Logsplitter Design

[woodzy]

Saw another thread on a log splitter question - thought I would pass along mine to inspire anyone building one.

It started out to be one that could be rotated 90° to be used vertical but in the end, it was welded in the down position, and a log lift was added. I must say it is a joy to operate this and I consider it mental ************ operating it....







Hydraulic tank is the tube structure that holds the axle, notice the breather and double 90° to prevent spillage.

 

[larry4406]

Nice!

More details on the log lift please.

I've been studying the HF gas splitter which is dual directional (splits both directions). Thought about building one with the engine I have but would still cost more than buying the hydraulics and steel.

 

[J king]

Very nice looking splitter. Mine is probably 20 years old now .added the log lift a few years ago to help my old back. What a savior!!! Lifts and makes a nice work shelf . They all should have them.

 

[404]

I must say it is a joy to operate this and I consider it mental ************ operating it....

The old in out, in out.

 

[Richard Cranium]

thanks for posting I have never seen a log lift.

 

[bczygan]

Any videos of it operating?

What is the biggest log you can split?

I'm wondering how much it could be simplified if the log lift was eliminated, wheels and tires removed, and it was set up to work right on the ground?

What powers it?

Bill

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

wonder what difference the wedge being on the ram or the base makes?

 

[J king]

Not sure if the question about a vid was directed to me or the op. I don't have one.
Mine was built to be compact in width. Very narrow axle width so it takes a lot less space in barn.it hugs the wall very nicely.
. My axle is positioned to the rear so it's out of my way when operating the splitter. It's set up for me being right handed also. There is a shelf on the back side of splitter to hold the split sections so it doesn't fall off and have to be picked up to spit again. Works very good.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

wonder what difference the wedge being on the ram or the base makes?

If the wedge is on the ram, the log stays where it's split. If it's on the base,it'll push out towards the base end.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

I've seen a log splitter that was built vertical with the base at waist height. It had a log lift that was 90* to the base like an "L". When raised it placed the log in the correct position to the ram, you just slid it over to it. Once split, to the left,it had a conveyor system you pushed the split wood onto and it would convey it to your truck/trailer or a pile. It also had two splitting wedges you could use a standard one or a 4 way wedge.

If and when I modify my splitter, I'll add a log lift like the first one for this thread that I can take off quickly when I need to turn the lift vertical for splitting the 3-5 ft round log sections i get once in awhile. I'll also add on the opposite side a flat section about 2 foot wide with a ramp coming off so the split wood can be directed away from the splitter or maybe a conveyor.

 

[rslaback]

Keep in mind that you can also build a log lift using the ram action and some pulleys. It doesn't have to be hydraulic.

 

[woodzy]

It is powered by a 8 HP Kawasaki motor. It has a 24" stroke and 4" cylinder diameter. I think it is a two stage 16gpm hydraulic pump 2500 psi. I willing to guess the tank (which is the axle tube) holds about 4 gallons of fluid.

I have picked up 3' logs with it without any issue. It need to be attached to a vehicle if picking up large logs as it might want to tip it over.

When I had it in the vertical position before the log lift it was very difficult to move the log under it as you no longer could roll it. With the log lift, you just roll it on the lift and lift it up. I agree the log lift make a very good shelf for working and I tend to put 4-5 logs on it and just roll them to the wedge.

I still not sure what make the difference if the cylinder drives the wedge or plate but this work as good as I would expect. Never had any issue of it stalling out and not splitting the wood. Sometimes a very large diameter log is challenging as you need to split it, retract, rotate log to finish split.

I have other pictures if you want to see anything else. No video but if I get it out again soon, I'll make one.