Homemade Log Splitter-Push Plate Slide Material (Nylon?)

[LanceH]

Hey folks.

I've heard and seen some log splitters that have a sort of plastic glide material so that the push plate does slide directly on the steel beam. If this is a piece I will need for my "puzzle"/Log splitter project, My question is what is this material actually called and what could I get some from or from where? The best way I see the material is the super-hard plastic that surround a hockey rink.

The attached picture is a splitter 49er made, awesome I might add, and if I uploaded it correctly, you can see the white plastic slide.

Any suggestions on the thickness?
Comments on your experience is appreciated!

Thanks,
Lance

 

[hawkeye08]

nylon cutting board, $2.

 

[LanceH]

nylon cutting board, $2.

I hate when I overlook the simplest things. Hawkeye, that is a perfect suggestion. Thanks!!!!

Anyone use this slide and have any photos of yours or advice for me?

 

[kennyd]

I think the material is HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) rather than nylon.

 

[LanceH]

I think the material is HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) rather than nylon.

HDPE sounds more correct. We have some of that at work, but its leftover from hour water and wastewater treatment plant projects...which is round and difficult to adapt to my application.

That cutting board idea would take a while to wear down.

 

[Scotty370]

I'd just go steel, on steel, with some grease! Been doin' it for years! It'll out live me and my grand kids!!! The nylon or HDPE will give you a good 'feeling', but I don't think you need it! Just my 2 cents!~Scotty

 

[wdchyd]

Nylatron is what cranes, tow trucks and boom trucks use for wear pads inside sliding booms.......$$$......Nylatron - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I like Hawkeye's idea better....cutting board.....that's great:laughing:

 

[Don87]

I'd just go steel, on steel, with some grease! Been doin' it for years! It'll out live me and my grand kids!!! The nylon or HDPE will give you a good 'feeling', but I don't think you need it! Just my 2 cents!~Scotty

I've got 14 years on my splitter(steel on steel), and virtually no wear. Just keep it lubed well:thumbsup:

 

[beenthere]

I agree with others that it is not needed. Splitter I have has many years and many cords of splitting (5 owners) and it is steel on steel and been going strong since 1984. No sign of any steel wear.

 

[mrcaptainbob]

UHMW is also a good product to use and can be purchased from McMaster-Carr. But, mine is steel on steel. Every splitter I've used and have seen around my area use steel on steel.

 

[Suz]

I致e been using self engineered wood splitters for years and I can tell you of first hand experience you will never wear out anything, in your lifetime, with metal against metal .
You will get a lot of lubrication with the juices from the wood. (Green or dry, there is always liquid there.) Plus you have ants and grubs to add slime to the mixture, and if you split late enough in the season you can use snow to keep things slippery.
I壇 never go though all the fuss and bother of trying to affix any sliders when you can just squirt a dab of bar oil on the sliding pieces if you are worried about wear.

 

[some zilch]

I致e been using self engineered wood splitters for years and I can tell you of first hand experience you will never wear out anything, in your lifetime, with metal against metal .
You will get a lot of lubrication with the juices from the wood. (Green or dry, there is always liquid there.) Plus you have ants and grubs to add slime to the mixture, and if you split late enough in the season you can use snow to keep things slippery.
I壇 never go though all the fuss and bother of trying to affix any sliders when you can just squirt a dab of bar oil on the sliding pieces if you are worried about wear.

i agree. steel on steel in fine in this application

 

[Corm]

Another vote for leaving it steel on steel. Mine has been going strong for 20 years, and it shows no wear. It's never been lubed with anything other than the liquid that comes out of the wood I split. Don't make your project more difficult than it has to be. Remember the KISS principle...

Corm

 

[jnyost]

I agree about UHMW. It's not too expensive and is awesome stuff.

 

[crazyal]

Steel on steel. Why reinvent the wheel. The force being applied in the steel on steel direction is not that strong after all the hydraulic cylinder is moving perpendicular it. If you were going to be using a very small motor or trying to make an electric splitter where you needed every ounce of force I could understand. Otherwise just make sure you make a way of tightening the shoe from having too much slop in either direction.

 

[turnkey4099]

Yep, steel on steel. My homemade was built in 1985 (sold it last spring) and showed no signs of undue wear - went through 10 + cords/year. My new TroyBilt says to lube with motor oil each use. I put a wire bail on it and hand a squirt can of oil there. Fire it up, squirt, squirt and go to work. Dunno if it actually works into the steel but the armature shows no sign of rust - just nicely polished steel.

Harry K

 

[caseyvand]

Hi Guys.....I agree with the steel on steel......I like to use it dry (without lub) I find lubrication attracts too much grit. Well made parts seem to last forever.
Thanks.....Casey

 

[richmatz]

Lance, If you install the plastic runners then you have a maintanence item. IF you are splitting 1000's of cords a year, then you might want to think about this, Look at my other post of the "bobcat 35ton splitter" that I made this weekend, it dosent have slides. if the pusher plate is catching lube the rail..thats my 2cents worth