Log Splitter

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Has anyone built their own log splitter? I know what I can buy one for, but where's the fun in that? Also wondering if I can save any money doing it myself, looks like the hydraulics and engine are the expensive parts and I'm not sure if I would end up spending more in the end.
Reply:My brother built one about 30 years ago.  Runs off of tractor hydraulics.  Works pretty well.  I split my fair share of woods.  It is still in use at my other bother's.
Reply:Tractor hydro's are good.  You can use automobile power steering pumps also.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:I'd think a power steering pump would be slow as hell. I don't think they flow much volume.
Reply:How about a pto driven hydraulic pump, alot of trucks have the pto opening on tranny.
Reply:Building an average typical log splitter will cost 200 to 500 hundred dollars more than buying one at a local store unless you can get major components at bargin prices.    There are a few 4 to 5 thousand dollar splitters that can be replicated for the cost of an average one.    I combined ideas from Timber Devil, SuperAxe, and Troy Built in the ones I have built. Attached are pics , travel position and in use. Attached Images
Reply:look around.. i picked this up last week for 400$$now thats a deal in my book..runs great! 22 tons.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Zap, that is a great deal!  The materials alone would cost that when you consider the engine and the hydraulics.  I have tried to scrounge the parts to put one of these together and its not cheap unless you want to use some "well used" materials.
Reply:i burn TONS of wood during the winter..400 for that was a no-brainer.. but there was a catch..the intake tube (cast aluminum) was broken off at the head flange..and the flange was in 3 pcs..good thing i can weld.. ...zap!Last edited by zapster; 10-11-2006 at 04:43 PM.I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by ttyR2I'd think a power steering pump would be slow as hell. I don't think they flow much volume.
Reply:I'd  be a fun prject. All you need is a 6hp or so engine, pump, oil tank, hydraluic arm, trialer, ect. And you already have the most important part...THE WELDER!!
Reply:So I did it. The new Harbor Freight catalog came today and their log splitters were on sale. Turns out my dad was interested too so I went ahead and ordered 30 tons of log splitter fun. Thanks for everyones input. I thought it would be a fun project but it would wind up costing a bit more than to just buy it.
Reply:by any chance do you have a snow plow . you can make a splitter out of that . all you'd have to do is turn the piston upside down . make a frame for it to ride straight up and down . maybe a 1" plate on the ground about 2'x2' wide for displacement.  use the weight of your vechicle  to split them
Reply:Originally Posted by hrdhatdivrby any chance do you have a snow plow . you can make a splitter out of that . all you'd have to do is turn the piston upside down . make a frame for it to ride straight up and down . maybe a 1" plate on the ground about 2'x2' wide for displacement.  use the weight of your vechicle  to split them
Reply:Interested in building one so I've revived this thread.I was thinking if I could build something like this frame and install this ram on it, I should be OK right?Or am I way off base on this?Any thoughts/suggestions?Note: As a Florida boy, it is not going to get a whole lot of use.  Maybe one cord of oak a season.  Also, speed is not a big concern either since the volume of splitting is limited.  Just trying to save my chain saw and not have the neighbors linch me as well.Thanks,TimLast edited by Tim M; 05-18-2008 at 07:18 PM.
Reply:Here's one Dad built probably 35 years ago.  It still works great.  It was made to hook onto a three point lift of a tractor and run off of the remote hydraulics.  I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:a few more....I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Tim M. The only problem I see is that that is a one way ram. To make it work you will need a heavy return spring to reset the piston to start the next split. The other option would be a double acting cyl. like the one Hammack_Welding posted. You run the ram forward, then the hyd will run it back. If you have an industrial junkyard nearby look into an old forklift or backhoe for parts. Many use double acting cyls., Those are the ones with a line in and one out. You can also scrounge the valve body for controls and maybe a pump or other parts. In fact the boom from a backhoe could give you a good deal of stuff to work with.
Reply:Ya, I figured I would need to put some kind of spring on it to return it home.  I had bought this one and it had two springs on the sides to return it.  After half hour of pumping it went back to Harbor Freight. I'm also thinking of maybe just buying this one.  But then again it wouldn't be a welding project then.  With the downloaded/printed discounts and a sale, it would be pretty cheap.Of course it is always prideful to make something from scratch.What to do?
Reply:Tim M,I just used the electric one you mentioned.  It was not bad, it should serve any home owner fine.Me!
Reply:im in the process of building one, but i also already the h beam, the splitting head, the ram, the hydraulics, motor etc.  Im mounting it on an axle from my sisters jetta that she totalled.  Once i finish up a couple projects, and get into full swing on building it, i will post some pictures.
Reply:Originally Posted by Me!Tim M,I just used the electric one you mentioned.  It was not bad, it should serve any home owner fine.
Reply:to build a decent splitter with a small gas engine ,you must have a two-stage pump. that way you get both speed and pressure.
Reply:Don't know if anyone is looking for plans, but this looks like a good design.  It is rather dated, from Mother Earth News.   Plans can be purchased for $15:http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It...-Splitter.aspx
Reply:I really wanted to build my own, but after looking into it a bit, I couldn't afford to do it. The only cost effective way would have been to waste a year or so scrounging parts first. For me, I've saved more money by spending a grand on a new one that was built with the economies of scale. If you have lots of time, cool. My gas boiler has not run at all in two years. Log splitter paid for!