New Log Splitter

[stevec]

A little more progress on the splitter, I machined the "cutting" edge on the wedge and beveled the leading edges of the wedge "backer"
   

I should have made the "backer" out of one 1¾" or 2" thick piece but I had no inventory so I welded it up from a 5/8"x 15/16" and 2 2x1/4" pieces. here's a pic of the wavy weld.
   
I also welded the pieces on the inside of the groove into which the edge slides but didn't take a pic.

I will have a bit of a log "spreader" with the wedge backer but by the time the split log gets there it should be spread enough to not even touch the backer sides.
Here's a pic of the 45° tool I used to put the edge on the wedge and the backer side plates. In this pic I'm chamfering the sides of the wedge socket parts so I can weld them together and dress them to fit the H Beam slot without grinding away all the bead.

   

I'm getting close to a major "weld-a-thon" to weld all these parts together, today provided a great afternoon for opening the garage doors and making sparks and smoke without freezing my butt.
It's 9°C-48°F in the shade and 22°C-77°F in the sun.
There'll be more to come, I hope.