QA

Question: How To Build A Log Splitter

Is it cheaper to build a log splitter?

As with many of these DIY log splitters, you might have to spend a little cash for the basic components, but when you consider that buying a log splitter can cost upwards of $1,000, constructing a machine such as this is still a very economical alternative.

What size cylinder do I need for a log splitter?

Most people choose a size that allows for a 20 to 30 second overall cycle that allows for enough time to load a log and remove split wood without having to wait. A 24 inch, 4 inch diameter cylinder is a popular choice.

What’s the average price of a log splitter?

The lowest price is for a hydraulic log splitter that will cost you just $649.99, while their most expensive product is a high-end Deluxe hydraulic splitter that costs $1,999.99.

How much force does it take to split wood?

The species of the tree is a strong determinant of the pounds of force needed to split your logs. For example, an Oak tree log requires 1350 pounds of pressure to split, based solely on its level of hardness.

What is a kinetic log splitter?

In place of hydraulic pump systems, kinetic splitters use massive flywheels to convert energy from a motor or engine into a burst of force. That force drives a moveable rack and push plate into a log and pushes the log against the splitting wedge, breaking the wood apart.

How do I increase the power on my log splitter?

How to Adjust the Pump Pressure on a Log Splitter Start the engine on your log splitter as you normally would. Set the pump lever in the neutral position. Twist the screw on the side of the pump clockwise with a flat blade screwdriver to increase pressure, according to the scale printed or embossed on the side.

How big of a hydraulic pump do I need for a log splitter?

If you are serious about making your own backyard log splitter, then you want to have, at a minimum, the following components to provide the right amount of force and power for basic splitting of averaged sized, seasoned logs: A 5 Horsepower engine. A two-stage hydraulic pump rated at a max of 3 gpm at 2,500 psi.

How do I calculate my log splitter tonnage?

With a little simple geometry you can calculate a cylinder’s force in pounds or tons. The pound force is the product of the fluid pressure in psi multiplied by the cross-sectional area of the piston. To get the hydraulic cylinder tonnage, divide the pound force by 2,000.

What is the RAM on a log splitter?

The ram stop is used to shorten the return distance of the log splitter.

What are the parts of a log splitter?

Key Hydraulic Log Splitter Components Include: Hydraulic fluid tank and hoses. Hydraulic pump. Hydraulic cylinder or ram. Hydraulic control valve. Wood splitter head or blade. Motor or power source. Splitting Wedge.

How good are electric log splitters?

If you want to do you back a favor and replace your axe with a log splitter, there are many great options to choose from. While gas-powered versions are bigger and more powerful, electric splitters are quiet, less polluting – and usually quite sufficient for most home users.

How does a two stage hydraulic pump work?

A two-stage pump is an ingenious time-saver. The pump actually contains two pumping sections and an internal pressure-sensing valve that cuts over between the two. One section of the pump generates the maximum gpm flow rate at a lower pressure.

Can you convert an electric log splitter to gas?

DR offers gas/electric conversion kits, so you can have the best of both worlds. DR is the only company to offer conversion kits for its log splitters (available for the Dual-Action models), allowing you to turn a gas-powered unit into an electric-powered unit and an electric-powered unit into a gas-powered unit.

What are wood splitter wedges made of?

splitting wedge helps split wood faster with its 60 degree bevel and forged head. The splitting wedge can be used with a sledge hammer or splitting maul to easily split firewood into kindling. The splitting wedge is made of machined, ground and heat treated carbon steel to withstand rigorous use.

Where are Timberwolf wood splitters made?

Timberwolf manufactures a full line of firewood splitters ranging from our entry level TW-1 all the way up to our top of the line Alpha 6. Each one of our Log splitters is built in New York with American, Canadian and European components.

How many tons does it take to split a log?

Large logs require a 30-ton log splitter, whereas small logs can be split by a 4-ton splitter. The age, type of wood, and other factors matter as well.

What is the difference between a half beam and a full beam log splitter?

The biggest difference between full beam and half beam log splitters is the one that gives half beam splitters their name. On half beam splitters, the cylinder is mounted to the center of the beam. On full beam wood splitters, the cylinder is mounted to a connection point near the front or towing end of the machine.

What does the ton rating mean on a log splitter?

Tonnage is the amount of force that the ram of a log splitter will exert as it splits a log. So to put it simply, the higher the tonnage the harder the ram will push on the log and the easier it will push through bigger logs. Lower tonnage would equal less force.

How much force does a splitting maul have?

And they serve only one function – splitting wood. Photo by Lorna Kring. The cutting edge is slightly rounded, making it duller than an axe, and the head shape is much broader. A maul cleaves wood along the grain and is powered by the momentum generated by its heavy head – typically in the range of four to 12 pounds.