Here are a couple pictures of a set of Husky 12 inch log tongs I modified for use with my splitter. Converted to 4 points instead of just two , this way I am able to hold smaller logs level and centered on the 4 way wedge if tongs are not centered on the log. I tried using the way the were to hold logs off the beam but problem I was having was if tongs were not at the perfect balance point the log would tilt one way or another. Works great around the splitter. I won't use this pair in the field any more. I did this just for splitting.
They are the 12 inch. I did loose a little by adding the extra points , now between the points is probably around 10 inches. But since I am just using with the splitter that is fine , any log larger than what they can grab I can just let it sit directly on the beam.
So what's the advantage of using the tongs to hold the log on the splitter...just keeping your hands out of harms way?
If I am running the 4 way wedge and have a smaller log the position of the wings on the side of the wedge with the logs sitting on the beam will give me 2 larger splits off the bottom of the wing and two smaller off the top of the wing. By holding the log off the beam I can center it on the 4 way wedge. This allows me to easily hold up the log with one hand and use the other hand to operate the splitter.
No I did not. I figured that two sets almost directly across from each other was my best bet in keeping logs level. Don't know Maybe 3 would work ? But I know that 4 do work.