What is two way Detent? Log Splitter

[LanceH]

I am building a log splitter and was looking at a "Prince Two-Way Detent Valve, Model# LS-3010-2" from Northern Tool northerntool.com What is the 2 way detent? Does this mean that the lever will hold the pressure until the cylinder extends fully, then i kick the lever back and it auto retracts? If this is the case, is this practical to be used on a log splitter? Or should i just save $20 and go with a one way detent?

Thanks in advance for all your help.
-Lance

 

[kennyd]

Not sure about that

 

[elad]

I think you should save your $20
elad

 

[bjcsc]

It would work just like you described, but a two way detent is considered dangerous on a log splitter and is not recommended. What it would do is allow you to extend the cylinder without having to hold the valve handle. This would create temptation to use that hand for other things (like holding the log in a certain position, etc.) or move around and do something else while the ram is splitting. From an efficiency standpoint I can see the attraction, but for safety's sake I would forgo that and get the single detent...

 

[SPYDERLK]

I agree. Not a good option. The lever should center automatically when you let go, stopping the ram. the spilt secondneeded to consciously center it against the detent force is too much in many situations.
larry

 

[LanceH]

Yeah, the more i think about it, the more I realize that safety is first-even at the sake of productivity. Also, if i do run into stubborn logs, i can release pressure easier with a single detent, where as with a two way detent i could blow a seal in the cylinder. Thanks guys. I'll go with the single.

 

[BigD23]

Yeah, the more i think about it, the more I realize that safety is first-even at the sake of productivity. Also, if i do run into stubborn logs, i can release pressure easier with a single detent, where as with a two way detent i could blow a seal in the cylinder. Thanks guys. I'll go with the single.

It's not an assembly line......Safety first.

Don

 

[nate_m]

I agree with the previous posts. 2-way detent is a bad idea for a log splitter. A detent on the return stroke is nice, though.

 

[tawilson]

Some woodsplitters come with an autocycle valve, which is what I added to my home made one. With the 2 way detent, you still have to hit the return. With the autocycle, your hands are away from the splitter getting the next piece.

 

[bjcsc]

Yeah, the more i think about it, the more I realize that safety is first-even at the sake of productivity. Also, if i do run into stubborn logs, i can release pressure easier with a single detent, where as with a two way detent i could blow a seal in the cylinder. Thanks guys. I'll go with the single.

You're making the right decision. The two way detents are still both relief valve protected, though.

Some woodsplitters come with an autocycle valve, which is what I added to my home made one. With the 2 way detent, you still have to hit the return. With the autocycle, your hands are away from the splitter getting the next piece.

I've used those. They're nice, but the downside is that 80% of what I split is done well before the end of the stroke. I can see the advantage on a fast splitter or 2-stage pump. I'm not sure I would save any time running full cycles...what happens when it hits a tough spot? Does it autoreturn from that point?