I made a video of my splitter.

[genesis5521]

Hey, how do those ryobis work anyway, is that a worm gear drive?

Good question Zogger. I'll have to check it out. It does use hydraulic fluid if that means anything.

Don <><

 

[Steve NW WI]

If it's the same one as I saw at Menards (only branded differently) - which it looks like, it's a 1 way hydraulic cylinder with a spring return. Notice in the video that Don's motor only runs on the forward stroke.

 

[genesis5521]

If it's the same one as I saw at Menards (only branded differently) - which it looks like, it's a 1 way hydraulic cylinder with a spring return. Notice in the video that Don's motor only runs on the forward stroke.

Hi Steve:

Menards has the Earthquake 5 ton model. It looks kinda like mine, but with some differences. Interestingly enough, it's cheaper at Menards then it is at the Earthquake web site. Here's a link: Compact Electric 5 Ton Log Splitter - Detail information for Compact Electric 5 Ton Log Splitter

I don't know who makes Ryobi products. I found a web site that said Rigid and Ryobi tools are owned (not necessarily made) by TTI (Techtronic Industries). Are Rigid and Ryobi Tool made by the same company? Who?

On that cylinder stop, I just cut a piece of 2X4 and taped it to the front of the ram when it's extended. Now it can't retract all the way back. What a simple solution. It works GREAT ! Thanks for that info !

Don <><

 

[genesis5521]

Like the table!

Hi Dalmation:

I watch a ton of wood splitter videos on youtube and I've never seen anyone using a table to stack their rounds. Once in awhile I'll see a guy with a log lift which also serves as a table of sorts. But that's the exception. Everyone else is loading one round at a time, splitting that round, then going to the stack for another round. That's what I did for many years. Back and forth and back and forth. But it just seemed so inefficient to me. When working alone, a table sure speeds things up and is much less tiring.

Don <><

 

[zogger]

Hi Dalmation:

I watch a ton of wood splitter videos on youtube and I've never seen anyone using a table to stack their rounds. Once in awhile I'll see a guy with a log lift which also serves as a table of sorts. But that's the exception. Everyone else is loading one round at a time, splitting that round, then going to the stack for another round. That's what I did for many years. Back and forth and back and forth. But it just seemed so inefficient to me. When working alone, a table sure speeds things up and is much less tiring.

Don <><

The one I have here my boss made has a hydraulic log lift on it, and you can either pick up one hugemongous round, or half a dozen or whatever smaller ones. Same deal, load once, keep splitting for awhile. Just reach over for a new piece, roll it in place. It works just like your table with that slight angle.

That thing is busted now though, so I just fiskars most everything..I find that more fun. I have nothing against powered splitters, just I like hand splitting and will keep doing it as long as I can.

If I do buy one though, I like your electric model, I have PLENTY of small gas engine crapola to try and keep running all the time.

 

[kd460]

Nice post! Perfect exmple of "work smarter-not harder!". Thanks for posting it.

I would also like to say your a lucky dude! My mate (wife) won't let me smoke or keep any wood in the house! Not even my Harley!!! KD

 

[Tim Carroll]

If it's the same one as I saw at Menards (only branded differently) - which it looks like, it's a 1 way hydraulic cylinder with a spring return. Notice in the video that Don's motor only runs on the forward stroke.

I was looking at the Tiawan John's (Menards) one too. I think that the auto return feature is the beauty of that thing, by the time you take the split piece out of the way your ready to go again, very efficient.

I had to hit Don with some rep, nice video and setup!

 

[genesis5521]

I was looking at the Tiawan John's (Menards) one too. I think that the auto return feature is the beauty of that thing, by the time you take the split piece out of the way your ready to go again, very efficient. I had to hit Don with some rep, nice video and setup!

Thanks Tim:

I'd bet that all those electric's are pretty decent splitters. I don't know why this Ryobi is so good except maybe for the wedge design. I kinda like the the DR Dual Action (splits in both directions) 10 ton splitter. It can be converted from electric to gas. Now that's a neat feature!

DR® Power Equipment - DR Electric Dual-Action Splitter

Don <><

 

[Tim Carroll]

Thanks Tim:

I'd bet that all those electric's are pretty decent splitters. I don't know why this Ryobi is so good except maybe for the wedge design. I kinda like the the DR Dual Action (splits in both directions) 10 ton splitter. It can be converted from electric to gas. Now that's a neat feature!

DR® Power Equipment - DR Electric Dual-Action Splitter

Don <><

That splitter looks cool. My neighbor gets a big crew of guys together to cut and split and we will do 25 cord in a day. 10 guys, 3 big saws, 2 splitters. One of the guys has a home made dual action splitter named the "Wood Butcher" powered by a Ford 300 CID 6 cylinder. It will put out 40 ton in one direction and 20 ton on the back stroke. It is quite quick at spliting wood but you almost need to have 3 or 4 guys working with it to feed it wood, split the wood and get the split stuff out of the way. I will have to get some pictures posted next time we hit it. In a one year period we put up 100 full cord and had alot of fun (we were putting wood up for 4 families). I would like to see that electric DR dual action in action after seeing how efficient dual direction splitters are.

 

[genesis5521]

I would like to see that electric DR dual action in action after seeing how efficient dual direction splitters are.

Here's the video page of the DR electric/gas splitters.

DR® Power Equipment - Log Splitter Dual-Action Gallery <><

Don

 

[mikereynolds]

I love it when you shows me your methods. I learn something everytime. I am gonna build that table tomorrow!
Thanks Don
"You got to be smarter than the tool you are working with" Earl Bartee

 

[genesis5521]

I love it when you shows me your methods. I learn something everytime. I am gonna build that table tomorrow!
Thanks Don
"You got to be smarter than the tool you are working with" Earl Bartee

Thanks Earl. Table shouldn't take but an hour or 2 to build. I'm just surprised that more buys haven't built one. To each his own I guess. Just build it for whatever way works best with your splitter. Keeping everything at a comfortable height to work with is the key. We expect some pix when it's finished. Your pix may give others some ideas.

Don <><

 

[NCPABill]

Good thinking Don! I couldn't help but think that if the whole set-up was lower, a guy could sit on an old chair and do it all (after loading the table that is).

Thanks for taking the time to make and post the video.

Bill

 

[mattfr12]

Nice video and i like the table you made works. like a loading deck on a wood processor. looks like it can really save your back also.

 

[Misfit138]

Great video, great system, and great philosophy. Keep it simple.
Rep sent.

 

[Misfit138]

I also love your stove. Napoleon makes a great unit. Enjoy, and keep heating with wood!

 

[genesis5521]

Great video, great system, and great philosophy. Keep it simple.
Rep sent.

Thanks Misfit !

Don <><

 

[genesis5521]

Good thinking Don! I couldn't help but think that if the whole set-up was lower, a guy could sit on an old chair and do it all (after loading the table that is). Thanks for taking the time to make and post the video. Bill

Hi Bill:

When I used the splitter on the ground, I use to sit on a stool and had the rounds stacked all around me. But the table is faster and easier.

Don <><

 

[Islero]

Excellent video!! I too own a 5 ton electric Homelite log splitter and couldn't be happier with it. I love your idea of the loading table and placement of your cart for tossing split firewood. I plan to make me a similar table and place my 1975 3/4 ton Ford pickup where I can toss the firewood once it is split. Thank you so very much for sharing you great set up with us. I only wish that I could purchase permits and go to the forest to cut firewood instead of having to wait on listings on CL for free firewood. Rep on its way for original ideas and for sharing with others!!

 

[FanOFatherNash]

[video=youtube_share;dmfQqgVPyyk]http://youtu.be/dmfQqgVPyyk[/video]

This is a 15 minute video on how I process my firewood using a Stihl MS290 Farm Boss chainsaw and a Ryobi 4 ton electric splitter. Given the type of wood I gather, I couldn't split it any faster with any conventional hydraulic log splitter, no matter how big. Now a kinetic splitter would run circles around me, but I can't justify its cost. Don't let the Ryobi's diminutive size and tonnage fool you. Unless you're constantly splitting big gnarly rounds, the Ryobi is more than adequate. It's inexpensive (compared to hydraulic splitters), cheap to operate, quiet, easily maneuverable, and emits no fumes. There are other electric splitter on the market which I'm sure are just as good. But I can only attest to what I actually use and have experience with. Conventional gas powered hydraulic splitters start at around $1000 and go to over $10,000. They have their place. I'm just showing you what works for me and giving you some options. Every one of my friends who needed a splitter, bought a Ryobi after trying mine. I should get a commission from Ryobi and Home Depot, but that ain't gonna happen. Making firewood is a hard, physically demanding labor of love, which can significantly reduce, or entirely eliminate, your heating costs. After the initial investment in a chainsaw and splitter, there is a small, ongoing cost associated with making firewood, but it's negligible. Heck, you could do it all with a chopping axe and splitting maul. And while virtually everyone now uses a chainsaw to cut trees, a very few still do split with a splitting maul. I save approximately $1500 a year in LP gas. I've had my wood burning stove for 8 years, so I've saved $12,000.

Don <><

look into a log arch , or just a hand cart might help get 3 rounds out to truck at a time