Log Splitter

[DaveH]

(02-03-2015, 07:48 PM)vtsteam Wrote: One other thought about wedge on ram vs wedge on bed
Just a bunch of thoughts about this stuff -- it's always intersting to think about how things work....

I looked at that and one thing I noticed was that low force (mainly under 10 tons) log splitters the wedge is fixed to the bed. Whereas the log splitters more than  10 tons the wedge was on the ram. This of course may have nothing to do will the force but to the manufacture.

The other thing why I went for the fixed wedge (pointed out by Steve) is the log gets pushed a way from the operator (me) and therefore has less chance of the split logs falling on my feet

The logs I have to split tend to be a bit different to those in some of the videos we see. Some logs are quite 'twisty' so I was a bit concerned with regard to the twisting forces on the wedge when attached to the ram. Especially with my welding .

I could have got a proper welder to weld it all up for me but that means I didn't make it - no fun in that.


DaveH

[vtsteam]

(02-04-2015, 07:31 AM)stevec Wrote:

(02-03-2015, 07:48 PM)vtsteam Wrote: I wonder if a spring is enough to retract out of a bad jam?

vt, in both videos I watched the wedge was fixed and the ram was the "pusher" how could it get in a "jam" ?

Steve

 

Daves right, I was thinking of a moving wedge..... which those weren't .

Nevermind.....!

[vtsteam]

Dave I think the fixed wedge is simpler, too, and probably safer. Not sure what the advantage would be for a bigger splitter in having a wedge carriage -- but that's what mine has -- it's a 25 ton splitter.

Mine has gib screws (hardened hex head bolts) and believe me, they can bend if caught by some part of the log. So thet's another drawback. Maybe the carriage is supposed to keep side forces off the ram?

There is an anti jam feature -- steel guards act as fingers on the retract to push a log section off of the wedge.

[DaveH]

Come on Vt show us a pic or two. We'll let you off the video for the time being  
 
DaveH

[DaveH]

Before I cut the I beam to length and weld the wedge and the back lug in place I'm just looking to see where to place the rest of the items.
The control valve  .............. on the top, on the back?

   


DaveH

[stevec]

Dave, Mine's on a bracket on top just over the front of the cylinder.  Toward the rear might be difficult for you
 to exert any control on the log and some do need to be steadied  to get them to split where you want it.

Steve

[DaveH]

That's a good point Steve. Just that I'm lazy and the back plate will be there, save me making some more plates.  

So it's on top!  
 
DaveH

[DaveH]

After reading Vt's post about getting his nuts or bolts bent I've redesigned my pusher block and put the bolts from the bottom.

   


DaveH

[vtsteam]

(02-04-2015, 09:33 AM)DaveH Wrote: Come on Vt show us a pic or two. We'll let you off the video for the time being  
 
DaveH

Dave, I'm going to have to dig it out! Covered with snow and ice under a tarp.

But I have to anyway -- I thought I wouldn't need it 'til spring, but looks like I will after all, with these temps. Been going through a lot of wood this year.

[DaveH]

Thanks Vt that will be great.
 
DaveH