Log Splitter
 

Re: Log Splitter
 

Ever try drilling holes in the center of the logs and insert dynamite. Its cheaper, and a lot more fun.

Re: Log Splitter
 

I've got one parked up the road I made about 10 yrs ago,nice motor but slow as hell

I've used the Lick-a-dy splitter....really nice
But my fave is the one I bought out of Canada about 8 yrs. ago it's called the split fire , it splits in two directions ...piston going out and coming in...extremely fast!
I mention the lick-a-dy splitter just in case you run across a used one you'll know it's worth buying ...I doubt you'll find a used split fire but who knows, good luck

BTW I'm in CA.

Re: Log Splitter
 

Just thinking, has anyone ever thought of building a splitter that would work off a tractor hydraulic 3-point attachment. If the tractor 3-point hitch can pick up a ton two feet in the air, it might be powerful to split a log (particularly catagory 2 or 3).

Re: Log Splitter
 

Re: Log Splitter
 

I've used them , buy through tractor parts department .....if not Northern hydralic has them or used to

Re: Log Splitter
 

http://www.harborfreight.com/ enter log splitter in search several under $200

Re: Log Splitter
 

Norther hydralic is now Northern tool....http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w..._6970_100+1465

Re: Log Splitter
 

I am an antiques dealer like you and pound the roads hitting garage and estate sales looking for deals but I have to say, good log splitters are very tough to find used.
They are a lifetime investment so you will not regret spending you hard earned depreciating fiat on a new one. I have seen quite a few homemade splitters but most are to heavy and not very well built. The guy across the street made one, spent a lot of money and time and the thing constantly breaks down.
The $1500 Husky brand splitter from Tractor Supply works great!:emotions16:,
my splitter looks like the one in this picture:
http://www.skyetools.com/images/uplo...20splitter.JPG

I find that nothing stops it!. You can also split in the upright position which is great for huge butt logs that you don't want to lift up onto the beam.
I don't regret this purchase although it was a bit of a bite at the time. Mtnman, it's time to get into your "antiques stash" and offload a few items that you have been hanging onto,
pull one of your Hudson River paintings off the wall or sell the Gustav Stickley Eastwood rocking chair on you porch!:eek_ma: Go get a splitter so your wood is split and has time to dry before it gets cold!

Re: Log Splitter
 

Re: Log Splitter
 

I want one of those hydraulic log splitters, like here:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...6859_200316859

and here:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=33956

Makes more sense to me, needs no gas or electric. Get a spare hydraulic shock, and it would probably last a long time.

Re: Log Splitter
 

Hire some high school football player wannabees to split it by hand for you. Tell 'em it's better exercise and more fun than the weight room or running laps on the track. Pay 'em $10 an hour, you'll get your moneysworth. :s1:

Re: Log Splitter
 

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...&nAID=15720625

$999.00 Located in Knoxville....
Just a couple pairs of 500 dollar jeans to you Widdow Robber :smile:

Re: Log Splitter
 

And I bet that "wanted" list grows this fall. :D

I bought a tractor 3 pt hitch version about 10 years ago....comes with the beam, the cylinder, control valve.....you run it off the tractor hydraulics by tapping a supply and return port, or auxiliary hydraulic connections if your tractor is so equipped ( mine was not ).

Problem I found with my tractor was A: the hydraulics were pretty slow.....not enough volume, and B: it tied up my tractor if I wanted to drag more wood into the working area.

SO, I bought a pump and engine combo from Northern Hydraulics, and welded a axle and hitch on it, and now have a convention horizontal splitter.

There is no rocket science about building one, especially if you can scrounge some of the parts....the beam is simply a piece of 6x6 I beam.....the cylinder is a 4x24 ( and that could vary some...though I wouldn't go smaller than 4" ) you could find in an industrial scrap yard.....any engine from about 8hp on up will work....what you would have to buy new is probably a pump ( need a 2 stage, 16gpm for 8-10hp.....larger with a higher hp engine ) and a 4 way Cross control valve.....you'd be looking at 300 bucks or so for the two. With some decent scrounge work, you could probably build one for 5-700 bucks.

AND you're right, Mtman....they ARE the way to go.

Re: Log Splitter
 

I contemplated a splitter also, but the cost was too much.
I split by hand, but for $279, I would have tried one of these first,
before buying a $1500 one.
Different idea, seems logical, whether it works or not, I don't know.

http://www.thestickler.com/

Re: Log Splitter
 

Yeah, those Stickler's came out in the 70's, but I never saw one in action. Seems like a pretty good principle, but I'd like a report from somebody that actually used one.

By the way, Reviver.....those little hand pump splitters would HAVE to be a joke.....unless you are trying for ARNOLD biceps.....I can't imagine you could cycle them fast enough to get more than a wheelbarrow load of wood in a day. You'd be far better off to stick to a hand splitting maul ( called a "Go Devil" here ) and some wedges.

Re: Log Splitter
 

The Stickler/KILLER, I have one out in the shed on the back of the top shelf. No way am I going to use that. I bought it at a flea market to add to my weird tool collection. I have worked around machinery all my life and one thing I learned, Tangle with a machine and the machine always wins!!! And that thing is damn dangerous!!! <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
For the last couple of weeks I have been planning a build, but even though I already have the shop, steel, axle with wheels, hoses and a reservoir I'll still need a cylinder, engine, Pump with engine mount, coupling and valve. Even scrounging parts I'm still looking at $800-$1000. <o:p></o:p>
I think I�m going to take Zilver�s advice and sell something. I have looked at the Tractor Supply Husky and it�s a nice machine. It�s not much more that the cost of the parts I need.<o:p></o:p>
Anybody here collect Indian Relics or Clocks? I got good stuff!!

Re: Log Splitter
 

i got one at northern tool 6 ton elec for 279 work real good , if the log is no more then 18 round

Re: Log Splitter
 

I have used my 30 ton homemade shop press, but I have to drag big logs into the shop and lift them, so I just usually use the axe or the ol sledge and wedge.

Re: Log Splitter
 

Re: Log Splitter
 

These guys in NM make an air/hydraulic splitter- $668 + shipping. Handles logs up to 12" diameter and 18" length. They make earth block makers and other stuff as well. Their mini press looks good for seed oils.
http://www.ferncometal.com/products.htm

Re: Log Splitter
 

I can relate to your impending joy. I have split too many cords by hand m'self. Enjoy your new hydraulic sexiness.

Re: Log Splitter
 

i have a lead on a nice splitter(as far as i know.....i'm a newbie and i'm about to embark on my first woodstove heated winter this season) in central va.

The farm manager here is getting his all ready to sell. best i can tell he is only wanting $500-700 for it, completely fabricated from scratch with a gas powered honda. let me go snap a picture and we'll see what you think.

sheeit.....my batteries are dead in my camera. I'll post 'em after i run into town tomorrow.

Re: Log Splitter
 

see what you've started mountain man...:D

so i went splitter shopping today too since its early fall and i figured a few models would be available locally now...

i went to 3 different places and it was this cub cadet 27 ton unit over at Home Depot that made the grade for me...

welcome home logsplitter...nice to have you as a part of the family...

yeehaw....:applause_

edit...after dinner i went out and fired this baby up and split a few rounds and i absolutely love it...

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...3+90401+500809
....

Re: Log Splitter
 

I was lucky a few years back and got a homemade splitter for 110 bucks at an auction, it is used on a tractor, but I could not have bought the valve for that much.
it is a little shorter stroke than I would have wished for, but it works and I just cut wood a smidge shorter is all.
check the local auction companies to see ig any farm auctions are coming up
I have purchased so many good tools and old otems that are sure handy when I do not have electricity, and I am a cheap bastard so most of these things are aquired on the cheap!
good luck