8 Way wedge?

[Pruning@trunk]

Wondering if a GX630, with a 28gpm pump and a 6" cylinder set at 2500psi (42 ton) splitter can handle a 8 way wedge.

Does anyone have one or use one with a machine with similar specs? How does it work?

It would be used on both hard and softwoods. The softwoods would be mostly aspen, cottonwood, basswood and boxelder. The hard woods would be mostly red oak and ash.

 

[GM_Grimmy]

A lot of it depends on the design of the wedge. I am having a splitter built with specs close to yours, 5" cylinder though. My build and I talked about it a little.....maybe if there's enough material left over we might try to make one and see how it works.

 

[blkcloud]

You shouldnt have any problem as long as you stayed away from the rounds with big knots in them...

 

[Hedgerow]

I fear an 8 way will just make a helluva mess... But on straight wood, it may be ok.
I have a 6 way for mine, but don't use it. Only the 4 way..

 

[Gypo Logger]

I have used a 6 way, but found that the wood would get stuck. It was ok though for 12" blocks with straight grain.
I much preferred the 4 way.

 

[Hedgerow]

I have used a 6 way, but found that the wood would get stuck. It was ok though for 12" blocks with straight grain.
I much preferred the 4 way.

Harrumpf!!!!

 

[muddstopper]

A 5in cyl will handle a 6way wedge easily, I dont see why you cant split 8 ways with a 6in cyl. Just be sure that your wedge is welded on something that wont break. Using knife edge wedges instead of the spreader wedges will help with the stuck pieces. At least I think it does. A thin knife edge will slice thru whatever wont split. Just for info, my current project calls for a 12way using 2-4.5in cylinders. I regularly split large dia rounds.

 

[Pruning@trunk]

How much should the center vertical wedge be in front of the other wedges? Is it best for all the other wedges to have a fade to it (forward or backwards) or just even?

3/4" AR400? What angle? 15 degree?

What size rounds would be optimal to be sending thru? 16in.?

 

[muddstopper]

I like to stagger my wedges back a couple of inches behind each other. This way the wood has already started to split before it hits the 4way and split again before hitting the 6way. as for dia of rounds, I split 30-36 dia rounds all the time. as i said in my other post, just make sure your hbeam and your welds will hold up to the stress. With my 24in tall adjustable 6way, mounted on a 6x6x1/2 hbeam, and the top plated with 1/2 and both sides plated with 3/4, I can see the beam flex. Theres a lot of force needed with multisplit wedge designs and if the wood dont give, something else will.

 

[ponyexpress976]

If your wedge is wide...like mine on a TW-6....the 6 way or 8 way wedges just make a bunch of kindling even when straight stuff is put through them. I've seen a few very effective boxes cutting multiple pieces like you want. Spits out the same size every time.

 

[Hedgerow]

I like to stagger my wedges back a couple of inches behind each other. This way the wood has already started to split before it hits the 4way and split again before hitting the 6way. as for dia of rounds, I split 30-36 dia rounds all the time. as i said in my other post, just make sure your hbeam and your welds will hold up to the stress. With my 24in tall adjustable 6way, mounted on a 6x6x1/2 hbeam, and the top plated with 1/2 and both sides plated with 3/4, I can see the beam flex. Theres a lot of force needed with multisplit wedge designs and if the wood dont give, something else will.

Video of said 30" rounds being split 6 ways??

 

[GVS]

It's more than piston diameter and system PSI.How strong are the cylinder attach points?How strong is the wedge attach point?How robust is the beam?Can all that stand up to 42 tons leaning on it?

 

[tla100]

If your wedge is wide...like mine on a TW-6....the 6 way or 8 way wedges just make a bunch of kindling even when straight stuff is put through them. I've seen a few very effective boxes cutting multiple pieces like you want. Spits out the same size every time.

I would also say to make more of a knife edge and thin than a wedge, in a box shape. I like my splits to be like a 6x6 or so. With a 8 way wedge your are going to end up with a lot of thin "pizza slices"

 

[damato333]

If it is knot free I don't think you'll have a problem with oak and ash. I would make it. It won't take much time to make. If it doesn't work at least you tried.