Wood Splitter

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My wife’s grandfather built this log splitter back in the 70’s and it’s still going strong today. I’ve used it quite a few times over the last 10 years and it amazes me every time with the size logs it will split. I’ve put 20 inch oak on this thing and it doesn’t hesitate for a second I’m just posting it for “show and tell” since I think it’s an awesome build to model a home built after. Her grandfather was just a hobby welder; he ran a trucking transfer station as his day job which makes this home built splitter that much more impressive. I’m replacing the hitch on the front because the original finally wore through so figured I snap pics and post.The main body is rectangular tubing that acts as the hydraulic reservoir and hold 15 gallons of fluid. A piece of ¾” x 6” flat bar sits on top of the tube that all the components are welded to. The ram is from a Grove crane and was one of the outriggers that lifted the crane off the ground. I believe the pump is from a dump truck, but I’m not positive. The pump is driven by an 18 horse Onan engine that has a points ignition (not solid state).  The fuel tank I’m told is from a late 60 Volkswagon and fits the unit well. Attached Images
Reply:Couple more pics since I think its awesome. Attached Images
Reply:That's a heck of a log splitter.  Thanks for posting.
Reply:A block of wood doesn't stand a chance in that rig!  What size of bore on the cylinder?
Reply:Thank's for sharing, the coke can helps a lot, it's a BEAST,  with small mufflers... Under the carriage i see bolts, do they hold rollers ?My respects to your wife's grand-father, great job.
Reply:Yes, the bolts have steel tubes that act as rollers under the carriage. The carriage is overkill by itself. The side of the carriage are 1/2" and the front (where it contacts the logs) is 1" thick. The foot of the ram where it pushes on the carriage is also 1" thick giving 2" of steel to push the logs against the wedge. The rod of the ram is 3 1/2" diameter and  the outside diameter of the tube is 6 1/2" so I suspect the bore of the cylinder to be 6". The small mufflers are annoying. I've considered making a "Y pipe" and running it down to one larger muffler but haven't gotten around to it.
Reply:That is impressive, enjoy it.Tim Beeker.
Reply:The 4-way splitter is hollow and slips over the fixed splitter?Miller Syncrowave 350Millermatic 252/ 30A spoolgunMiller Bobcat 225g w/ 3545 spoolgunLincoln PowerArc4000Lincoln 175 Mig  Lincoln 135 Mig Everlast 250EX TigCentury ac/dc 230 amp stickVictor O/AHypertherm 1000 plasma
Reply:Yes, the 4-way is a sleeve that fits over the fixed wedge.
Reply:That's way too cool. Thanks for sharing.Old tools, trajan band saw, grizzly, delta,lincoln
Reply:Someone believed in the "Mo Bigga Mo Betta" philosophy in engineering, in this case I have to agree it was the right way to build it! What size motor is that? Depending on what the pump puts out for pressure I calc that thing as somewhere between a 40 and a 50 ton ram assuming somewhere between 3000 and 3500psi at the pump before the bypass opens up.