Build a Log Splitter

Splitting logs can be a necessity in preparing for times when you may require firewood for warmth. Luckily, log splitting can be accomplished without an ax or chainsaw and sheer manpower. Logs can be split with a hydraulic log splitter that you can make yourself. Try these steps to build a log splitter.

Steps

  1. Draw or purchase log splitter plans. You may be able to find and purchase plans for building a log splitter online.
    • A log splitter is basically made of an engine, a hydraulic oil pump and a valve.
  2. Prepare a wheeled metal structure to put your log splitter on. This can allow you to tow your log splitter to remote jobs or easily move a log splitter closer to you or the wood you need to split.
  3. Start building your log splitter. Attach a 5-horsepower engine fueled with gasoline (petrol) to a 2-stage hydraulic oil pump that can pump 3 gallons (12 l) per minute at 2500 PSI.
  4. Place a valve on a hydraulic cylinder that powers a piston. The typical cylinder is 24 inches (60 cm) long and has a diameter of 4 inches (10 cm).
  5. Connect a hydraulic hose to the valve and the oil pump. When the pump is active, high-pressure oil will go to the valve.
    • Use the valve to adjust the hydraulic cylinder's movement and control the log's split. The pressure of the moving oil will drive a piston and a cutting wedge down to split a log.
  6. Weld pipe fittings into the top of an oil tank. Hydraulic oil can be drawn from the tank and through the hose to feed the hydraulic pump.
  7. Make a V-shaped trough to hold logs in place for splitting.
    • Arrange 2 pieces of angle iron that are each {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} (150 cm) long and 21/2 inches (6.25 cm) wide so their 90 degree angles touch.
    • Bridge 1 of the angles formed with a 5-foot (150 cm) long, 2�-inch (5.63 cm) wide steel bar. The steel bar and angle iron pieces should form a space that is roughly angled at 125 degrees. Each log to be split will rest in that space.



Tips

  • Use a filter to keep the oil used for the log splitter clean.
  • Make sure your cutting wedge is sharp and wide enough to push apart the 2 halves of a split log.
  • Having a 2-stage hydraulic oil pump saves you time in splitting logs by allowing you to switch between 2 pumping sections with different amounts of force to move the piston up and down to split a log and prepare for the next one.
  • Get help from a professional if you are unsure about how to construct a log splitter.
  • Miller's Woodcutting is 1 company that sells log splitter plans to people in the United States, Canada, Australia and select European countries. Their plans use a cutting torch, chop saw, drill and hand grinder.

Warnings

  • Your log splitter, as a hydraulic system, must include a pressure relief valve as a safety measure.
  • Always wear appropriate safety equipment when building or using your log splitter.
  • Ask the proper local authorities if you need a license before towing your wheeled log splitter anywhere.

Things You'll Need

  • Log splitter plans
  • Local building supply store
  • Wheels for moving or transporting the splitter
  • Metal structure to hold log splitter on wheels
  • 5-horsepower gasoline (petrol) engine
  • 2-stage hydraulic oil pump
  • Hydraulic cylinder
  • Valve
  • Hydraulic hose
  • Pipe fittings
  • Welding mask
  • Welding iron
  • 3.5-gallon (14 l) hydraulic oil tank
  • Oil filter
  • Piston
  • Cutting wedge
  • 2 pieces of angle iron
  • Steel bar
  • Cutting torch
  • Chop saw
  • Drill
  • Hand grinder

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Sources and Citations

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