Yes, got the thingy open. They should really make that more obvious in the instructions. Although there is a sticker on the splitter. A stand with wheels, you are right. Got to work on that idea.
That is one of those platforms for painting etc. Lowe's will have these on offer during their Black Friday sale. I am going to get some to convert into a table for my splitter so the splits won't fall to the ground. The only thing I need to do is to add a clamp somewhere so the splitter will not move; I find it moving a bit as you split and it almost rolled off on me one day. Today I stuck a screwdriver behind one of the wheels. For storing, I simply lift the splitter off the stand, fold the legs on the stand and it all packs away in the shed.
I would have split that second one in the opposite direction. The reasoning is that the grain at the point away from the limb is not all crossed up therefore easily to separate. Also, you can place a proper sized block behind the ram and it reduces the travel needed making it a bit quicker. I find that blocks in front of the ram can cause problems and are more dangerous. I think it was HDRock that told me about putting the block BEHIND the ram.
I tried that second one from every direction, no go it's waiting for my my hubby. The reason i put the 4x4 in front of the ram was to get the logs split all the way. For some reason the splitter doesn't go far enough. HDRock is right you have to watch them, they can come up and jump out. I'll check with Lowes. Thanks
I have the same Homelite and love it. I keep a small electric chainsaw with the splitter for the pieces that just won't separate. For future reference oak (at least the oak we have here in California) splits more easily green than dry. It also dries faster when split green. I use a 3 in. pipe coupling for the extra push, 4x4's tend to disintegrate. It seems there's always one that just won't pop, not matter how I turn or flip it. Toss it aside.
You are right the 4x4s took quite a beating. They were lying around so i used them. It looks like you built a table with yours, is that for the larger rounds?
Thanks Kinmberly. Is that a paper flyer they have in the store? I looked on the internet but didn't see it at the low price.
Yes, that is the Black Friday advert; it may not be out yet as I got that off the net. So starting at midnight of Black Friday they will be at that price. You can order on line and pick up in the store but they usually have plenty of these; they are not that big of a rush item. I use them for lots of things; makes a nice bench, sitting saws on for cutting, etc. I am thinking of making a leg extension and using them as tables on the splitter or converting one into a stand for a mitre saw so I can stand and cut. At $20 they are not bad. I also have several to use to stand on, line them up against a wall and you can paint trim without getting down and moving the stand, just step from one to the next. I wouldn't pay $35.98 for one but at $19.97 it is not a bad price. So if you can wait until Black Friday, you can get a good price.
To help you out I took a measure of the top surface, it is 12" X 39.5". You can measure the distance of your legs and see; you may need to get two and place side by side for your splitter. For my little SpeeCo, the size is perfect.
Thank you for all the trouble. My hubby found it on the internet. I still have to measure the splitter. One could put wheels on the legs and just leave it on there. It's not like splitting is a seasonal thing it's ongoing. No way will i set foot into town on Black Friday, people just go crazy. Just looked at the splitter it's 14" wide at the wheels. But i want to get one just the same, it's practical and a good price.
What I did on big rounds with my electric splitter is cut a kerf in the end of the round about 4-6 inches deep then put the wedge in that. Worked pretty well.
Solution? Cut a piece of plywood the proper size and go to Tractor Supply Company and get some bolts, fasten the plywood, and you are good to go. TSC sells bolts by weight, good price for standard bolts, grade 8 and such.
If you want to make a permanent stand with the splitter permanently mounted, Harbour Freight has some small pneumatic wheels for like $3.00 on offer regularly. Two of them (just lift the front to move as you do now) and some make shift axles and there you go.
Right on that is exactly what i was thinking. I'm sure i've got the bolts and wood ( hoarder of many useful things) only need the wheels. Hubby promised to check Lowes on his way out here on Thursday. Thanks a lot Kimberly
It allows me to work directly from the bed of the truck. No bending or stooping. From truck to splitter to wheelbarrow to stack. Once it's in the truck, it never touches the ground again (except the one that won't split).
For the first time, I had to do that on some 30 in. Doug fir rounds recently. Lots of splits in a round that size.
Lucy don't forget the platforms at Lowe's well be on offer for $19.97. You can order all Black Friday now on the website except for a few store only items. Order and pay now and then pick up at Lowe's tomorrow at any time of the day. My local Lowe's had 33 of them in stock.
Thank, you Kimberly. Our local store pulled their usual "we have a big sale but we are out of stock." I called a different store and ordered them there. They were wondering why I didn't just pick them up here since our store had 36 in stock. Aren't they wonderful At least I will get them. Thanks again.
Without a question, I've learned that the splitee should be loaded with branch parallel with the splitter. Same with knots. The attached is looking down on the operation. I prefer to have the fat side, lower on the tree, opposite the push block. I have drawn the other way. (Turn it 180 ). You'll always be going with the grain.
