Electric splitters

So I'm blessed with a really awesome wife. Last year she was very supportive of me buying a Stihl with a 20" bar. She's been supportive of by building a wood rack in the yard. She's been supportive of me buying a new maul. She was supportive of when I bought the LogOx tool. (And we're not made of money at all)
But when I really did number on my back about 10 days ago now, she suggested I get a log splitter. I had a hard time putting my socks and shoes on. Moving about was kind of rough, and I wasn't really loving it. I was slow to come around to the idea, but she made a good point that if I'm going to keep up with the wood and at 36 my back is already giving me a problem I should just go for a splitter.
Ok- so that's how I came to the decision-
I wanted something that would easy to use, I wanted an electric splitter since we have a solar powered home, and I wanted something with a good track record. I was actually pretty impressed to see the positive reviews on the Boss 7 ton, and went through the negative reviews which showed kind of unrealistic expectations based on what the splitter says it can do.

The advice to have the splitter tip back towards the power switch was really great advice. When I was using it on flat ground or if it perhaps was tipping forward towards the splitting wedge it would "chatter" and lose power as I had previously posted. But raising the splitting end slightly got rid of that issue., I also think that it moves under greater power through the stroke with the front end raised slightly. Nothing to knock your socks off, but a noticeable power gain.

Bigger rounds do give it a hard time, however, if you take a big round- like 20 inch diameter and split it with a sledge / wedge or a maul, and then put the half round on, it goes right through. I find it does a better job "nibbling around the edge" rather than going straight down the middle.
I'm really very happy with it. I set up my splitter, get my camp chair out- and in total disregard of this rule- pull out a beer or two while I'm splitting and pretty well have a good time with it.
For the record- I don't use either of my chainsaws or get on my motorcycle after having a sip of beer, but have carved out an exception for the splitter.

 

Just be carful. I caught my little finger one time between the end of a log and the butt plate of the splitter. Let me tell you it got flattened out pretty good.

 

Taking a conference call from the car this morning, I passed a FREE sign and this guy was hiding behind it. Whipped around and stuck it in back.
It’s dirty and the on / off switch is stuck to on.
It’s a pretty cool find!

 

I bet the spring to that on/off switch is frozen or snapped off. probably wouldn't much of anything to fix that. Man what a score!

 

Thanks. I’m more excited than my wife is!

Button was in a good spot this morning before i touched it. Pushed it and it never came back. Good thing is that was the on contact. Hoping it’s just gunked or has a little corrosion. I’ll open it this afternoon and see if i can get things moving again.

 

Oh yea nice find. You should have it going in no time. I know the one I have has paid for itself.

 

Sounds like your wife is very compassionate and understanding. Maybe it’s a good time to ask about a new kabota

 

DR Dual Action 10 ton replaced the gas splitter 12 years ago.
It's done the 5-8 cords/year without any down time including crotches, tough apple, stringy butts.
Large butts +/- 20" may take a couple of passes.
Look carefully though at the cycle time. The electrics can be slow if you need to get it done fast.
For us retirees, who cares.

 

Update: If I bought a splitter today it would be a Super Split Kinetic electric.
Fast, reliable, plenty of power....made right here in New England. Nice website.
They don't come on the used market often.