I built a different processor than I ve seen before

15 hp combined direct drive saw with hydraulic splitter
6 additional powered operations for various log controls
Hold to run with instant braking and throttle down.
Two way piloted return hydraulic splitter circuit




Happy to share lessons learned if anybody has interest.

 

I made the original computer model over a period of 1-1/2 years back 2012-2013. Then the main build took around 2 1/2 years. But I am still adding and changing things all the time.

 

That is really cool, great job.. And welcome to the Club jmur

 

Welcome jmur1 You're gonna like it here, I guarantee it---We like pics (you've got that mastered) dogs and beer-Lots of great folks here to learn from and share with. Wicked nice machine you built there...Nice to meet you

 

I'm having computer issues currently...the vid no worky for me...have any pics of it?

 

Hi Brenndatomu:
Here are some pics.

 

Welcome to da club
Really nice job on the build man, that thing is awesome:stacke:

 

Welcome home jmur1 ....pretty spiffy build there.

 

That is really cool. I like your design for the saw. Is that a live deck on it? How much wood can you process per hour?

I've looked/ dreamed at processors for a while. One thing I have noticed about them all is they leave big splits. Do you go back and resplit your wood or is this fine for your needs?

 

94Bullit:
I have a smaller knife for finer splits but it doesnt work well for the bigger logs. I have left the big one on since it has proved its value in strength and longevity. I plan to leave this wood for a year and then sell some and use some. I do re-split some of the giant pieces but overall I figure this length of time will dry it well anyhow. Here is a pic of the other knife. When I am splitting to use use earlier than 1 year I will head back to this block knife.

jmur1

 

Cool knife. Also how do you sharpen the blade on the processor?

 

Sorry I missed your other questions. It has two live rollers and a belt conveyor on the infeed line and a live (two beam) deck that feeds it.. I m not sure exactly how much per hour, I sometime stack a facecord per hour as I go so that takes extra time. I have been cutting the deck in about two hours (around 8 logs 15-20 feet long) so around half a bush cord per hour I think. I could do lots to speed it up but one of my angles for this build was the small 15hp engine. I use less than a tank to clear the deck and it only holds 7 quarts. I have a 20hp Honda twin I plan to install over the winter and we will see how that gets it moving. The saw is definitely abit under-powered at the moment.

The blade has to come off to sharpen, but so far I have only taken it off once over two years. It is a carbide panel saw (28" XL4000) with a small kerf and it seems to cut and cut. - Very happy with that choice. Again being around chainsaws for along time I knew you only have to run them into the dirt once to dull them out and I figured a wood processor would have alot of dirty logs go thru it. So far so good. There is a guy in the next town to me who I take to sharpen it.
jmur1

 

What is the CAD proggy you used?

 

Wouldn't it speed things up to have the log pushed into position while the splitting ram is retracting?

 

It is Creo or better known as Pro/E

 

Agreed - however fairly limited by the hp with this design.

 

That live deck is really nice. I've seen some processors that don't have a live deck and that would take another man in a machine to keep it fed. Once you get the 20hp Honda on it you should see a good bump in productivity.

I wasn't sure if you were able to sharpen the blade. That is good to know your blade has held up that well. I'll keep that in mind in case I build one.

 

I am now working on a sliding tray insert for the slab saw. I will have an update shortly.