Homo Erectus Bi Directional Log Splitter

[clutchcargo]

I have been wanting to build a log splitter that will split in both directions without the split wood having to be handled twice. Once when loading unsplit logs and once after they have been split. That will require the push block to move and the wedges to be fixed at either end. Offloading tables at both ends will help to keep the split wood out of the way. I also want a higher splitting platform so I won't be bent over all the time.

I am calling it the Homo Erectus Double Cross Splitter

Any suggestions/ideas are welcome!:msp_confused:

Any how here is the beginning of the project: the main beam and cylinder mount.

I started with a Prince Fortress 4.5" x 24" Cylinder with 2.25" rod diameter because I think the cross tube welded cylinder is the strongest and has a 3000 psi rating. It also has a shorter collapsed length that will keep the overall width of the splitter down.

The Beam/Push Block carrier is a 6" x 4" x 1/2" rectangular tube that has a 7" x 5" x 1/4" rectangular tube sliding across it. There is 3/16" UHMW nylon sleeve between the two to prevent galling of the tubes and "slop" in the system. I will post more pics as the build continues.

Haldex 16gpm pump - Honda GX390 13HP - Prince Fortress 4.5 x 24 Cylinder all operating at 3000 psi.

The speed of the cylinder will be 6.1 sec to extend, and 4.8 sec to retract. Should keep me busy splitting a log every 5.4 seconds don't ya think?

47,713 lbs force on extend side, 35,785 on the retract.

I only need 8 hp for the pump but the extra 5 hp cost me $57. You know "more power grunt grunt grunt". Credit Tim the Toolman on that quote!

BTW the splitter in the background is the temporary hydraulic power.pack.

 

[TMFARM 2009]

 

[zogger]

bump

Subscribing because I want to follow the progress and see how this thing works. I don't get it so far.....

 

[cowtipper]

Something like this?

YouTube - Powerhorse Log Splitter Splits Logs In Both Directions

[video=youtube;TyV-GXl-LUY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyV-GXl-LUY[/video]

 

[4seasons]

I don't guess I understand your design. I have studied the powerhorse bi-directional splitter and like the design although I thought it was a little too light duty for me or I might have bought one. I guess I need to see more of your's as to were the wedge and feet go before I can pass judgement.

 

[wampum]

The Power horse is Chinese made. Here is a Split fire Canadian made of high quality parts.I have one of these and really like it. YouTube - Split-Fire 290 4 way log splitter

I believe what the OP is doing is putting the ram in the middle with the wedges on both sides. This way it will push the split logs onto a table on both sides. This way it can go on conveyors or onto the ground.

 

[clutchcargo]

The Power horse is Chinese made. Here is a Split fire Canadian made of high quality parts.I have one of these and really like it. YouTube - Split-Fire 290 4 way log splitter

I believe what the OP is doing is putting the ram in the middle with the wedges on both sides. This way it will push the split logs onto a table on both sides. This way it can go on conveyors or onto the ground.

Wampum you hit the nail on the head. by ram i am sure you mean the push block that moves the wood, not the cylinder/ram itself.
If you watch the split fire video look at how the operator has to throw those split chunks around. Wasted time and energy. That is why most horizontal only splitters do not have a moving wedge. Also there is less stress on the cylinder when used for pushing than when it is used for splitting.
No offense meant to any power horse or split fire owners out there.:msp_biggrin:

 

[clutchcargo]

Subscribing because I want to follow the progress and see how this thing works. I don't get it so far.....

Zogger I understand your confusion. I figured when I posted pictures of the cylinder standing vertically it would be hard to picture it operating horizontally. Stay tuned as the TV announcers say.

 

[Rookie1]

I like fabricating and would love to build my own splitter. Ill watch yours for ideas. Keep us posted.

 

[KiwiBro]

this pretty cool, but could do with some refinements:
tempest log splitter thread a while back

And here's their site that has a video:

http://tempestwoodsplitter.com/

 

[clutchcargo]

this pretty cool, but could do with some refinements:
tempest log splitter thread a while back

And here's their site that has a video:

Tempest Wood Splitter

Kiwibro

Wow that guy stole my idea:msp_razz:. I am thinking of a smaller more compact unit. easier to move around. What does everybody think of that box wedge? What would you do different? Might save me some do overs.

 

[mga]

witty use of words.

 

[KiwiBro]

Kiwibro

Wow that guy stole my idea:msp_razz:. I am thinking of a smaller more compact unit. easier to move around. What does everybody think of that box wedge? What would you do different? Might save me some do overs.

It's a cool concept, that's for sure.
Some ideas:
1. Log lift: either be able to be connected either side of the middle position, or one smaller lift feeding each wedge. This way the operator doesn't need to stand on the lift or lean over it to operate the levers.
2. Wedges: Slightly longer top sections so a log can safely sit on it. Adjustable height and/or removable wedges so to be able to meet customer specs on max firewood girth/height - for machines in this class, that are priced for commercial operations, I consider that a must here b/c customers have varying needs here.
3. Returns: Either fixed to the block or some sort of spring loaded arrangement fixed to each wedge so that while the block is splitting in one direction, it's dragging the round that was sitting on the opposit wedge back onto the table, thus the operator doesn't have to man-handle the rounds up and over the block and can keep both wedges feed with independent rounds. To my mind, it's a no-brainer and would eliminate much of the operator's workload - let's face it, repetitive up and sideways movements with large blocks at near full extension is a RSI/accident scenario waiting to happen.
4. Rubbish filter: On the ends of each table, have a grated section that allows the smaller barky rubbish to fall between the grates before the wood is shunted onto a conveyor. These fixed, multiple wedges produce significantly more smaller pieces that are just no good for much and customers don't usually want to see such rubbish in their firewood (I'm thinking of the scenario where these splitters are loading straight into delivery vehicles or flexible bags for delivery straight to customers without any further double/tripple handling).
5. Block: Have an automatic see-saw action with a kill lever so the operator can concentrate on keeping both wedges feed with rounds. Coupled with the auto round return feature for each wedge , then the machine is starting to reach closer to it's potential and would be a joy to use.

It would be great to learn more about what you come up with. Please do keep us informed with pics if possible. That would be super. I wish I had the skills to build something like this.

 

[clutchcargo]

It's a cool concept, that's for sure.
Some ideas:
1. Log lift: either be able to be connected either side of the middle position, or one smaller lift feeding each wedge. This way the operator doesn't need to stand on the lift or lean over it to operate the levers.
2. Wedges: Slightly longer top sections so a log can safely sit on it. Adjustable height and/or removable wedges so to be able to meet customer specs on max firewood girth/height - for machines in this class, that are priced for commercial operations, I consider that a must here b/c customers have varying needs here.
3. Returns: Either fixed to the block or some sort of spring loaded arrangement fixed to each wedge so that while the block is splitting in one direction, it's dragging the round that was sitting on the opposit wedge back onto the table, thus the operator doesn't have to man-handle the rounds up and over the block and can keep both wedges feed with independent rounds. To my mind, it's a no-brainer and would eliminate much of the operator's workload - let's face it, repetitive up and sideways movements with large blocks at near full extension is a RSI/accident scenario waiting to happen.
4. Rubbish filter: On the ends of each table, have a grated section that allows the smaller barky rubbish to fall between the grates before the wood is shunted onto a conveyor. These fixed, multiple wedges produce significantly more smaller pieces that are just no good for much and customers don't usually want to see such rubbish in their firewood (I'm thinking of the scenario where these splitters are loading straight into delivery vehicles or flexible bags for delivery straight to customers without any further double/tripple handling).
5. Block: Have an automatic see-saw action with a kill lever so the operator can concentrate on keeping both wedges feed with rounds. Coupled with the auto round return feature for each wedge , then the machine is starting to reach closer to it's potential and would be a joy to use.

It would be great to learn more about what you come up with. Please do keep us informed with pics if possible. That would be super. I wish I had the skills to build something like this.

If you are old enough you might remember the scene in Treasure of the Sierra Madre where the bandito says " badges? What badges? We don't need no stinking badges". Well my version is "Skill? What skill? I don't need no stinking skill". I just ask the guys on this website and I get all the skill I need.

Would you mind expounding on the "see saw action"? didn't quite get that one.

I already have the design in mind for the grated table extensions.

Here is another one for the gang. Instead of a plate steel top I am thinking of using angle stock laid with the point up so it would have a courderoy effect. Stronger, cheaper and would keep logs from free rolling around the table. Keeping the grooves clean might be a problem though. I could always add a generator and compressor so I could blow it off every now and then but I am worried that the deuce and a half I would need to haul it all around would bust my budjet :jester:


Re: the log lift this design does have some limitations.
1. you can't load from either end because then you would have to move blocks around the wedge.
2. Can't put it on the side opposite the operator because the engine is there.
3. If you put it on the operator side a small lift for each wedge isn't practical because there is only 30" or so between the wedges and the push block is in there some where.

As I see it the only option for a lift is directly under the operator station requiring him to step aside to load log. That shoots the previous posters desire to use the lift as a staging area because it would have to be returned to starting position before splitting could resume.

That is why I am seriously considering a boom/tong setup.

What I can't figure is which is better.

The teetor totter type boom with a hydraulic cylinder for power.

Pros:
No electric start/alternator/ battery necessary
enough umph for the largest rounds
minimal moving parts and fab work
Cons
limited reach
hassle hooking up the tongs

Boom with electric winch

Pros
50 foot radius to haul rounds/logs from
able to pull from both sides and rear of splitter

cons

see comment re electric start,alt.battery
more fab work
need tow vehicle attached or leg extensions to counter leverage of a "long Haul"
tong hookup

Comments anyone???:help::help::help:

 

[KiwiBro]

I just ask the guys on this website and I get all the skill I need.

Aint that the truth!
There must be something about the wood industry that attracts such helpful and generous participants. I'm very fortunate to have a few go-to guys for my chainsaw questions in particular who have been so generous with their time and knowledge it's quite humbling for a guy like me who, up until very recently, made his living by charging fees the moment he answered the phone or went online to help anyone.

Nowadays, a hard, honest days work felling trees, bucking logs, splitting wood, not to mention early onset CAD, is leaving me near broke but deeply satisfied. Without the help of some great people who either frequent this board and others or used to, I'd still be in my suit, wearing my consultant hat, stressed out at the smallest, most ridiculous things and not anywhere near as happy.

Would you mind expounding on the "see saw action"? didn't quite get that one.

Sorry, my description could have been better. What I meant was the user could have the option of hitting a switch or the like and the block would automatically, perpetually move left and right with no further input from the user, until they hit a kill leaver or switch. this would free the user up to deal with rounds, not be chained to or hang off levers all day, if they didn't want to.

Here is another one for the gang. Instead of a plate steel top I am thinking of using angle stock laid with the point up so it would have a courderoy effect. Stronger, cheaper and would keep logs from free rolling around the table. Keeping the grooves clean might be a problem though. I could always add a generator and compressor so I could blow it off every now and then but I am worried that the deuce and a half I would need to haul it all around would bust my budjet :jester:

I'd worry about the extra little pieces that would create and the chance it would mean more debri ending up jammed under the block. How about just a removable vertical prong at the other side of the table so a new round (before it's got a flat wedged out of it) can't roll straight off? Personally, I'm not sure the compressor/generator subscribes to the KISS mantra so many espouse, even if it might come in handy from time to time.

3. If you put it on the operator side a small lift for each wedge isn't practical because there is only 30" or so between the wedges and the push block is in there some where.

Good point. If there was the aforementioned auto perpetual splitting mode, with auto round return then the operator wouldn't be needed to stand there hanging off levers.

That is why I am seriously considering a boom/tong setup...Boom with electric winch

I'd be really keen to see what you come up with as I could end up needing something similar.

 

[DSS]

The Power horse is Chinese made. Here is a Split fire Canadian made of high quality parts.I have one of these and really like it. YouTube - Split-Fire 290 4 way log splitter

I believe what the OP is doing is putting the ram in the middle with the wedges on both sides. This way it will push the split logs onto a table on both sides. This way it can go on conveyors or onto the ground.

I use a split fire too. I really like them, they look small, but it will split absolutely anything that i can lift.

Very well built. I find that it's just a few inches too low for me, but thats easy to remedy.

 

[wampum]

I use a split fire too. I really like them, they look small, but it will split absolutely anything that i can lift.

Very well built. I find that it's just a few inches too low for me, but thats easy to remedy.

I got the trailer wheels on mine to be able to tow it. And you are right it is to low. (but if it was any higher it would tip when towed)What I do is push it up on a couple of car ramps and put a block under the front jack,that makes it just the right height for me.(that raises it about 8 inches) I am just a tad over 6 foot tall.
Someday I hope to install 3 trailer tongue jacks on it.2 on the back and one one the tongue. Then I can just raise it where I want it.

 

[clutchcargo]

Angle Gussetts

I had a little time this afternoon so I beefed up those angles a bit. Someone on another site said A36 angles have a tendency to twist. There is one picture without the gussetts.

 

[clutchcargo]

UHMW Nylon Sleeve

Here is a close up of the nylon I used to line the inside of the larger tube to prevent galling and give a real true slide with no slop. It is kind of hard to see because it is black. The steel is shiny from grinding the nylon is Flat Black.

The little angle pieces are there to keep the nylon from coming out. I just tacked one end so after 10,000 cords or so I will be able to replace it.

 

[clutchcargo]

Properly oriented pictures

Here is a pic of the whole assembly sitting on my welding table right side up. I have mocked up the push block system. If you can imagine the working table top between the tube/slide and the push block you will have a pretty good idea about how the Erectus will function. There will be two slots along the length of the table where the 1" x 3" flats will connect the slide to the block. The upright flats have not been cut to length so the block is sitting further away from the slide eventually will.

I still am waffling between a plate steel top or 2 x 2 angles with the point up to create a corderoy effect to keep the logs from sliding around.

Keep the comments coming they keep the creative juices flowing.

Stay tuned the table frame is next!