Sage advice about marriage. My wife has split wood with me, walked shelter belts during deer season, layed under a truck with me swapping out a motor mount at 11 pm and given me three kids who are responsible for 7 grandkids. We knew each for other for 6 weeks when we got married. It'll be 43 years come January. It's been a helluva ride.
“Knew each other for other than 6 weeks”? She can tell you why you failed to make your point whatever it was. I been married for 17 years and got engaged after a month and married the end of the next one. That’s right, met July 4 married August 31. It’s more important to both be putting God’s Law first on marriage than to have dated and shacked up for 2 to 9 years first. But what do I know? I’m not even giving people unsolicited “advice”. Marriage must be entered into and maintained as a lifetime commitment because that’s what it is. Both go in and keep that in mind and it will last. Go into it that you shacked up long enough to know each other very well and you will eventually get divorced. I would say your “advice” is not very sage, more like lemon pepper and nothing tastes more lazy than lemon pepper.
This was the best video on splitters that i have ever seen little brother. I don’t know what i liked best. The splitter hack or the excellent marital advise. I have been married for 30 years and you just spoke like a man that has been married just as long as i have been. You and your queen will go far if you keep thinking like this little brother. Peace and blessings to you and your little family. Oh yeah by the way. I am buying this over the Ryobi just because of you. Thank you My friend. LF73.
My mate and I married 24 years last 20 we have used 10 cord of wood every winter to heat our home 4 bedroom tri level with two fireplaces and a tarm wood boiler. Split and stack every year. You are correct Nothing heats better than wood.👍 Nothing like coming home to a warm fire crackling away in the fireplace, and the smell of wood burning give a new meaning to being Home. Also the knowledge of in an emergency of no electricity, we can have light, heat and means to cook and bake in the fireplace. Talk about comfort in a bad situation. The benefits of wood are amazing. It can literally save your life. Great video and fantastic content 👍
lmfao, all that work is you valuing your time at pennies an hour, you aren't saving much, AND 72 is 72, gas electric OR wood lmfao. Sorry I have better things to do than chop wood for weeks, stack it, then carry it every time I want some warm air. And leaving your house with fire burning is about the dumbest thing in the entire world. Know what else is nothing like coming home to? The house on fire lol. I bet that's warm too. And gas can be used with no electric lol. Also, electric heaters are used in places that don't get lethally cold lol. Wood is 1800s bro, get with the times and save the money.
The bit at the end is gold. Marriage takes teamwork. One half can't drag the other half along. I finally myself such a teammate. Your fix is pretty clever. We have a manual HF log splitter and it's a beast. Takes 2 hands though. Sometimes it a foot too. We love it. Our upgrade will be engine driven.
Just turned 69 this month, looking to buy a electric wood splitter, swing my axe just gets heavier each coming fall.. I was amazed with your solution to a "ruined by lawyers" fix... Your absolutely right, those guys can really mess up a perfectly good operational working machine.. Thank you for your ingenuity and time to post this video....
First, thank you for the video. I watched several on RUclips before buying. Yesterday I went to Harbor Freight and bought this log splitter. Very happy with it so far. I used it a little bit last night without any modifications. Today I woke up with brilliant idea. No drilling, no clamp like the other viewer mentioned. I used a couple 8 inch cable ties ("zip ties") they fit around the electric box and hold down the button perfectly. The foot switch I have (also from Harbor Freight) was $16.99 but it's a two way on/off foot switch (not dead man type). So I can hit it once with my foot and take my foot off. After the wood splits I release the lever, the motor is still running so the ram does not retract. I can then grab the wood and move it as I hit the foot pedal to turn off the motor. Then the ram will retract. When the ram gets where I want it to put wood back in, I hit the foot switch again and ram stops there as the motor starts again.
Glad I ran across your vid. I'm in my 60's but have RA (nasty form of arthritis), and though I still swing an axe/maul, it shuts me down completely pain wise the next day. So I purchased this splitter model a few days ago and was thinking about a toggle switch but didn't want to screw my warranty. Low and behold! Here you come along and brightened my day! Thank you! BTW, loved the part about the service person with no eyebrows hooking up your gas... lmao
Good video. "True that" on the relationship advice, from a 75 year old, who splits wood year around, for his wife to be able to "fire up" her cast iron Franklin stove whenever she feels a need to! It makes her smile and reminds her of how she was raised.
My husband and I have been married for 43 years and we have burned wood for the last 30 and yes he found a gym in me that is for sure he will be the first one to tell you loved your video
I got one of these ~1 yr back, to let shoulder injury mend. Saved my bacon until I can properly swing a maul again. I used a woodworking clamp to hold the switch on the motor closed. When the clamp fell off, switch stayed closed. Pity that. I use a HF NO foot switch on a wood scrap to run the motor. Sharpening the wedge makes life easier on the mechanicals. One big PLUS of this machine, why I bought one, is that it takes only about 1' square space to stow it on end indoors. Shoulder responded poorly to Covid vaccine shots, but it's coming along nicely, bless it. Morso stove still great.
I solved mine with a $3 adjustable screw clamp from HF! No drilling necessary. I leave mine on while I am splitting and have had it 5 years with no problems. In fact I used it for about 30 minutes this afternoon to split some wood down to more managable size today. My wife fires our stove, and plays with it all day. In the evenings, I stay up later than her and before coming to bed, put in a load so there are starter coals in the morning! She loves her hot spot near it very much...backs up to it and warms her buns before going to bed! HA HA
@@boxerdog0588 Nope, as soon as let go of the lever, the ram returns to the start position. Still working well. I started splitting a 12 foot trailer load of wood today. Worked well until I nearly was overcome by the heat...99 and 108 heat index today! At least I have a fan on me and am in the shade the entire time! I am in no hurry, will work it a few wheelbarrows at a time until it is all done! Being 72, us old guys know how to work smarter, not harder! LOL
This is the first video of yours I have seen, was in Harbor freight looking at this splitter as my big has one is dead… found your video, your comments on the electrical components were enough for me to sub to your channel. Thanks
I found the foot switch at HF..two versions...dead man's vs push on/push off. At first I went for the push on/off but that's not as convenient as the dead man as the motor keeps running and the ran does not retract, even if the lever is dis-engaged. I have also been put off by the difficulty with moving the splitter "off road". I was looking to change the wheels, expand the wheel base, or something. Then HF had a hand truck on at Black Friday. Going to try mounting the splitter on the hand cart, add the switch and moving should be easier, plus the machine will be raised up by 10-12". I've had my splitter for around 5 years and it has earned it's spot in my garden shed. Thanks for the inspiration!
I put a small electrical enclosure behind the lever with the momentary push button switch installed there so pulling the lever also pushes the button. I then put a push/pull button where the original momentary switch was to act as a sort of master switch. Works great now. And the relationship advice? Awesome. You and yours are cut from the same cloth as me and mine.
Thanks for the video! My dad mentioned to me, twice, during Thanksgiving, that he regrets selling his old hydraulic splitter. He's 79 and could sure use one. I was eyeballing the Harbor Freight splitter. This gives me hope.
@7:45 In compsci, two issues are hard to fix. Race conditions and off-by-one error. You, on the other hand, made an off-by-178.9K error 😂 Metaphorical or not, great advice. And necro'ing your comment section because I'm new to the party. Beautiful property you have up there.
Just returned a borrowed electric wood splitter to my neighbor (I like having my own stuff, ya know...) and have been researching electric ones and HBF pricing on this model is $329 (TN, USA) now. Probably will get the foot switch as well. Need to work on a sturdy table to bring it up off the ground as the knees and back sure feel it more now (not 20 yo anymore). I'll reply back on this thread in a few months, as it's Winter time and I'm about to do A LOT of wood splitting. Great video, appreciate your candor and sharing tips. Saved your link to check back on other stuff and things later on.
I have practically the same splitter from Tractor Supply. I bought a maounting frame for it that gets it up to waist level. I use a clamp on that button and bought the same foot switch. Now it's one hand and foot to operate. You need the extra hand to hold your wood down sometimes. It works perfectly. So you are a few years behind, I did this almost ten years ago.
The first thing I did when Mine arrived was order the big c-clamp and foot switch , screwed the switch to a piece of plywood, so it stays stable and does not run around the ground so much. Have used this setup for two years now and split 14 cords of firewood, works great.
Great solution for the two handed operation. I have a review of the log splitter on my channel and and was referred to your channel for this fix. I have ordered my foot pedal and will be installing for this falls wood splitting. Great video!
I've split 5 cords through it so far. Does what I need it to. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxUyQswtttSffRMblGbrhCvZn7JkhtG1-7 I scrounge all my firewood and am not equipped to handle big wood, but for logs up to 24 inch diameter or so, it works great. I've been amazed by some of the gnarly bur oak and elm crotches it has split. For the tougher stuff within it's size range, you might have to study the piece a bit to decide the best attack, but if you split smart it's up to the job. It did arrive low on oil, and I was would have nicked it half a star for that, but it has regained my full confidence. UPDATE NOVEMBER 2021: Still going strong after all these years. I love the one-handed operation. Hope it's still in production if I ever need to replace it
Numerous log splitter injuries ending in amputation seem to counter that belief. Just pointing it out, people can do whatever they want with their stuff. _(ツ)_/¯
I may not own a splitter or need one but I didn't know there was a stand alone peddle option available. That is one option I will keep in the back of my head for future projects. Also, I watch the other channel as well. Sometimes he goes way over my head, you seem to be able to explain in terms I can grasp. Thank you and keep up the good work and videos!!
This is awesome. Your video convinced me to go out & buy it, along with the foot pedal and the fix - I just used a nail and it worked perfectly. I can't even imagine bending over and holding that button. It's nearly on the ground! Thanks again.
I have one of these splitters. If anybody wants to know, they are brilliant, and even my wife can operate it easily. One modification I found really good was on the pusher. I run a bead of weld along the top leading edge, then ground it so it made teeth 🦷 along that edge, also a single tooth on the protruding rounded middle of the pusher. I found this stopped any wood from moving off the pusher during operations. I also sharpened the anvil end and polished it up as well. My splitter also had a top mounted push button that I can operate with one hand after extending the hydraulics arm to closer to it. Thanks for the video.
I went one step further and installed a mechanism on the rear lever that presses a button ,which means that I only use one hand to start the splitter and the other hand maneuvers the wood log
Nice solution, I like the footswitch idea, as you say, 'ruined by Lawyers' I have the same splitter, I mounted a heavy duty micro switch on the back of the lever then wired in a 230v relay inside the box, happy days. Also, as my brother pointed out, I can tie a piece of string to the lever with a loop the other end as a foot switch, hands free!
I like it. I got the same unit last season, and split 99% of what I needed. Bought several cords already split, but had to further split it down to the right size for my fireplace insert & wood stove. I should have snugged up all the bolts that go into aluminum threads, one vibrated out and couldn't get it to stay back in, so I had to exercise my warranty privilege. Now there's a "new-in-the-box" unit in the pole barn waiting for next season. I'll snug up everything and be generous with the Loctite. I'll add a HF foot switch, too.
Yes. The problem with these log splitters is that you need to get down very close to them to operate both the lever and the switch. I also had a log fly into my face and have a 2 inch scar right between my eyes. I ended up extending the handle and installing a remote switch for the button. Now it can be operated without having your face right next to it.
Thank you for the advice and this awesome mod! I don't have a wood stove...I wish I did. I wanted wood heat in my home soooo badly, but I can't seem to convince the wife that it's better. I keep telling her that it's better and if the grid goes down and electricity and propane fail, with a wood stove we'd have options to heat the house. We'd have to have a stove installed, chimney routed to the outside and heating side connected to the vents for the rest of the house...but the benefits far outweigh the costs.
I have the manual splitter with the jug jack on it and two handles. I split a half cord today, I only use the wood when camping, and I feel like I did 10 miles of cross country skiing! I've been married to the same one for 43 years and I can just imagine what she would say if I said we're going to wood heat.
The true problem is in the valve. If there was a way to change the valve so that the pump pressure when running doesn't stop the ram from returning then you could just install a simple on/ off switch. Unfortunately I have not been able to find anything for any of these style splitter when it comes to the valve. But this is a great idea too.
Great work. No question that some of these ideas actually make things less safe. Same thing goes for the new Ryobi 40V hedge trimmers. The require 2-handed operation. Which means that if you use them from a ladder, you lose your three points of contact And fact is, people are going to use them from a ladder.
I purchased my 5 ton in early summer. I live in SoCal and the most prevalent wood here is eucalyptus. Funny thing with this wood is how hard and twisty it is. If you try with all your might and use an ax, the ax will just bounce right off the log. Very hard to split. This 5 ton from Harbor Freight has NO problem splitting this twisted wood. I have split rounds that were up to 15" diameter. Maybe not the first try or down the middle, but starting on the edges and taking slices off. Sometimes I have to work the round and flip it or just move it a quarter turn. I have it on a rollaway bench that I love. It hasn't failed me yet with over 2 cords split so far. As far as adjusting the ram, all I did was to cut a piece of wood and place it behind the ram so it won't cycle all the way back. Yes, the two hands to control is somewhat awkward at times when you want to hold your wood from raising up. I would also like to see some small spikes on the ram head to keep it from slipping off the wood sometimes.
My father-in-law has the same splitter, and I am always the operator... I will be using this easy modification very soon. Thank you for sharing it with us!
My wife got me the same wood splitter as an early xmas present. Not fast but it does the job. I placed mine on a table so I don't have to bend over to operate.
There is an old joke about a guy fooling with a propane stove, and it blows up! On his way up, he meets a man falling down. The man yells, do you know anything about parachutes? And he tells back, no do you know anything about propane stoves?
Stumbled onto your channel. Subscribed almost immediately. How do you not have more subscribers? This is the channel I wanted to do. Thanks keep em coming!
Genius on the foot switch, man. I think I am going to pick one of these up. They are cheap, and they sure beat hand splitting. I just wasn't sure what their capabilities would be since it is only a 5 ton splitter. I have used 25 and 30 ton gas powered log splitters, but I didn't want to drop the coin on one of those right now.
Great, simple, inexpensive mod! I have the Homelite splitter with the power button on top, works equally well with the cotter pin. I also use a cut off broomhandle to depress the lever, which mine has instead of the handle, saves me bending over. Thanks,
Two good fixes, thanks. i also thought a foot switch would be the way to go. i'm just now considering breaking down and getting a splitter, and the two hand thing bothered me. I've got a little bar clamp that might hold down that switch on a new one, and already have a foot switch that i use on Dremel tools and knife sharpeners, so I’m a little closer to deciding which to get.
@@bobfromoh Yeah considered other things, the little bar clamp was handy and unemployed. :-) I actually, long ago, used his technique on some gas cans with a button I have to hold down, which was a pain, but is not so bad anymore.
I had put a longer piece of pipe on the piston handle so i could use my leg or knee to control the splitter. Very easy and quick and doesn’t take long to get used to.
i bought the same model. Its great and does what I need it to do. 2 issues....it is small and sits low, so I put it on an old wire reel I have and it fits almost waist high ( I'm tall), second, holding that button down tends to hurt after a while. Can only do so much before you stop. I thought of doing a rewire with a pistol grip type switch but this is better, no wire spicing just a couple quick holes to drill and done. Thanks.
Simple FIX: I made a spring clamp with a tough piece of a steel skewer, to hold the button in for continuous electric motor running, Benefits? 1) one hand is available to manipulate the wood 2) continuous motor operation is easier on the electric motor and on the Generator when needed. 3) I also cut my firewood to 12" which is easier on the splitter, and a spacer (as you have done) to speed up operations. NOW splitting wood is more enjoyable and faster. The 12" firewood fits better in the firebox, so the ends face the door. I move the coals to one side and let the fire burn to the opposite side. It is much easier to stack and fill the whole compartment.
We have one older splitter that turns on and stays on, it will split and retract without shutting down the motor. We have split wood with it for several years. My Dad and I both also have the newer style. He holds the switch on using a c-clamp and cycles the power with a push on, push off foot switch. He is in his eighties and it works for him but would like to elevate and use it vertically. I replaced my switch with a rotary on/off switch and still have to shut it off to retract. I'm flipping the tank end for end to get the suction port to the bottom. If I can't modify the valve, we plan on using it as a manifold, plug everything we don't need, install a downer for the oil return(s) and mount an electric 2 position 4 way with one work port directed to tank or cross drill the manifold to tank. We hope to automate the process a little and add a lift. Maybe...
2nd biggest thing wrong with this world is the damn Lawyers! BRAVO for FIXING your splitter. I love the relationship advice. Had someone told me that 20 years ago, I would not be twice divorced. My next one is going to be a homely chick (Nowadays, Character and loyalty are well above looks on the list of things I want in a woman.) that is willing to fiddle fart with the wood stove all day to keep the house warm. :-)
Nice, thanks. You gave me some ideas ; I just purchased a HFLS today. 2-handed operation for a log-splitter is as dangerous as those new gas cans that take 3 people to operate. BTW, agreed, Propane scares me two. - N Idaho - edit. Married 34 years.
I was actually thinking of this style splitter the other day and thinking that they would be the ideal candidate for hooking a variable speed drive to. The speed could be increased a fair bit and dropped down to a lower speed as the current goes up as the motor bogs down.
Mine has a two speed switch related to the position of the lever...midway is faster to get the ram to the log, then down is the high pressure slower speed, when I hear the log pop, then I raise the lever to speed through the log.
Thanks for the easy solution. i am gonna use my log splitter for blacksmithing so instead of the foot pedal i will just have a regular light switch(15amp) and then the control handle i will set up to be operated with a foot pedal.
As a side note I have a foot switch on my drill press that way my hands are free to hold work and use the drill press and if the work gets stuck just let off foot switch in stead of trying to hold work and hit the stop button . I am thinking about getting a splitter and thanks I will use my foot switch👍
Mount that switch onto a board to keep it stable. Another mod to make is to make some kind of teeth in the ram surface instead of leaving it smooth. Wood won't slip of and hit you in the face! Most larger splitters have spikes or some kind of teeth welded on the ram end. Or better yet, weld another wedge on the ram! That way no matter what you try to split, one end or the other will enter the wood so it will always split!
If you're thinking about buying a log splitter but don't want to futz around with workarounds, buy a Boss electric splitter; they're still one-handed. My 7-ton unit looks exactly like the HF model in this video, right down to the oil vent screw. Had it for two years, no issues.
I'm guessing The two-handed operation thing was just the easiest way for them to implement a design that cost them less money. By turning the motor off it allows them to have the return system work by simply backflowing the pump rather than having the valving necessary for it.
Good that you had that foot switch laying around. I would have simply replaced the momentary switch with a toggle switch as that is all I have laying around my shop.
instead of using that paver to stop the piston from going back all the way theres usually a collar on one of the 2 round rods that go out with the cyclinder on the wedge end u turn the bolt on the collar to hold it in place and stop the ram from retracting all the way
I have the same identical machine. But my button is on top so I was able to carve a 5 1/4 inch stick that I can wedge in that holds the button down continuously . Then I put a bungee cord around the wood. Saves about three arm reaches and four bend overs per log. And I also put a 7 inch 3 x 6 piece of wood for the cylinder to relax back on. It cut the travel time of the cylinder reach by a fourth thus it is crack crack crack crack instead of crack……………crack …………….crack………….crack I love it. I first had it in the woodshed and now I have it in the house next to the stove.
Another thing about firewood versus propane or oil heaters is wood tends to be a cheaper source of heat. Unless of course you live in places like Elmira New York where insurance rates tend to shoot up if you have a wood stove that you're actively using.
You can have the wood I burn coal better ongoing heat and low maintenance. I load my with stove with coal at 6 am and I don’t touch it until 6 am the next day. I get the coal for free from selling all the oak logs to people which I have more hard wood seasoned in tree lengths to supply 15 years
Would an alternative to your footswitch have been to replace the momentary switch with a push button on-off switch, or would that require playing with the connections to that capacitor?
The problem is the switch has to be turned off for the ram to retract. So you’d be pushing on and pushing off for every split. So it kind of has to be a momentary switch of some kind, and foot seemed easiest.
@@thedoubtfultechnician8067 AHA! Now I know! I didn't realize that switch needed to be released in order for the ram to be retracted. Yes, the foot switch was a no-brainer, especially considering you already had it. Thank you for taking the time to address my question.
Hey great video. Now since you sound pretty acquainted with wood splitting machines I have a question. I have a small 6.5 log splitter. First one. It is not retracting. Any ideas what the problem might be?
Nice mod, I'm currently making a double lever for mine that simultaneously depresses the power button and trips the ram lever . What makes me laugh is that these morons think that having to use both hands to run the thing, allowing a split log to possibly fly up and hit the operator in the face is supposed to be SAFER? The lawyers and government regulators can ruin anything with their blatant stupidity.......
Yeah, I just took a flying log to the face with mine because of this issue. Broke my safety glasses and glasses and also almost cut through my lip requiring 5 stitches and tearing up the inside of my mouth. I'm also fairly certain I got a minor concussion. After all that is when the idea for this sort of mod.
This is an issue that requires contacting, at least, if not sueing the seller. At the very least leave a review describing your experience to hopefully warn others of this poor design.
Just imagining this thing in any factory. The safety guys would insist on T-bar buttons to operate it that require both hands at once, it would be surrounded by guardrails and sheet metal shrapnel guards, and it would have electric eye light curtains to make sure no part of anyone's body gets inside the safety zone. And people would still be losing body parts to it.
Came for log splitting information and got cheap but good therapy.
Seriously.
I wood have to agree
Sage advice about marriage. My wife has split wood with me, walked shelter belts during deer season, layed under a truck with me swapping out a motor mount at 11 pm and given me three kids who are responsible for 7 grandkids. We knew each for other for 6 weeks when we got married. It'll be 43 years come January. It's been a helluva ride.
Your’s is an awesome tale, Brother. God Bless you and your’s.
Kool story bro
“Knew each other for other than 6 weeks”? She can tell you why you failed to make your point whatever it was. I been married for 17 years and got engaged after a month and married the end of the next one. That’s right, met July 4 married August 31. It’s more important to both be putting God’s Law first on marriage than to have dated and shacked up for 2 to 9 years first. But what do I know? I’m not even giving people unsolicited “advice”. Marriage must be entered into and maintained as a lifetime commitment because that’s what it is. Both go in and keep that in mind and it will last. Go into it that you shacked up long enough to know each other very well and you will eventually get divorced. I would say your “advice” is not very sage, more like lemon pepper and nothing tastes more lazy than lemon pepper.
This was the best video on splitters that i have ever seen little brother. I don’t know what i liked best. The splitter hack or the excellent marital advise. I have been married for 30 years and you just spoke like a man that has been married just as long as i have been. You and your queen will go far if you keep thinking like this little brother. Peace and blessings to you and your little family. Oh yeah by the way. I am buying this over the Ryobi just because of you. Thank you My friend. LF73.
Thanks for the kind words!
My mate and I married 24 years last 20 we have used 10 cord of wood every winter to heat our home 4 bedroom tri level with two fireplaces and a tarm wood boiler. Split and stack every year. You are correct Nothing heats better than wood.👍 Nothing like coming home to a warm fire crackling away in the fireplace, and the smell of wood burning give a new meaning to being Home.
Also the knowledge of in an emergency of no electricity, we can have light, heat and means to cook and bake in the fireplace. Talk about comfort in a bad situation.
The benefits of wood are amazing. It can literally save your life. Great video and fantastic content 👍
lmfao, all that work is you valuing your time at pennies an hour, you aren't saving much, AND 72 is 72, gas electric OR wood lmfao. Sorry I have better things to do than chop wood for weeks, stack it, then carry it every time I want some warm air. And leaving your house with fire burning is about the dumbest thing in the entire world. Know what else is nothing like coming home to? The house on fire lol. I bet that's warm too. And gas can be used with no electric lol. Also, electric heaters are used in places that don't get lethally cold lol. Wood is 1800s bro, get with the times and save the money.
The bit at the end is gold. Marriage takes teamwork. One half can't drag the other half along. I finally myself such a teammate. Your fix is pretty clever. We have a manual HF log splitter and it's a beast. Takes 2 hands though. Sometimes it a foot too. We love it. Our upgrade will be engine driven.
Just turned 69 this month, looking to buy a electric wood splitter, swing my axe just gets heavier each coming fall.. I was amazed with your solution to a "ruined by lawyers" fix... Your absolutely right, those guys can really mess up a perfectly good operational working machine.. Thank you for your ingenuity and time to post this video....
First, thank you for the video. I watched several on RUclips before buying. Yesterday I went to Harbor Freight and bought this log splitter. Very happy with it so far. I used it a little bit last night without any modifications. Today I woke up with brilliant idea. No drilling, no clamp like the other viewer mentioned. I used a couple 8 inch cable ties ("zip ties") they fit around the electric box and hold down the button perfectly.
The foot switch I have (also from Harbor Freight) was $16.99 but it's a two way on/off foot switch (not dead man type). So I can hit it once with my foot and take my foot off. After the wood splits I release the lever, the motor is still running so the ram does not retract. I can then grab the wood and move it as I hit the foot pedal to turn off the motor. Then the ram will retract. When the ram gets where I want it to put wood back in, I hit the foot switch again and ram stops there as the motor starts again.
You could also use the double sided hook & loop velcro strap to hold the button down!!!😁👍🏻
Excellent suggestion! And less than my $3 fix! HA HA
Glad I ran across your vid. I'm in my 60's but have RA (nasty form of arthritis), and though I still swing an axe/maul, it shuts me down completely pain wise the next day. So I purchased this splitter model a few days ago and was thinking about a toggle switch but didn't want to screw my warranty. Low and behold! Here you come along and brightened my day! Thank you!
BTW, loved the part about the service person with no eyebrows hooking up your gas... lmao
Good video. "True that" on the relationship advice, from a 75 year old, who splits wood year around, for his wife to be able to "fire up" her cast iron Franklin stove whenever she feels a need to! It makes her smile and reminds her of how she was raised.
NICE!
Sir you deserve any and all success you find on RUclips. The advice is very much welcome and I hope there's more to come! great content man 🤝
My husband and I have been married for 43 years and we have burned wood for the last 30 and yes he found a gym in me that is for sure he will be the first one to tell you loved your video
I got one of these ~1 yr back, to let shoulder injury mend. Saved my bacon until I can properly swing a maul again. I used a woodworking clamp to hold the switch on the motor closed. When the clamp fell off, switch stayed closed. Pity that. I use a HF NO foot switch on a wood scrap to run the motor. Sharpening the wedge makes life easier on the mechanicals. One big PLUS of this machine, why I bought one, is that it takes only about 1' square space to stow it on end indoors. Shoulder responded poorly to Covid vaccine shots, but it's coming along nicely, bless it. Morso stove still great.
I solved mine with a $3 adjustable screw clamp from HF! No drilling necessary. I leave mine on while I am splitting and have had it 5 years with no problems. In fact I used it for about 30 minutes this afternoon to split some wood down to more managable size today. My wife fires our stove, and plays with it all day. In the evenings, I stay up later than her and before coming to bed, put in a load so there are starter coals in the morning! She loves her hot spot near it very much...backs up to it and warms her buns before going to bed! HA HA
Mine wont let the ram come back until both the switch and lever out released. Did yours not have that issue?
@@boxerdog0588 Nope, as soon as let go of the lever, the ram returns to the start position. Still working well. I started splitting a 12 foot trailer load of wood today. Worked well until I nearly was overcome by the heat...99 and 108 heat index today! At least I have a fan on me and am in the shade the entire time! I am in no hurry, will work it a few wheelbarrows at a time until it is all done! Being 72, us old guys know how to work smarter, not harder! LOL
@@boxerdog0588 mine won’t return while the button is depressed either…
@@boxerdog0588 No problem with mine at all.
Mine won't work with clamp .
This is the first video of yours I have seen, was in Harbor freight looking at this splitter as my big has one is dead… found your video, your comments on the electrical components were enough for me to sub to your channel. Thanks
I found the foot switch at HF..two versions...dead man's vs push on/push off. At first I went for the push on/off but that's not as convenient as the dead man as the motor keeps running and the ran does not retract, even if the lever is dis-engaged. I have also been put off by the difficulty with moving the splitter "off road". I was looking to change the wheels, expand the wheel base, or something. Then HF had a hand truck on at Black Friday. Going to try mounting the splitter on the hand cart, add the switch and moving should be easier, plus the machine will be raised up by 10-12". I've had my splitter for around 5 years and it has earned it's spot in my garden shed. Thanks for the inspiration!
I put a small electrical enclosure behind the lever with the momentary push button switch installed there so pulling the lever also pushes the button. I then put a push/pull button where the original momentary switch was to act as a sort of master switch. Works great now. And the relationship advice? Awesome. You and yours are cut from the same cloth as me and mine.
Can you post a video of you solution? That’s what I was thinking of doing.
Thanks for the video! My dad mentioned to me, twice, during Thanksgiving, that he regrets selling his old hydraulic splitter. He's 79 and could sure use one. I was eyeballing the Harbor Freight splitter. This gives me hope.
Have you bought it for him yet??? He will love you even more if you do! HA HA
@7:45 In compsci, two issues are hard to fix. Race conditions and off-by-one error. You, on the other hand, made an off-by-178.9K error 😂 Metaphorical or not, great advice. And necro'ing your comment section because I'm new to the party. Beautiful property you have up there.
Just returned a borrowed electric wood splitter to my neighbor (I like having my own stuff, ya know...) and have been researching electric ones and HBF pricing on this model is $329 (TN, USA) now. Probably will get the foot switch as well. Need to work on a sturdy table to bring it up off the ground as the knees and back sure feel it more now (not 20 yo anymore). I'll reply back on this thread in a few months, as it's Winter time and I'm about to do A LOT of wood splitting. Great video, appreciate your candor and sharing tips. Saved your link to check back on other stuff and things later on.
Mine is mounted on a left over metal stand from my woodshop, did not have to built a thing!
I have practically the same splitter from Tractor Supply. I bought a maounting frame for it that gets it up to waist level. I use a clamp on that button and bought the same foot switch. Now it's one hand and foot to operate. You need the extra hand to hold your wood down sometimes. It works perfectly. So you are a few years behind, I did this almost ten years ago.
Mine is mounted on a metal stand left over from my wood working days!
The first thing I did when Mine arrived was order the big c-clamp and foot switch , screwed the switch to a piece of plywood, so it stays stable and does not run around the ground so much. Have used this setup for two years now and split 14 cords of firewood, works great.
I love it!
Great solution for the two handed operation. I have a review of the log splitter on my channel and and was referred to your channel for this fix. I have ordered my foot pedal and will be installing for this falls wood splitting. Great video!
Thanks!
I've split 5 cords through it so far. Does what I need it to. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxUyQswtttSffRMblGbrhCvZn7JkhtG1-7 I scrounge all my firewood and am not equipped to handle big wood, but for logs up to 24 inch diameter or so, it works great. I've been amazed by some of the gnarly bur oak and elm crotches it has split. For the tougher stuff within it's size range, you might have to study the piece a bit to decide the best attack, but if you split smart it's up to the job. It did arrive low on oil, and I was would have nicked it half a star for that, but it has regained my full confidence. UPDATE NOVEMBER 2021: Still going strong after all these years. I love the one-handed operation. Hope it's still in production if I ever need to replace it
AMEN Bother on the relationship tip! .. Thanks for sharing this quick easy mod on the log splitter. I'll be changing mine up this week.
Brilliant solution! You've made the splitter easier to use and-I believe-safer. Plus, yes, you've got a keeper.
Numerous log splitter injuries ending in amputation seem to counter that belief. Just pointing it out, people can do whatever they want with their stuff. _(ツ)_/¯
Yes, It is safer, as you can hold onto the logs to stop it firing them across the yard. 😄
I may not own a splitter or need one but I didn't know there was a stand alone peddle option available. That is one option I will keep in the back of my head for future projects. Also, I watch the other channel as well. Sometimes he goes way over my head, you seem to be able to explain in terms I can grasp. Thank you and keep up the good work and videos!!
This is awesome. Your video convinced me to go out & buy it, along with the foot pedal and the fix - I just used a nail and it worked perfectly. I can't even imagine bending over and holding that button. It's nearly on the ground! Thanks again.
Set it on a platform so you can save your back, brother, and you will thank me! HA HA
I have one of these splitters.
If anybody wants to know, they are brilliant, and even my wife can operate it easily.
One modification I found really good was on the pusher.
I run a bead of weld along the top leading edge, then ground it so it made teeth 🦷 along that edge, also a single tooth on the protruding rounded middle of the pusher.
I found this stopped any wood from moving off the pusher during operations.
I also sharpened the anvil end and polished it up as well.
My splitter also had a top mounted push button that I can operate with one hand after extending the hydraulics arm to closer to it.
Thanks for the video.
I went one step further and installed a mechanism on the rear lever that presses a button ,which means that I only use one hand to start the splitter and the other hand maneuvers the wood log
Nice solution, I like the footswitch idea, as you say, 'ruined by Lawyers'
I have the same splitter, I mounted a heavy duty micro switch on the back of the lever then wired in a 230v relay inside the box, happy days.
Also, as my brother pointed out, I can tie a piece of string to the lever with a loop the other end as a foot switch, hands free!
Being married for 47 years, I get the dry humor...and Love it..
I like it. I got the same unit last season, and split 99% of what I needed. Bought several cords already split, but had to further split it down to the right size for my fireplace insert & wood stove. I should have snugged up all the bolts that go into aluminum threads, one vibrated out and couldn't get it to stay back in, so I had to exercise my warranty privilege. Now there's a "new-in-the-box" unit in the pole barn waiting for next season. I'll snug up everything and be generous with the Loctite. I'll add a HF foot switch, too.
Yes. The problem with these log splitters is that you need to get down very close to them to operate both the lever and the switch. I also had a log fly into my face and have a 2 inch scar right between my eyes. I ended up extending the handle and installing a remote switch for the button. Now it can be operated without having your face right next to it.
Thank you for the advice and this awesome mod! I don't have a wood stove...I wish I did.
I wanted wood heat in my home soooo badly, but I can't seem to convince the wife that it's better.
I keep telling her that it's better and if the grid goes down and electricity and propane fail, with a wood stove we'd have options to heat the house.
We'd have to have a stove installed, chimney routed to the outside and heating side connected to the vents for the rest of the house...but the benefits far outweigh the costs.
I'm in the same boat as you.. Last week she asked why I purchased a splitter, I said because I'm installing the stove soon.. 😎
Simplest solution is usually the best. Very nicely done bro. You just sold me on one of these splitters. lol.
Great info, I just looked at one of these splitters at Harbor Freight, The switch part was very helpful.
As a lawyer looking for a splitter, I want to thank you for sharing your creative solution.
I just bought one of these and I too wondered and was skeptical about the two handed operation. This”fix” is brilliant.
I just bought the harbor freight 5 ton splitter along with the foot pedal switch. Thank you for the video
I have the manual splitter with the jug jack on it and two handles. I split a half cord today, I only use the wood when camping, and I feel like I did 10 miles of cross country skiing! I've been married to the same one for 43 years and I can just imagine what she would say if I said we're going to wood heat.
The true problem is in the valve. If there was a way to change the valve so that the pump pressure when running doesn't stop the ram from returning then you could just install a simple on/ off switch. Unfortunately I have not been able to find anything for any of these style splitter when it comes to the valve. But this is a great idea too.
This is what I was hoping to do. Flip a switch for power and use just the handle to move the ram back and forth.
@@boxerdog0588 unfortunately I've looked for valves and have had no luck. Best thing to do is buy one that's already set up that way
@@millennialhomesteading5915 I should have looked at the controls before I purchased and modified mine. I turned it into a budget forging press.
Great work. No question that some of these ideas actually make things less safe. Same thing goes for the new Ryobi 40V hedge trimmers. The require 2-handed operation. Which means that if you use them from a ladder, you lose your three points of contact And fact is, people are going to use them from a ladder.
Just bought that splitter yesterday and can’t wait to upgrade per your video.
Great video and Amen on the marriage comments!
I purchased my 5 ton in early summer. I live in SoCal and the most prevalent wood here is eucalyptus. Funny thing with this wood is how hard and twisty it is. If you try with all your might and use an ax, the ax will just bounce right off the log. Very hard to split. This 5 ton from Harbor Freight has NO problem splitting this twisted wood. I have split rounds that were up to 15" diameter. Maybe not the first try or down the middle, but starting on the edges and taking slices off. Sometimes I have to work the round and flip it or just move it a quarter turn. I have it on a rollaway bench that I love. It hasn't failed me yet with over 2 cords split so far. As far as adjusting the ram, all I did was to cut a piece of wood and place it behind the ram so it won't cycle all the way back. Yes, the two hands to control is somewhat awkward at times when you want to hold your wood from raising up. I would also like to see some small spikes on the ram head to keep it from slipping off the wood sometimes.
My father-in-law has the same splitter, and I am always the operator... I will be using this easy modification very soon. Thank you for sharing it with us!
My wife got me the same wood splitter as an early xmas present. Not fast but it does the job. I placed mine on a table so I don't have to bend over to operate.
There is an old joke about a guy fooling with a propane stove, and it blows up! On his way up, he meets a man falling down. The man yells, do you know anything about parachutes? And he tells back, no do you know anything about propane stoves?
Stumbled onto your channel. Subscribed almost immediately. How do you not have more subscribers? This is the channel I wanted to do. Thanks keep em coming!
You should do it! Any moron can. Case in point…
another thought... the temporary clamp idea would be good while still under warranty. There is no way anyone could tell it was modified.
Thanks. I was looking at videos and trying to figure out a solution. I like yours the best. I just bought myself a foot peddle control. Much thanks.
its just like the new EPA gas can spouts that i spill more gas with than the old style
Facts brutal!!!
Genius on the foot switch, man. I think I am going to pick one of these up. They are cheap, and they sure beat hand splitting. I just wasn't sure what their capabilities would be since it is only a 5 ton splitter. I have used 25 and 30 ton gas powered log splitters, but I didn't want to drop the coin on one of those right now.
Great, simple, inexpensive mod! I have the Homelite splitter with the power button on top, works equally well with the cotter pin. I also use a cut off broomhandle to depress the lever, which mine has instead of the handle, saves me bending over. Thanks,
Two good fixes, thanks. i also thought a foot switch would be the way to go. i'm just now considering breaking down and getting a splitter, and the two hand thing bothered me. I've got a little bar clamp that might hold down that switch on a new one, and already have a foot switch that i use on Dremel tools and knife sharpeners, so I’m a little closer to deciding which to get.
I just posted above, two 8" zip ties work perfectly. 30 cents for couple zip ties and you can save your bar clamp for something else.
@@bobfromoh Yeah considered other things, the little bar clamp was handy and unemployed. :-) I actually, long ago, used his technique on some gas cans with a button I have to hold down, which was a pain, but is not so bad anymore.
I had put a longer piece of pipe on the piston handle so i could use my leg or knee to control the splitter. Very easy and quick and doesn’t take long to get used to.
i bought the same model. Its great and does what I need it to do. 2 issues....it is small and sits low, so I put it on an old wire reel I have and it fits almost waist high ( I'm tall), second, holding that button down tends to hurt after a while. Can only do so much before you stop. I thought of doing a rewire with a pistol grip type switch but this is better, no wire spicing just a couple quick holes to drill and done. Thanks.
Simple FIX: I made a spring clamp with a tough piece of a steel skewer, to hold the button in for continuous electric motor running, Benefits? 1) one hand is available to manipulate the wood 2) continuous motor operation is easier on the electric motor and on the Generator when needed. 3) I also cut my firewood to 12" which is easier on the splitter, and a spacer (as you have done) to speed up operations. NOW splitting wood is more enjoyable and faster. The 12" firewood fits better in the firebox, so the ends face the door. I move the coals to one side and let the fire burn to the opposite side. It is much easier to stack and fill the whole compartment.
We have one older splitter that turns on and stays on, it will split and retract without shutting down the motor. We have split wood with it for several years.
My Dad and I both also have the newer style. He holds the switch on using a c-clamp and cycles the power with a push on, push off foot switch. He is in his eighties and it works for him but would like to elevate and use it vertically.
I replaced my switch with a rotary on/off switch and still have to shut it off to retract.
I'm flipping the tank end for end to get the suction port to the bottom. If I can't modify the valve, we plan on using it as a manifold, plug everything we don't need, install a downer for the oil return(s) and mount an electric 2 position 4 way with one work port directed to tank or cross drill the manifold to tank. We hope to automate the process a little and add a lift. Maybe...
2nd biggest thing wrong with this world is the damn Lawyers! BRAVO for FIXING your splitter. I love the relationship advice. Had someone told me that 20 years ago, I would not be twice divorced. My next one is going to be a homely chick (Nowadays, Character and loyalty are well above looks on the list of things I want in a woman.) that is willing to fiddle fart with the wood stove all day to keep the house warm. :-)
Everyone gets ugly eventually. Character lasts forever!
Nice, thanks. You gave me some ideas ; I just purchased a HFLS today. 2-handed operation for a log-splitter is as dangerous as those new gas cans that take 3 people to operate. BTW, agreed, Propane scares me two. - N Idaho - edit. Married 34 years.
AWSOME….. and the relationship advice was spot on. 🏆🏆🏆
I was actually thinking of this style splitter the other day and thinking that they would be the ideal candidate for hooking a variable speed drive to. The speed could be increased a fair bit and dropped down to a lower speed as the current goes up as the motor bogs down.
Mine has a two speed switch related to the position of the lever...midway is faster to get the ram to the log, then down is the high pressure slower speed, when I hear the log pop, then I raise the lever to speed through the log.
Is that the same style of electric/hydraulic?
@@Alan_Hans__ It looks like the same splitter to me. It is an electric hydraulic splitter.
Thanks for the easy solution. i am gonna use my log splitter for blacksmithing so instead of the foot pedal i will just have a regular light switch(15amp) and then the control handle i will set up to be operated with a foot pedal.
Being able to position yourself behind it really adds to the safety, IMO.
Ha weird when you hear what you’ve needed to hear for a while from a RUclips video. Helpful man thanks
Just what I need to do to make my splitter easier and safer to use. Thank you for the idea.
As a side note I have a foot switch on my drill press that way my hands are free to hold work and use the drill press and if the work gets stuck just let off foot switch in stead of trying to hold work and hit the stop button . I am thinking about getting a splitter and thanks I will use my foot switch👍
Mount that switch onto a board to keep it stable. Another mod to make is to make some kind of teeth in the ram surface instead of leaving it smooth. Wood won't slip of and hit you in the face! Most larger splitters have spikes or some kind of teeth welded on the ram end.
Or better yet, weld another wedge on the ram! That way no matter what you try to split, one end or the other will enter the wood so it will always split!
Great solution. For a moment I thought you were going to use something like a trigger clamp to depress the button.
If you're thinking about buying a log splitter but don't want to futz around with workarounds, buy a Boss electric splitter; they're still one-handed. My 7-ton unit looks exactly like the HF model in this video, right down to the oil vent screw. Had it for two years, no issues.
I'm guessing The two-handed operation thing was just the easiest way for them to implement a design that cost them less money. By turning the motor off it allows them to have the return system work by simply backflowing the pump rather than having the valving necessary for it.
Not only does she run the wood stove she helps split and stack. We are in our 60’s now. It’s more than a metaphor.
Great advice... I needed to hear that. ........now back to the bar.
Good that you had that foot switch laying around. I would have simply replaced the momentary switch with a toggle switch as that is all I have laying around my shop.
The wheel base could be wider. Other than that I have no problem with mine. I paid $307.00 out the door.
instead of using that paver to stop the piston from going back all the way theres usually a collar on one of the 2 round rods that go out with the cyclinder on the wedge end u turn the bolt on the collar to hold it in place and stop the ram from retracting all the way
Great advice by the way.... I completely agree 💯👍🏻
There’s nothing quite like taking a knotty piece of Oak right in the grille. Thanks lawyers.
HF has 15A foot switches too… two, in fact: latching-toggle and momentary normal-off versions.
Great lesson and advice! Laughed at the Propane story!!
Those HF on/off foot switches come in handy e.g. on drill press, sausage grinders
I have the same identical machine. But my button is on top so I was able to carve a 5 1/4 inch stick that I can wedge in that holds the button down continuously .
Then I put a bungee cord around the wood.
Saves about three arm reaches and four bend overs per log.
And I also put a 7 inch 3 x 6 piece of wood for the cylinder to relax back on.
It cut the travel time of the cylinder reach by a fourth thus it is crack crack crack crack instead of crack……………crack …………….crack………….crack
I love it. I first had it in the woodshed and now I have it in the house next to the stove.
160K clicks later, the relationship advice keeps on delivering
Good to see someone thinking thru the process. I will use those ideas at home and camp. Takes a village.
Loved the video and the marriage advice. I'm wondering if you could have just removed the momentary switch and hard wired the foot pedal.
Another thing about firewood versus propane or oil heaters is wood tends to be a cheaper source of heat. Unless of course you live in places like Elmira New York where insurance rates tend to shoot up if you have a wood stove that you're actively using.
I like your solution. If I wanna deal with overbearing safety measures, I'd go clock into work.
Great video 👍🏻 Loved the commentary and fun edits lol! 🤣
Thanks!
Good idea. Just saw that Harbor Freight also sells the foot switch
Clamped that stupid button down. I Plug it in and unplug when finished. No feet work.
excellent!
His model won't retract the ram while the motor's running
You can have the wood I burn coal better ongoing heat and low maintenance. I load my with stove with coal at 6 am and I don’t touch it until 6 am the next day. I get the coal for free from selling all the oak logs to people which I have more hard wood seasoned in tree lengths to supply 15 years
Would an alternative to your footswitch have been to replace the momentary switch with a push button on-off switch, or would that require playing with the connections to that capacitor?
The problem is the switch has to be turned off for the ram to retract. So you’d be pushing on and pushing off for every split. So it kind of has to be a momentary switch of some kind, and foot seemed easiest.
@@thedoubtfultechnician8067 AHA! Now I know!
I didn't realize that switch needed to be released in order for the ram to be retracted.
Yes, the foot switch was a no-brainer, especially considering you already had it.
Thank you for taking the time to address my question.
Life advice from a Harbor Freight Tool review. The man knows what he's talking about.
Hey great video. Now since you sound pretty acquainted with wood splitting machines I have a question.
I have a small 6.5 log splitter. First one. It is not retracting. Any ideas what the problem might be?
I assume electric? Any idea the make and model?
I like it--thanks! I went with a machine-shop aluminum pedal switch attached to a cord salvaged from an old sump pump float switch.
There is a collar on one of the hydraulic cylinders to set at the length you need so you don’t need the paver
Nice mod, I'm currently making a double lever for mine that simultaneously depresses the power button and trips the ram lever . What makes me laugh is that these morons think that having to use both hands to run the thing, allowing a split log to possibly fly up and hit the operator in the face is supposed to be SAFER? The lawyers and government regulators can ruin anything with their blatant stupidity.......
Yeah, I just took a flying log to the face with mine because of this issue. Broke my safety glasses and glasses and also almost cut through my lip requiring 5 stitches and tearing up the inside of my mouth. I'm also fairly certain I got a minor concussion. After all that is when the idea for this sort of mod.
This is an issue that requires contacting, at least, if not sueing the seller.
At the very least leave a review describing your experience to hopefully warn others of this poor design.
Just imagining this thing in any factory. The safety guys would insist on T-bar buttons to operate it that require both hands at once, it would be surrounded by guardrails and sheet metal shrapnel guards, and it would have electric eye light curtains to make sure no part of anyone's body gets inside the safety zone. And people would still be losing body parts to it.
Side note, I’ve got the same HF trailer as yours…I’ve hauled many a load above it’s weight class…