DIY Logsplitter

nophd08

Hi All, This is my first post on this forum so excuse the lack of knowledge.
Basically I'm going to build a logsplitter. What I need to know is what sort of hydraulic pump I need to source (cheap). It wont be tractor driven. I have an 8hp briggs and stratton engine. Is this too small?. Its only for domestic use. Also what size of hydraulic ram would I need.
Is there a decent pump and controls that can be got 2nd hand.
Any feedback is welcome.

Dupont

sorry i cant help you on sourcing a pump but i have built two for the back of a tractor.i bought the ram new off ramko in coalisland and got pipes and valve chest off the local tractor bits guy.what way are you making it horizontal or vertical? i made mine vertical and set the table at waist height,great for saving the back when working at it all day except i had some ash rings 3ft wide and they were very heavy to lift up to it.make sure you strengthen everything and have good welds because the pressure is unreal.i snapped my 8X4 girder in half with it:eek:

nophd08

Dupont wrote: »

sorry i cant help you on sourcing a pump but i have built two for the back of a tractor.i bought the ram new off ramko in coalisland and got pipes and valve chest off the local tractor bits guy.what way are you making it horizontal or vertical? i made mine vertical and set the table at waist height,great for saving the back when working at it all day except i had some ash rings 3ft wide and they were very heavy to lift up to it.make sure you strengthen everything and have good welds because the pressure is unreal.i snapped my 8X4 girder in half with it:eek:

Thanks for reply, I'll probably make it vertical. Was the new ram expensive?

Dupont

i think it was about 120 pounds

101sean

My brother in law built his own which fits on a 3 point linkage and runs off the tractor hydraulics. As well as buying the ram, he bought hardened steel blades for the splitting wedge (no idea how much, he's always doing deals :rolleyes:). It's horizontal but we use a forklift to load the bigger slices.

BeeDI

101sean wrote: »

My brother in law built his own which fits on a 3 point linkage and runs off the tractor hydraulics. As well as buying the ram, he bought hardened steel blades for the splitting wedge (no idea how much, he's always doing deals :rolleyes:). It's horizontal but we use a forklift to load the bigger slices.

This is mine :cool: Cost 15 punts 20 years ago. Saves me cart load of money on gym membership fees. I get twice the energy out of my timber. One when I split it, and secondly when I burn it.:D

stock>

nophd08 wrote: »

Hi All, This is my first post on this forum so excuse the lack of knowledge.
Basically I'm going to build a logsplitter. What I need to know is what sort of hydraulic pump I need to source (cheap). It wont be tractor driven. I have an 8hp briggs and stratton engine. Is this too small?. Its only for domestic use. Also what size of hydraulic ram would I need.
Is there a decent pump and controls that can be got 2nd hand.
Any feedback is welcome.

JCB beaver

It would be cheaper to get one of these hydraulic power packs as by the time you make up your own the cost will be similar. A 100mm ram/cylinder should generate about 20 ton.

Slidey

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/tools/1762047

One on donedeal there. I was going to suggest one of these but could not think of the name.

Plus if you ever need to break out some tough concrete they will loose and find a kango with the hydraulic jack hammer

broro22

save your self the hassle

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/tools/1904049

MrFoxman360

broro22 wrote: »

save your self the hassle

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/tools/1904049

In fairness this would be the best option. I have often toyed with the idea of making my own logsplitter as I make a lot of implements and tools like that, but unless you have the materials available cheaply, (or free) I just dont think it's worth it, despite the sadesfaction value of having made it yourself!

Hydraulic equipment, like rams, pumps, piping and valve chests etc... are expensive. If you factor in the cost and time to make it, finding a secondhand one seems to be the better option. Even getting a secondhand one to modify to your requirements might be an idea.

Lurk around on donedeal and one will surely surface within a week or two

And just going slightly off the point here but there are alternatives to the hydraulic option:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3Rypb1dcUE

But my favorite has to be this one,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InAslSkQDa8

nophd08

Thanks everyone for all ideas. I never thought of a powerpack.
I will probably make one, I have a few bits lying around. The screw type would be easy made, but dangerous as hell.

pakalasa

MrFoxman360 wrote: »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3Rypb1dcUE

Guys, stay well clear of these. Thay are an accident waiting to happen.
Uncovered PTOs are lethal enough without having a rotating screw.

Your lifing a block onto one and you trip and fall -:eek:
Or worst a young child puts their hand on it.

Mycroft H

pakalasa wrote: »

Guys, stay well clear of these. Thay are an accident waiting to happen.
Uncovered PTOs are lethal enough without having a rotating screw.

Your lifing a block onto one and you trip and fall -:eek:
Or worst a young child puts their hand on it.

Yea seriously I'm half scared of them things. We had one of them in work and I hated using it, I had to be very wary around it. Had visions of hand getting split in two or something.

Using the log splitting axe was much nicer

Grizzly 45

Save up about 1300 Euros and scout Ebay.There are exellent machines brand new in the box to be had from China that to a tremendous job.I've been using one now for the last three years,and it has split everything I have put in it for wood.A few silly design faults but nothing that actually hurts the machine operation.[using soft steel,where treated steel would be better on the log tray,and badly designed mud gaurds on the wheels]