Yet another wood splitter project

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I'm still in the planning stages for the log splitter that I want to build. I'm looking at using a 5" cylinder and need to know if 8inch 25lb I-beam will be up to the task. I would imagine operating pressure will be around 3000psi.I like the work table and height (and general design) of the one here on youtube: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYrMBRFa-wc[/ame]I would probably add a hydraulic cylinder to pivot the cutting beam assembly down to the frame for transport instead of the vertical raising mechanism that he used. I'm planning on using a 12HP engine, possibly vertical shaft to safe space, single stage pump around 20gpm, and a regenerative valving system for much shorter return stroke times. It will have a log lift, and be on springs so I can tow it down the road at 55mph without breaking anything on the splitter.Comments?Last edited by ttyR2; 11-19-2011 at 09:56 PM.
Reply:Instead of having to lift the log... why don't you put a wheel on the front and have it so you can straddle the log on the ground.... split it.... then pick up the smaller pieces ?Weldandpower Lincoln 225 AC,DC with Briggs 16hp gas engine.WW2 era Miller TIG.
Reply:I have been burning wood allot of decades and that is one of the nicest setups I have seen.  I especially like the log lifting concept.  I would agree with you on the retrofit for transporting the splitter.Sorry, can't help you on I-Beam recommendation, but there are plenty of pro's on this site that canWould love to see your project in stages as it evolves, good luck.GeezerPower Mig 255C185 TIGBlue 175 MIGRanger 8 Kohler 20HP1974 5K Lincoln/Wisconsin Powered (Cherry)Victor/Harris O/AK 487 Spool Gun
Reply:Looks like he has WAY more splitter than he will ever need. That Briggs doesn't even grunt any splitting that 36" red oak log. With that much splitting power it's not likely he'll find ANY log to make that rig strain any in the least. It says his is an 11HP engine and your going 12? Way into over kill mode, 8HP would probably still be plenty, but maybe slower cycle times maybe not. Looks like his I beam is no bigger than the 8" you asked about. I think I would mount the control valve to a little more convenient place, but that ones not bad I guess. If you had a little tractor like his you could run it off the hydraulics of the tractor and not have to purchase a seperate engine and hydraulic pump, or drive the hydraulic pump off the PTO. The tractor engine could probably idle and still do the work. Good luck on your project and hurry up and get it built, the weathers getting colder and you need to get plenty of wood split, pronto.Keep us posted on thew build.
Reply:I split stuff that big with a 5 HP Tecumseh on mine..It's on a 22 ton splitter...It don't break a sweat either......zap!Last edited by zapster; 11-20-2011 at 09:17 AM.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:With the tip up design like Zapsters, you eliminate the need for the loglifter, simplifieing the design and build process. This means one less cylinder, control valve and hoses to buy. The pieces you end up lifting are already split anyway, if it's still too heavy to lift, split it again.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauWith the tip up design like Zapsters, you eliminate the need for the loglifter, simplifieing the design and build process. This means one less cylinder, control valve and hoses to buy. The pieces you end up lifting are already split anyway, if it's still too heavy to lift, split it again.
Reply:You're looking at a pretty extensive build there. Post a lot of pics. Work out all the details of what you like and don't like and build it from there. It's your splitter and you're the one that will be using it. Everybody has their likes and dislikes, just make sure you're not stuck with somebody elses preferrences. The tilt to the ground style verticles leave you bending over for everything you do. The table style means you either lift the big stuff or have a lot of mechanicals involved. There are horizontals with lift mechanisms too. Look at one of those even. The world of splitters is a big one. Have fun. Show us what you're doing."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:I have gained a ton of respect for many on this site, but it is evident most of you are not in your mid 60's   One of the first things to go is the back.The OP was splitting red oak which from my neck of the woods splits like a breeze, so all your  splitters would probably accomplish that.  However, I believe given same size of timber with elm would be a different story.  And I have to take what ever I can get.I would imagine the You Tube guy used what material he had, maybe not, maybe just overbuilt. 10 years ago I was opting to retrofit my splitter so it would shift vertical.  Used one in England and it was fine, now the log lift is looking REAL attractive.  Maybe I missed it, but some of the other logs in the background were fairly large and I personally would treat the log lift as a blessing. I personally would like to see the OP post progress shots.Oh, one more thing, the chain saw seems to be get heavier each year as well GeezerPower Mig 255C185 TIGBlue 175 MIGRanger 8 Kohler 20HP1974 5K Lincoln/Wisconsin Powered (Cherry)Victor/Harris O/AK 487 Spool Gun
Reply:Geezers comment reflects why I don't want a ground level splitter setup. Pushing rounds around on the ground is something im hoping to avoid.I'm not sure how well a 6hp engine would handle a 16 to 20gpm pump. I'm looking for a faster cycle time than what a two stager can produce.
Reply:[QUOTE= I'm looking at using a 5" cylinder and need to know if 8inch 25lb I-beam will be up to the task. Comments?[/QUOTE]ttyR2Wish I could help you here but I also glean from the pro's when I need help.  One of them will chime in soon. This rascal could extend my wood burning timetable.GeezerPower Mig 255C185 TIGBlue 175 MIGRanger 8 Kohler 20HP1974 5K Lincoln/Wisconsin Powered (Cherry)Victor/Harris O/AK 487 Spool Gun
Reply:I finially broke down and bought a wood splitter this year after many years of hand splitting. I usually put in about 12 full cord for each winter (36 face cord). It is essentially the same configuration as Zaps. The first thing I do is split a nice seat to sit on while I split, getting up only to roll another pile of logs close enough to grab. I'm not so sure I would like to stand the whole time ..... split, toss in the back of the truck ,,, split, toss in the back of the truck .... Leo