First splitter build thread

[Glen2504]

My first and hopefully last log splitter build. I had no idea that it would take so long to measure,cut,weld, and put a logsplitter together. I'm glad I took the time to finish it and what I feel like it a well built splitter. I took a few pics throughout the build over the period of a couple of months working on it in the evenings mostly. I've never welded with an arc welder for more than an hour and that was in high school. I found a good deal on a Miller 250 welder generator so I used this as a good time to learn.

 

[Glen2504]

It started as a 8"x8" H beam 15ft long with a 7/16" web. I bought 3 this close for $200.

 

[Glen2504]

I cut the plate at the end off, cut a slot for the 4 way wedge to slide in. After test fitting the piece of steel I welded in the 1" steel back for the wedge to slide against.

 

[Glen2504]

I sharpened the piece 1" steel 30" long to split big wood. 25 sandpaper disc and 10 hours later the wedge was sharp and installed. I built the lift system actuated by a 3" cylinder with a 6" stroke.

 

[Glen2504]

Got the push plate built and welded Its 12" x 12" 3/4" thick with braces, also included a pic of a the beads that are much improved. I added the length where the clevis is so I can change cylinder length if I ever desired.

 

[pantelis]

Got the push plate built and welded Its 12" x 12" 3/4" thick with braces, also included a pic of a the beads that are much improved. I added the length where the clevis is so I can change cylinder length if I ever desired.

Good job here man as i see from the weldings, but also i see to your profile location Athens, AL the Greece Athens ?

 

[Glen2504]

My torch skills slowly improved. I cut the excess beam off after the cylinder has been measured and was ready to mount. I added the axle and braces in place to hold the hydraculic tank and engine.

 

[Glen2504]

I got the engine and tank mounted and decided to put a lift on it. I didn't take pics during that process. Here is the splitter finished except the hoses. Got all the hoses finsished the next couple of evenings. I ran it for a few min to get the air of the system and check for leaks. I immedately went one of the biggest pieces of wood I had to see if it would hold and do what I wanted. I've changed a couple of things but overall I am happy with my first build.

 

[nathon918]

I got the engine and tank mounted and decided to put a lift on it. I didn't take pics during that process. Here is the splitter finished except the hoses. Got all the hoses finsished the next couple of evenings. I ran it for a few min to get the air of the system and check for leaks. I immedately went one of the biggest pieces of wood I had to see if it would hold and do what I wanted. I've changed a couple of things but overall I am happy with my first build.

keep an eye on that PVC suction line, if it isn't UV rated and its outside it can become brittle and crack, sometimes not even noticeable where it wont leak oil, but it can suck air and cavitate the pump...
also the axle is awfully small (fine if it isn't being towed) but with no suspension, and being so small don't be surprised when you hit bumps and your axle starts to look like a old sloppy ford twin beam front axle... some gussets would go a long way to help something similar to this...don't mind my high tech "paint" drawings hahah

 

[nathon918]

keep an eye on that PVC suction line, if it isn't UV rated and its outside it can become brittle and crack, sometimes not even noticeable where it wont leak oil, but it can suck air and cavitate the pump...
also the axle is awfully small (fine if it isn't being towed) but with no suspension, and being so small don't be surprised when you hit bumps and your axle starts to look like a old sloppy ford twin beam front axle... some gussets would go a long way to help something similar to this...don't mind my high tech "paint" drawings hahah View attachment 394655

you could also add gussets like this to your existing setup (the "truss" would just be shorter and upside down), but still much better then how it is now, and it simple...im not trying to be a dick I just don't like to have to remake things, and don't want to see you wreck it on the road or have to re do it later...

 

[fred bergman]

looks great

 

[Glen2504]

Nathon918. I'm always up for constructive critism. I posted it hoping to hear from many of the very knowledgable guys on here. Thank you

 

[Mives4510]

Nice project. I am currently working on the exact same thing. 4 way wedge with log lift. I couldn't see in the pictures, is your wedge controlled by a hydraulic cylinder? I bought an extra cylinder and valve to control mine up and down but haven't decided on a design yet

 

[Glen2504]

Yes, I used a 3"x8" cylinder for the wedge lift and a 3x12" cylinder for the lift. My wedge will move 16" up and down. My splitter is taller than most because I wanted to have a working height slightly above waist high.
I used a 2 spool valve to actuate the log lift and 4 way wedge.