Turning a log splitter into a can baler.

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This was a fun project.  I enjoyed designing, constructing and operating the device.  It is my latest welding project so I decided to start with it.  I have more exotic stuff like making a working jet engine from scrap motorcycle exhaust but I would not really call that practical unless you have a son or grandson needing a science project.
Reply:I've been stuck in the house all day because it's been raining.AND THIS HAS BEEN THE BEST ELEVEN MINUTES OF THE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!You've created a very nice nice  nice  thing there.  I love it."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:K'kins is picking me up for supper at the front gate in a bit (she doesn't like riding in the truck when I've been busy because it's a mess inside).  Can't wait to tell her about this"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Glad you enjoyed it.  This stuffs fun and I need ideas for another project.
Reply:Nice build.I suppose you don't use the same system as we do here, we pay a small sum for the can/bottle when we buy it, and get it back when we recycle them at the appropriate place, about 15 cents for cans and small bottles and twice that for large bottles now. Way better pay than scrap metal value, but you can't return a crushed can so a can baler wouldn't be much good to us...
Reply:Welcome. This is very cool. How much does the cube weigh?
Reply:Down the youtube rabbit hole.
Reply:It weighs slightly over 8 pounds.  The idea has been around on forums for years but there were two problems that had to be overcome.  Most important that splitting wedge and how do you extract the bale.  It came to me as a revelation thinking the problem over one day.  Half the throw is gathering cans and the other half is compression.  Why not after you are done slide it back and then extract.  The fact that with two flat plates the cans would not stick together blindsided me a bit.  So I added a custom head which pressed them together with a third dimension.  This is good because if you live in a small town and the local scrapper cannot take cubes you can use the flat plate and untie the baling wire.  Throw it in a dumpster and it becomes flattened cans which anyone can handle.
Reply:Yep It's called a bottle bill.  11 States enacted it but Delaware repealed the law due to lack of participation.  I don't know from what I have read it does a great job in reducing roadside litter.  If anything it gives less fortunate people a chance to make some money.  In my State I have noticed people collect cans and other metal for salvage before and during trash days.  I threw a hot water heater on the road and before I could make it back to my basement door I heard a thump it being dropped into a pickup.  Learning from that I always try to set my metal out a day before the trash.  No point in it filling up the landfill.
Reply:Wow! that is a lot of equipment there. But can it work as a log splitter.  I think if you modified the frame a bit it would work and with a redesign you could have both.  Wonderful build though.
Reply:I get about 63-65 pounds of crushed soda cans per 55 gallon barrel which formerly contained lacquer thinner I took the top off with a slice wheel on a 4.5" grinder. The cans fall into a contractor series plastic garbage bag sized for barrels. I donate the revenue to worthy charitable causes being predominantly domestic violence shelters.SlobPurveyor of intimate unparalleled knowledge of nothing about everything.Oh yeah, also an unabashed internet "Troll" too.....
Reply:I had thought bout building one a few years ago because my wife walks the roads picking up garbage for exercise and she keeps the cans for recycling. Our buyers won't buy crushed cans tho, so that idea went away. Yours looks great tho. I never would have thought about the trouble getting the cans out without seeing this. I learn something every day on this site.Yeah, I know, but it'll be ok!Lincoln Square wave 255Miller Vintage mig30a spoolgunThermal Dynamics Pacmaster 100xl plasmaSmith mc torchEllis 1600 band saw
Reply:Finally someone that understands.  Recycling is impractical but for a good cause it is worth it.  I made the device to help out a friend.  He is in the yard care and tree business.  Winter is coming on so I will try to help.  Firewood, recycling that's all he has when the work runs out. You are a good man sir.
Reply:Guys help me out.  I am a beginner.  Why is it when I want to reply to a post it just sticks it on the main thread.  I hit the arrow that says reply.  Is reply with quote the only solution?  Seems to be time related.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlbFinally someone that understands.  Recycling is impractical but for a good cause it is worth it.  I made the device to help out a friend.  He is in the yard care and tree business.  Winter is coming on so I will try to help.  Firewood, recycling that's all he has when the work runs out. You are a good man sir.
Reply:Well thought out and nicely executed. Great job!