Hello everyone, I designed this splitter over a couple years and finally put in use in 2022. I could have bought a commercial splitter but I wanted to incorporate the following 2 features: -Non-guided wedge -Large work table Other features are: -3.25 dia. X 18'' stroke Parker Industrial cylinder with 2'' dia. rod -5 HP Tecumseh engine -2 stage Haldex pump, 11/2.9 USGPM -2,500 PSI (10 ton splitting force) It works just like I had hoped it would. The non-guided wedge also allows to split long logs laid flat on the table as shown in the video (narrative is in French but a picture is worth a thousand words, n'est-ce pas?)
Very nice piece of craftsmanship there. Im sure walt is gonna like that! IIRC he has a table top splitter.
I really like this design. It has a small footprint and the work height looks good in regards to ergonomics. It reminds me a lot of a drill dress, which as a machinist I'm partial to Very nice blueprint as well
Thanks Eric, in my former life as a mechanical engineer for Goodyear, I was always at the machine shop discussing projects with the machinists. This fall I'm going to use this splitter to make apple juice. Everything is ready, the shredder, the ram which will replace the wedge, the perforated pot to hold the ''apple pudding'' and the pan to collect the juice...I'll let you know.
Welcome to the club. Lots of great folks here sharing knowledge and humor. Glad you shared your splitter, thata nice machine you built
Is the swiveling wedge supposed to alleviate torsional force on rod? What about side to side forward and back bending forces on the rod? I’m not close to engineer level learning, but it seems like it would at least mash seals quickly.
Your questions are very legitimate Chud. Actually there is neglegible side forces on the rod since the bottom side of the log ''slides'' and rotates on the smooth tabletop. The guiding mechanism on conventional splitters serves to keep the wedge in the same plane, which is not a bad thing but in my case the absence of this mechanism frees up the wedge area, makes for a simple design and makes this area grease free.
I'd be curious how long that seal last also. Will probably be fine if he only splits straight grain stuff. Can't imagine a twisted up crotch peice would be good for it. The more force applied to split the peice the less likely the opposing end will slide on the table. Not sure a sliding end is a good thing either. They can pop out with some force sometime.
Jeffrey, I'm not worried about the longevity of the seals on my cylinder. The cylinder is an industrial grade Parker series 2H with a 2'' rod. If the seals ever leak it will be because the long gland bushing is worn and as long as I make sure the hydraulic oil is nice and clean, I don't see that happen soon. Also, I only use this machine for maybe 10 hours a year or so.
Sounds like a good idea on paper about the seals and i see what you mean about the bushing needing to wear for the seals to possibly start leaking. Should hold up pretty good for your use.
Thank you Walt. I was in Walnut Creek a few years ago for The Horse Progress Days. Is that close to you?
