Ram For Logsplitter

mikefoxo

Thinking of making a logsplitter - have most of the bits here and the axe is too much like hard work:P Do need a ram though. Can you buy them with the wedge already welded on? and what about the plate at the back that holds it against the RSJ? Was thinking about 10 ton, what sort of price should I be paying?

Justjens

Digger leg ram is the most common used, if it's a horizontal log splitter weld the wegde on the end of the RSJ and a plate on the ram with a guide to hold it straight.

And if you want to have all your limbs intact when you're finshed for the day leave a couple of inches of a gap between the full extent of the ram and the wedge.

mikefoxo

I was actually thinking of making a vertical one like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YWJ79Lh7XE I thought someone out there would supply them but i guess not

pedigree 6

Don't weld the wedge on the ram.
Leave the wedge on a pin and housing on the ram for a slight give on it.
It'll save the pillar from twisting.

Justjens

mikefoxo wrote: »

I was actually thinking of making a vertical one like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YWJ79Lh7XE I thought someone out there would supply them but i guess not

Mate of mine bought a vertical one a few years ago, don't ask me the name on it tho! 8 ton and about a 16" stroke I think.

Unless you are doing everything yourself it's cheaper to go out and buy one. And by the time you've driven around the country collecting a ram, spool valve, steel, hoses etc........you'll have burned a €100 of diesel.

mikefoxo

pedigree 6 wrote: »

Don't weld the wedge on the ram.
Leave the wedge on a pin and housing on the ram for a slight give on it.
It'll save the pillar from twisting.

Would there be that much of a risk of an RSJ twisting?

I live in Dublin and there's a few places nearby that should provide all the necessary. I'd like to be able to say that 'I made that', plus I can tailor it to my own requirements.

And have you seen the cost of a logsplitter out there?!?!:eek::eek:

pedigree 6

mikefoxo wrote: »

Would there be that much of a risk of an RSJ twisting?

I live in Dublin and there's a few places nearby that should provide all the necessary. I'd like to be able to say that 'I made that', plus I can tailor it to my own requirements.

And have you seen the cost of a logsplitter out there?!?!:eek::eek:

I said that about the pillar twisting as I was out at my uncle's place this evening as his was welded on to the ram and has twisted on one side of the pillar. Also get one with 2 bolts as the clamp on each side of the pillar to the wedge and as justjens said dont have the wedge going all the way to the board. Leave an inch and a bit to save the fingers.

Maybe I'll put up a few pics of mine tomorrow. You'd buy them cheaper though than going to the bother of making one though. Should be some local people making them or check out donedeal.

Grueller

Ramko in Tyrone sold me a 16 tonne ram, hydraulic hose and connections and valve chest, next day delivery for €300 + VAT about three years ago. I had the steel to make it lying about the place. Looks a fright cos I never painted it but it will get through a fair wedge of timber in a short time.

gctest50

.
Nice clear views here of one that saves the back :

cute way of lifting the blocks onto the table with a wire rope :

f140

can you buy the wedges separate? If so where would you get one?

Justjens

mikefoxo wrote: »

Would there be that much of a risk of an RSJ twisting?

We have a Major horizontal 14t that cost €800 5yrs ago. It's made from a 8" RSJ and the only time in flexes is when I used the digger to shift a log that refused to split!

And with the size of some of the timber I've split it's dead handy having it close to the ground to roll the rings on. When I'm doing light stuff it's just a matter of holding it at the right height with a log underneath.

patsy_mccabe

Don't forget the two hand safety. Only today heard of a guy local enough that lost most of his hand using a logsplitter.

Justjens

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

Don't forget the two hand safety. Only today heard of a guy local enough that lost most of his hand using a logsplitter.

Also note my comment in post no.2......

patsy_mccabe

Justjens wrote: »

Also note my comment in post no.2......

I did. How will a gap protect you? If your hand is caught on top of the log, damage will still be done.

9935452

f140 wrote: »

can you buy the wedges separate? If so where would you get one?

Most people make them up. What i used was a foot of replacement cutting edge for a bucket for a front loader.
When the bottom edge of your bucket is badly worn, you can get replacement strips to weld on. Hard wearing compared to normal steel.
Any fabricator should have this.

To be fair any fabricator would make you up one of these

Quick search on ebay , this crowd are in tyrone
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Log-Splitter-Bolt-on-4-Way-Blade-Cuttiing-Wedge-Slider-Kit-Log-Splitting-/222314064206?hash=item33c2f3694e:g:-4kAAOSw-zxWnVK-