.... well coming from a guy that runs into burning buildings, how about a calculated risk ?

1953 Mercury.
Good to meet another Irish man.
I was tempted to include that image. But she's too busy to pose for an image. There's timber to be split!!!! [emoji6]


NUTTSGT
Thanks. As per the video. No gloves or long sleeves. Used to working on the farm and have a decent hazard analysis / risk mitigation strategy. [emoji1303]
As said. Slow and steady wins the race. No rushing!

'Dangerous' might have been a stretch compared to voluntarily running into a burning building. I hold off my hat to you on that one.