Bi Directional Log Splitter

[clutchcargo]

I have been wanting to build a log splitter that will split in both directions without the split wood having to be handled twice. Once when loading unsplit logs and once after they have been split. That will require the push block to move and the wedges to be fixed at either end. Offloading tables at both ends will help to keep the split wood out of the way. I also want a higher splitting platform so I won't be bent over all the time.

I am calling it the **** Erectus Double Cross Splitter:laughing:

Any suggestions/ideas are welcome!

Any now here is the beginning of the project: the main beam and cylinder mount.

I started with a Prince Fortress 4.5" x 24" Cylinder with 2.25" rod diameter because I think the cross tube welded cylinder is the strongest and has a 3000 psi rating. It also has a shorter collapsed length that will keep the overall width of the splitter down.

The Beam/Push Block carrier is a 6" x 4" x 1/2" rectangular tube that has a 7" x 5" x 1/4" rectangular tube sliding across it. There is 3/16" UHMW nylon sleeve between the two to prevent galling of the tubes and "slop" in the system. I will post more pics as the build continues.

BTW the splitter in the background is the temporary hydraulic power.pack.:thumbsup:

 

[chopped]

and off we go with yet another interesting build thread. I look forward..

 

[oldnslo]

Interesting concept but I am a little lost on function. Can you explain how you are going to split in both directions.

TIA

ROy

 

[stacey@sent.com]

check out the split-fire log splitter -- it is bi-directional. They have a video clip showing the unit in action.

 

[J_J]

Just thinking out loud, are you going to mount the cyl inside of the smaller tube, and cut a slit in the top tube for the wedge to slide through? Will your cyl fit inside the smaller tube?

 

[clutchcargo]

Stacey the problem with the Splitfire, Powersplit and others is the wedge moves and not the foot/push blocks, The split pieces have to be thrown away from the splitter or end up by your feet and have to be moved. My design will push the split wood out an extension table away from both sides of the splitter.

 

[clutchcargo]

Just thinking out loud, are you going to mount the cyl inside of the smaller tube, and cut a slit in the top tube for the wedge to slide through? Will your cyl fit inside the smaller tube?

JJ
No as the pics show the larger tube moves and the smaller tube is stationary. the push block will be attached to the moving tube through two slots in the table.

 

[clutchcargo]

Interesting concept but I am a little lost on function. Can you explain how you are going to split in both directions.

TIA

ROy

Roy

I am not that proficient at explaining my concept. Just keep watching this post and the pics should answer your questions.

 

[J_J]

Just playing with some figures. If you use a 16 GPM pump, or flow from a tractor, the speed of the cyl will be 6.1 sec to extend, and 4.8 sec to retract. What is the actual GPM you will be using?

 

[J_J]

Roy,

I believe he is going to use a push block and two splitting wedges on each end. That is just the opposite of the other two way splitters.

With a table on each end, the total length will be longer than most splitters.

If his pump is capable of 3000 psi, the splitting force will be around 23.85 tons in extend mode, and 17.89 ton in the retract mode

 

[clutchcargo]

Just playing with some figures. If you use a 16 GPM pump, or flow from a tractor, the speed of the cyl will be 6.1 sec to extend, and 4.8 sec to retract. What is the actual GPM you will be using?

Haldex 16gpm pump - Honda GX39 13HP - Prince Fortress 4.5 x 24 Cylinder all operating at 3000 psi.

You got it right on the speed. Should keep me busy splittng a log every 5.4 seconds don't ya think?

47,713 lbs force on extend side, 35,785 on the retract.

I only need 8 hp for the pump but the extra 5 hp cost me $57. You know "more power grunt grunt grunt". Credit Tim the Toolman on that quote!

 

[clutchcargo]

Roy,

I believe he is going to use a push block and two splitting wedges on each end. That is just the opposite of the other two way splitters.

With a table on each end, the total length will be longer than most splitters.

If his pump is capable of 3000 psi, the splitting force will be around 23.85 tons in extend mode, and 17.89 ton in the retract mode

JJ you really have your thinking cap on and calculator handy. Your comment about the length is half right. The splitter will be sideways perpendicular to the tow vehicle.

Over all width 63" with a 30" removable table on each side.

 

[Yellowhair42]

I have a Powerhorse two way splitter and it's fast.Your design will be even faster.I have two helpers and can keep up with them.All of it's sliding surfaces are steel on steel and after three years it's showing no wear yet.

 

[clutchcargo]

I have a Powerhorse two way splitter and it's fast.Your design will be even faster.I have two helpers and can keep up with them.All of it's sliding surfaces are steel on steel and after three years it's showing no wear yet.

Just think how fast you would be if you did not have to be moving all the split wood out of the way. You could have your helpers working with another splitter and double your out put. LOL

The **** Erectus will make two windrows of wood on each side 5 feet away from the splitting area without touching it after it has gone through the wedge. Like having a conveyor on each side.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

I guess you will use 4-way wedges or similar because if you have to split more than once the moving pusher design becomes more work.

 

[clutchcargo]

I guess you will use 4-way wedges or similar because if you have to split more than once the moving pusher design becomes more work.

Brad amen to that. It will have single, 4 way and maybe a box type like on the Timberwolf TW-7

 

[KennyG]

Since we are kicking around ideas, how about a double ended splitter block rigidly mounted and a moving table over it with push blocks on both ends? Wouldn's this give you the efficiency you are looking for without a significant increase in overall splitter size?

 

[oldnslo]

I guess I am the odd ball again, because my first thought was, this would be an ideal application for a double rod cylinder. Equal speeds and forces in both directions with what would seem like significantly less moving parts.

Just the ramblings of a semi senile old phart...

Roy

 

[J_J]

Have you considered the double lever auto valve? You know how it works right. If you are fast enough, the auto valve will extend and retract automatically, and then return to neutral, waiting for another cycle.

If you do use this valve, the relief is set to 2000 psi, so you might need to adjust it for your desired performance.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-6587&catname=hydraulic

Same valve but with PB.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-6587&catname=hydraulic

 

[clutchcargo]

Have you considered the double lever auto valve? You know how it works right. If you are fast enough, the auto valve will extend and retract automatically, and then return to neutral, waiting for another cycle.

If you do use this valve, the relief is set to 2000 psi, so you might need to adjust it for your desired performance.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-6587&catname=hydraulic

Same valve but with PB.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-6587&catname=hydraulic

JJ that splitter in the background has the autocycle valve and it works great. I am sacrificing speed for safety on the Erectus by using a non detented valve so you I will have at least one hand out of the danger zone. You never know when the FIL might want to use it.