Log Splitter

[stevec]

Dave,
I have the impression that the "flared" wedge would take MORE tonnage.

[stevec]

   

Thanks Dave, now I remember . How long I'll retain this is questionable though.

Steve

[DaveH]

(01-20-2015, 09:50 AM)stevec Wrote: Dave,
I have the impression that the "flared" wedge would take MORE tonnage.

All the flare does is help split the log by forcing it apart however it will only work once the log has started to split. If it doesn't start to split then that's it,....... no fire wood


DaveH

[Black Forest]

Without a wedge you are actually cutting the wood lengthwise. The wedge does take more power but if you have enough power the wedge will speed up the cycle time because you won't have to use as much of the stroke to "split" the wood. Firewood processors don't use a wedge because the next round will push the previous wood on through the splitting axe.

As you all have mentioned there will be some of the stringy types that require a longer stroke to finish the split.

[arvidj]

BF, interesting observation about how the pro's do it.

They must cut the wood into pieces just a little shorter than the stroke of the splitter. Push a piece thru and if it splits then fine but if it hangs up on the wedge or cutter then when the cylinder retracts there is enough room for the next piece to go behind is and just carry on.

Of course this assumes that stroke length is the limiting factor and not stroke force.

[f350ca]

Without a wedge the cutting edge would need to be longer than the wood diameter. With stringy wood you could push a 6 inch cutting edge though a 12 inch block and not break it open.

[stevec]

Greg, not to be contentious but I have split 24" dia. wood with my 11" tall wedge.
Admittedly that size is usually trunk area wood and free of knots.

Steve

[f350ca]

I borrowed my friends gas powered splitter yesterday, and him for added labour. Even with its cast wedge (guess its about 2-3 inches wide) there were a few poplar that wouldn't split through. That wedge is about 6 inches tall with a neat feature, the cutting edge is angled slightly so that the top contacts first, would help hold the block down as it splits.

[stevec]

Greg, What sorta tonnage does your friends splitter develop? The poplar we have here splits if you look at it harshly.  

[f350ca]

This is frozen right now, doesn't even saw great. The splitter goes through it easily just stringy.