Logsplitter Wedge, This way or That, Whats the Difference?

[vtsnowedin]

I'll try one more time.
Fully automatic valves that cycle fully without an operators hand holding it in position are fine for wood processors where the block is placed and held in position by mechanical means BUT if human hands are placing ,or holding the block in position or removing the splits away from the wedge these valves are unsafe to use. You may never make a mistake but what about your wife of children or the guy you lend or sell it to. Being twice as fast is not worth it. If you need that much speed get a wood processor.

 

[ovrszd]

A dozen different people use my trailer mounted splitter including teenage Grandkids. I too worry about safety. I'm not a safety freak, just have valid concerns. I want manual control of the split stroke, auto return is great. I also lecture my family that only the lever operator is to touch the log once it's in place. No one else puts their hands in that part of the operation. Then as a helper, you naturally don't reach for some last minute adjustment during split stroke when someone else has ahold of the lever. Lastly, I've lost track of the number of times I've had logs slide up the wedge or twist sideways on the block or a number of other situations when it's important for the operator to have his hand on the control lever for quicker response to stopping the ram.

As to 4-way wedge, it's the only way to go. Cuts the split time in half on all of the smaller stuff that requires 2 split strokes without it.

I don't have a great picture, but here's a couple of my splitter.

 

[ishiboo]

I prefer the wedge on the rod end, I have a lot of large pieces I need to re-split and having it fall off the end would suck. I bought the DHT splitter and the only thing I would change (and I will) is going to be work tables on both sides.

One question I would have though... is why should you feel the need to choose? Especially since you're building your dream splitter. It would be easy to make the end plate bolt on with some HEAVY duty grade 8 bolts, instead of a whole lot of welding. Few bucks of steel and you have sets for both ends (if you can't think of a good way to make them reversible... I can't)

 

[ovrszd]

I prefer the wedge on the rod end, I have a lot of large pieces I need to re-split and having it fall off the end would suck. I bought the DHT splitter and the only thing I would change (and I will) is going to be work tables on both sides.

Definitely add work tables. I rarely pick up pieces off the ground.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

No doubt about it, if you want more speed, put the wedge on the beam and get a GOOD 4-way wedge!

It really speeds up the splitting time.

SR

 

[ovrszd]

Is that Honey Locust Rob?? I love burning seasoned Honey Locust. Puts out a lot of BTUs and is easy to burn.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Is that Honey Locust Rob?? I love burning seasoned Honey Locust. Puts out a lot of BTUs and is easy to burn.

Actually, it's red oak.... I skidded a HUGE amount of blown over tree's last summer/fall, and after sawing out all of the "saw logs", there was a LOT of firewood left...

SR

 

[LD1]

I'll try one more time.
Fully automatic valves that cycle fully without an operators hand holding it in position are fine for wood processors where the block is placed and held in position by mechanical means BUT if human hands are placing ,or holding the block in position or removing the splits away from the wedge these valves are unsafe to use. You may never make a mistake but what about your wife of children or the guy you lend or sell it to. Being twice as fast is not worth it. If you need that much speed get a wood processor.

A splitter with double detent, or autocycle valve isnt the most dangerous aspect of processing firewood.

I didnt want to spend the money on the auto cycle, and let the guy talk me out of a double detent. But before next winter, there will be a double detent valve on there

 

[vtsnowedin]

A splitter with double detent, or autocycle valve isnt the most dangerous aspect of processing firewood.

I didnt want to spend the money on the auto cycle, and let the guy talk me out of a double detent. But before next winter, there will be a double detent valve on there

Well I suppose cutting widow-makers that are leaning towards the power lines and leaning ash trees that want to barber chair might be more dangerous but having your hand mangled by a wedge you forgot was coming down when you reached in to adjust a block is right up there. Not as bad as getting fed into a corn chopper but bad enough. you make yours any way you want but rather then use it I'd cut it up for scrap.

 

[atsah]

Well I suppose cutting widow-makers that are leaning towards the power lines and leaning ash trees that want to barber chair might be more dangerous but having your hand mangled by a wedge you forgot was coming down when you reached in to adjust a block is right up there. Not as bad as getting fed into a corn chopper but bad enough. you make yours any way you want but rather then use it I'd cut it up for scrap.

I agree.. When you do repetitive things for long periods of time, it's a matter of time before something bad happens..