I've done the same to crimp ends of tubing to create a flat(ish) welding flange. I've used this technique to fabricate livestock gates and fencing panels but I'm sure this could be applied to a multitude of projects.
You can even weld up dies and forms for rolling steel and bending pipes, you can press bearings, ball joints and king pins etc.etc.. Log splitters are a great source for universal hydraulic power.
The world needs more people like you man. If more people where as self motivated, and as hard working as you are. I really think that we all would be better for it.
Totally agreed, making videos like this is a full time job, I don't know how this guy is able to do all that work by himself, rarely he use other peoples help and still doing tremendous amount of work, hard work.
I read through 40 or fifty of the comments and nobody commented on this so I will. What a brilliant and clever idea to use the splitter itself to bend the metal plates into shape! Out of curiosity have you used this to bend other things? I'm thinking that you could add some more products to go along with your new 4-way splitter. Poor mans conduit bender, metal shear, sheet metal bender, ect. How about using it to break the tire beads on your equipment tires? The poor Troy may end up working 12 months out the year instead of just a couple! I'm sure there are more uses out there!
Yes I have used to splitter to bed things before. Its not always deep enough for some jobs, but it works. I have a press to which is a little more controlled, and there's more room. But whatever works.
I've used mine to break a tire bead before, worked great! and a few pieces of steel over the years. U have to be careful putting more then one piece in at a time, like he did to bend the steel plates. what he did was fine, but if you have the wrong angle the piece can shoot out. this turned out good, he saved himself $100 not having to buy the slip on wedge they have at tractor supply. I have the same troy built, just one size smaller, the 27 ton.
Magnificent job Andrew! I like your way of presenting an issue analyzing the possibilities for best resolutions and implementing simple yet most effective solutions. You make us feel like we are also part of your work. Thanks for your great productions.
Leaving the first inch a vertical split and the wing wedges later really saves on the grunt the splitter has to overcome. Good thinking!! 33 ton is a husky one! Dog looks happy!! Nice welding! As always
Its great for smaller size fireplaces/furnaces. But when you want bigger "chunks", it makes them too small. Also, a bigger base plate would help for larger logs. Using a hatchet is a good way to handle the wood too. I used to use a big old speaker magnet on the splitter, and put the hatchet on that, very handy. Just some ideas for ya to ponder.
Andrew I'm 63 and have worked construction since I was 18. Became a lead carpenter and then supt. and have retired. I've been physical my hole life thus far. My back has taken a beating. 1 disc removed and so on. Enough on me. You are young now and hopefully when you get older you won't have back problems. I say this because I have just finished building a splitter to mount on my backhoe. Works great. I can maneuver/pick up the buck length, split it and usually pick up 3 or 4 splits and place them in a trailer/truck whatever all from the seat of the machine. Love it. No backaches. I saw the backhoe out side your castle shop which I love (the castle) and no that with your skillsets you can make one for yourself. Don't get me wrong, the 4 way fab was great. On why they don't come already on the splitter I do notice that very small kindling strips are generated, Some is just trash it is so small. Other reason is additional costs making the splitter more costly to sell. Thanks for sharing and great job.
I was in the power equipment business for years. It’s all about the price point. Get the product advertised at a competitive price, then up sell things like cradles, and 4 way splitters. A cradle is another thing no splitter should be without. Great job, I love your videos!
Just for a couple of the other commenters here. A couple of the manufacturers do offer a 4 way head as and option piece. I used to work for Tractor Supply and have ordered few for customers. But we usually had one or two in stock. The big difference is Andrews is a quick change option, which is great. The others generally required complete removal of the standard head to put the 4 way on, which can be a PITA! Been there. Done that.
Yeah, I knew they existed, but only as a later added accessory. I think it should just come that way. And I couldn't find one that fit on the troybilt splitter. I had one before that didn't work.
Yes. but the "permanent" 4-way head cant come off and hurt someone like this one...so I'm sure the attorneys have something to do with nixing the removable 4 way heads?
i've been welding and fabricating for 50+ yrs! nice job on the 4 way! never thought of using the splitter for bending 1 in!! glad we have some younger talent that can think coming along to replace us old guys!!
Andrew, I have been cutting and splitting wood most of my life. I had an exterior wood burning furnace and was cutting ten to twelve full cords of wood each year to burn. About 5 years ago we found a head for the wood splitter that was built very similar to the one you just manufactured in this video. After using that 4-way cutting head, I was sad that I hadn't discovered it, or thought of making one, years earlier.
I took this video and showed it to a welder/fabricator in my neighborhood, and he used it to make a 4-way for my new Champion 34t. Works like a champ! Thanks for the video!
Great design. The way it splits the middle first and then splits the sides is a good idea. I also like that it slips on and off easily. That bolt keeps it from walking off the main splitter. Good job!
Dude ur an insperation to many ! Only if our youth had ur work ethic and ingenuity, ur parent taught u well , give a em a huge hug man they earned it !
Awesome job. Works great. I agree, splitters should come with that at least as an attachment that can be added like yours. Tip to viewers, use caution and only a last resort when striking an axe with a hammer. Axe heads are hardened steel which makes them brittle and potential missles when the poll (back part) is struck with a hammer. Put a piece of wood between the two and strike wood instead of steel. Thank you for another great video, Andrew!
They do make some splitters with the 4 way, I have seen it on some heavy duty ones, I'm guessing they don't do it with normal splitters because they have a lower compression rating and the extra stresses might break it sooner, but IDK, it seems to work fine with a stepped edge design.
I have used and owned both types. The 4-way head is obviously way better when splitting. However, the cylinder, the engine and the structure around the cutting head are all bigger and can bear heavier loads.
The first cutter has already split the wood, so when the second cutter is bearing down the ram isn't actually driving 4 cutters at once, just the second pair
When you were starting on the big piece " well this is a little crazy but lets see what it'll do" Started laughing, sounds like so many jobs/shops I've been in. Great video Andrew. Thanks
If one bigger base is too big then maybe 3 hinged wings, 2 off the side and one off the front. that would fold for transport and storage. I don't like the idea of holding something in place with moving machinery could cause it to shift and you make a sudden movement to compensate perhaps causing injury. Rather like holding an object on the drill press by hand and having the drill grab the material....not that I have personal experience in that area.
My first thought was to dig square hole for the base to sit into about 3 inches down so it's flush with the ground to avoid the large wood rounds from tilting off
Thanks for adding metric measurements. As a member of your international audience, i appreciate that. Inches mean very little to 95% of the world and make it hard to follow the video.
Nice build, man! You're a smart dude and I appreciate you taking the time to post your ideas and experience. You just demonstrated that I can use the splitter as a press for U-joints, bushings and such. Killer idea -and MANY thanks!
wanted to do that for years. Awesome job! Also place split wood directly on a pallet to move with forks . Saves a ton of work. I split wood with HYD hammer on a mini excavator also.
Mike is kind of right. The reason your model did not come with a 4-way splitter. Is the pump itself. The pump is design to function just get enough for the maximum existence it can endure. So by adding that 4-way splitter your shortening the lifespan of the pump. I'll give you a fine example. The log splitter offered by Harbor Freight. It splits two different directions and it's pretty fast for the cycle rate. But it was not meant to have an aftermarket 4-way splitter adapter. I've had to help several friends build mount for aftermarket pumps because they added a four-way splitter adapter and within a chord the internal components of the pump went bad. Now that said there is a way to compensate that. And you were very close to it. Your points need to be as sharp as possible you can see in the video the wood is resistance from the moment the points touch it. Also your metal is too thick on your wings. You did have the right idea by placing your wings back from the initial breakpoint but you should have staggered them. The first wing 2 inches Back II wing 3 inches back. By doing this you get your initial break then you get your second break then your third brake that way you have maximum pressure on the break point not on double points. This is how I did mine and it's a harbor freight and the pump is still going 3 years later
Talks about not ever having a piece of wood stuck on wedge where the included "stuck wood remover arms" are needed, then has a case where they are used. I really enjoy all of your videos, I learn something new every time. You are a true inspiration. Keep up the good work.
Wonderful attachment! They are now making and marketing the 4-way attachments as an accessory!! BTW, you can make a lot of the hard work easier by welding on a large plate the bottom pate so that you won't have to hold your logs against the upright as often. If the bottom plate were say, 16X16 inches instead of the small plate, you now have, it would be much easier AND safer to put a log on it that would sit flat instead of having to hold it to the upright I beam. Just set the log on and lower the ram. Less work, less bending and pushing, less muscle fatigue and less of a chance that a log could explode outward toward your face! I saw another You Tuber do this and it made things a lot easier and also keeps the machine from tipping as the wood pushes past the bottom plate and into the ground, lifting the machine. Great video and great build. As to why manufacturers don't equip their machines with the 4way to begin with, I really don't think they thought that far ahead, to start with so NOW, they sell them as an accessory! Best of luck for another future build! If the manufacturers would get users together and ask what they'd like to see added or changed, they'd have netter products and happier customers and receive better reviews from users!
Looks like you could do with making the base plate bigger too. (The bit on the ground that the ram pushed against) There was a few times it was trying to lift itself off the floor with the bigger wood!
HughzieTube: I use my son’s splinter @ it does that if I put a large piece in @ try to split it. So I put down a large piece of 3/4”plywood on top of the plate. It helped but messed up the plywood a little. Should use 1/2” piece of large plate steel!
The reason the splitter manufacturers issue machines with a vertical split only is to generate income in offering the 4-way as an additional after-market purchase. I like that your instinct is to presume manufacturers would offer products of greatest benefit to the consumer but Marketing departments generally win out over the engineering talent. Great video as always Andrew, thank you.
Hey Andrew, add a bottom plate where the log sits about 20 in. in diameter and at about a 4-degree tilt towards the splitter. I did this to mine and it helps immensely when splitting your logs you don't need to hold them in place.
we use one that looks similar behind our tractor. only vertical though. It does have less trouble going through though. Gonna make a 4 way wedge for that as well.
That's funny you say that we made a splitting wedge for my cousins jackhammer on his excavator just for fun the other day it is stupid fast and also you don't have to stand the wood up it busts it up no matter what way its laying or pound it in the ground
Hello! I hope to make this observation on a more recent video, but here goes: Engineers take into account some of the shortcomings of the material in the devices that they design. And design accordingly, so they would not want the design pushing the structural integrity of the splitter. The comment about the wings of the wedge coming into play after the first wedge strikes is important. The initial stress of the first strike is dissipated and the machine is ready for the second attack. Or maybe the dratted first design worked "well enough" and the manufacturer could not be bothered making it more efficient for the user. Or easier to change heads. I hope you Mr. C get that computer-controlled cutting table. And capable help to keep your equipment making money in the meanwhile. Good ideas, good job and good hopes for a productive future. And of course, great video.
Andrew, You're very good at what you do and act like you don't even know it. Around here, we call that not having a big head. That's why I keep coming back to your videos. Many thanks!
Im gonna upvote this video twice. I had no idea that a log splitter had enough tonnage to bend 1/2" flat bar. No press brake no problem. You are the man Andrew! Changing my mind about yankees.
It’s the Base Plate that’s causing problems. Horizontal Models have No Base Plate..they allow a Flow-Thru design. The bottom is the Splitter..Top is the Push Plate.
At the very beginning of the video Andrew said he had previously tried something that he bought - that he did not make himself - but that it would NOT work properly. The design of the wedge that he bought would pinch the wood / bind up .He changes the angle of the "wings" on the one he made to avoid the hangups. Reading the reviews of the for sale units, there are complaints that they only work with certain splitter mfrs - some work only horizontal not vertical etc.
Dude I found this video the other day and rounded up some scraps from the job. Made this 4-way and it works like a dream! Thanks for posting!! Love the idea on how to bend the plate! 👌🏻
Extreme Wood Splitting!!! Dude, it came out mint! Like my old man always told me, necessity is the mother of invention. Looks I need to make one some day as well!
There's a lot of heat in that firewood eh? It keeps you warm when you cut it, it keeps you warm when you split it and warm when you burn it. Being from Canada, I know.
Very nice job fabricating the 4 way wedge, I know all to well about the 4 ways on the market and how the splits get jammed and yes you are one motivated person.
that worked really well. I imagine companies don't sell attachments like that on smaller machines, so that they have a market for their larger machines and don't end up competing with themselves. Now you need to create an attachment that chops 44" logs into matchsticks :)
We use to use really small mobile torch cutters for breaching doors, they would only run for about 45min but them things would cut through 2" like butter pretty sure it was a company called Broco that made them. we also used little hand held ones that would go for seconds but would handle bars no issue. Basically thermite in a a stick......That is a really nice one you have there, handled that angle cut like a champ.
Andrew, I cringe every time I see that claw hammer, give me your mailing address so I can send you a proper hammer for repair work and fabrication. Love your videos but that claw hammer needs to be sacrificed.
Wife and I have watched most of your videos - gteat job - got an old Lesco 52" hydro walk behind with no motor, thinking of using the pumps on it to make a wood processor. Wheel drive used to drive log for cutting to length and one of the pumps to drive the wheel and splitter piston along with a 2500 lb winch to pull logs up onto the processor bed.
You shoulda done this and you shoulda done that but what you did was make another extremely fun, innovative video showing your inquisitive mind at work. Thanks for all the great videos and happy New Year Andrew
Wait! What? I'd never had thought of using the wood splitter to bend steel. How friggin' ingenious!
I've done the same to crimp ends of tubing to create a flat(ish) welding flange. I've used this technique to fabricate livestock gates and fencing panels but I'm sure this could be applied to a multitude of projects.
You can even weld up dies and forms for rolling steel and bending pipes, you can press bearings, ball joints and king
pins etc.etc..
Log splitters are a great source for universal hydraulic power.
Log splitters wore not made it to do that JUS TO SPLIT LOG read the INSTRUCTIONS.
@@Francisco-yz7xq Ok....smoke some more weed then and read the instructions..
@@dmithsmith5880 don't judge people by apearence my profile foto it's a joke I don't smoke.
The world needs more people like you man. If more people where as self motivated, and as hard working as you are. I really think that we all would be better for it.
Here Here
He probably gets more done than the rest of us because he's making the videos instead of sitting around watching videos :-)
Totally agreed, making videos like this is a full time job, I don't know how this guy is able to do all that work by himself, rarely he use other peoples help and still doing tremendous amount of work, hard work.
@@rk22cc if everyone had a plasma cutter and everything like that that would be great
Amen to that !
I read through 40 or fifty of the comments and nobody commented on this so I will. What a brilliant and clever idea to use the splitter itself to bend the metal plates into shape!
Out of curiosity have you used this to bend other things? I'm thinking that you could add some more products to go along with your new 4-way splitter. Poor mans conduit bender, metal shear, sheet metal bender, ect. How about using it to break the tire beads on your equipment tires? The poor Troy may end up working 12 months out the year instead of just a couple! I'm sure there are more uses out there!
Yes I have used to splitter to bed things before. Its not always deep enough for some jobs, but it works. I have a press to which is a little more controlled, and there's more room. But whatever works.
I've used mine to break a tire bead before, worked great! and a few pieces of steel over the years. U have to be careful putting more then one piece in at a time, like he did to bend the steel plates. what he did was fine, but if you have the wrong angle the piece can shoot out. this turned out good, he saved himself $100 not having to buy the slip on wedge they have at tractor supply. I have the same troy built, just one size smaller, the 27 ton.
Thought the same.
I've used it to break tires away from the rim. Just lay a 4x4 across the tire right at the rim and push it down.
Bearing press comes to mind, also.
I like how you used the splitter as a tool to make something for itself
Yeah, that was convenient.
Lol. Like buying a 3D printer and then making a new 3D printer with it?
@Rob F 🤔🤔😅
@Rob F a drill and grinder lol
love how many times he runs ahead to place the camera. thumbs up man
Must of us say “I don’t know how to do that”. Andrew says “I”ll figure it out”. I admire that kind of confidence and resolve.
Magnificent job Andrew! I like your way of presenting an issue analyzing the possibilities for best resolutions and implementing simple yet most effective solutions. You make us feel like we are also part of your work. Thanks for your great productions.
I would have covered your cylinder to keep splatter off of it when welding. Very Nice Job.Very smart to use the splitter to bend the metal. Good job.
I guess you haven’t seen any of Andrews other videos .
Leaving the first inch a vertical split and the wing wedges later really saves on the grunt the splitter has to overcome. Good thinking!! 33 ton is a husky one! Dog looks happy!! Nice welding! As always
You're kidding about those welds right? He broke the first rule of thumb when welding metal that thick.
@@2naturesownplace If they don't fall apart they are welded correctly. That's my rule anyway 😉
Richard Elbe and what’s that?
@@2naturesownplace I agree with you
Its great for smaller size fireplaces/furnaces. But when you want bigger "chunks", it makes them too small. Also, a bigger base plate would help for larger logs. Using a hatchet is a good way to handle the wood too. I used to use a big old speaker magnet on the splitter, and put the hatchet on that, very handy. Just some ideas for ya to ponder.
Andrew I'm 63 and have worked construction since I was 18. Became a lead carpenter and then supt. and have retired. I've been physical my hole life thus far. My back has taken a beating. 1 disc removed and so on. Enough on me. You are young now and hopefully when you get older you won't have back problems. I say this because I have just finished building a splitter to mount on my backhoe. Works great. I can maneuver/pick up the buck length, split it and usually pick up 3 or 4 splits and place them in a trailer/truck whatever all from the seat of the machine. Love it. No backaches. I saw the backhoe out side your castle shop which I love (the castle) and no that with your skillsets you can make one for yourself. Don't get me wrong, the 4 way fab was great. On why they don't come already on the splitter I do notice that very small kindling strips are generated, Some is just trash it is so small. Other reason is additional costs making the splitter more costly to sell. Thanks for sharing and great job.
Thank you.
I was in the power equipment business for years. It’s all about the price point. Get the product advertised at a competitive price, then up sell things like cradles, and 4 way splitters. A cradle is another thing no splitter should be without. Great job, I love your videos!
Just for a couple of the other commenters here. A couple of the manufacturers do offer a 4 way head as and option piece. I used to work for Tractor Supply and have ordered few for customers. But we usually had one or two in stock.
The big difference is Andrews is a quick change option, which is great. The others generally required complete removal of the standard head to put the 4 way on, which can be a PITA! Been there. Done that.
Yeah, I knew they existed, but only as a later added accessory. I think it should just come that way. And I couldn't find one that fit on the troybilt splitter. I had one before that didn't work.
Yes. but the "permanent" 4-way head cant come off and hurt someone like this one...so I'm sure the attorneys have something to do with nixing the removable 4 way heads?
@@AndrewCamarata Why don't you build a few of these and sell them on Ebay? I'm sure they'd sell.
@@jimthesoundman8641 The shipping charges would be astronomical.
I watch your channel simply to see your resourcefulness and ingenuity. Thanks for the videos. And nby the way, it looks too cold for me.
Thanks
Creativity, good explanations, cool shots and editing, desire to get the work done vs just taking about tools all day. It’s a unique channel for sure.
This is a channel that when I find it I start binge-watching all their videos. Andrew seems such a sincere and interesting person.
i've been welding and fabricating for 50+ yrs! nice job on the 4 way! never thought of using the splitter for bending 1 in!!
glad we have some younger talent that can think coming along to replace us old guys!!
Log splitter as a metal bender ........ Simple Genius !!
If you think about it a metal press is just a jumbo sized log splitter
Andrew, I have been cutting and splitting wood most of my life. I had an exterior wood burning furnace and was cutting ten to twelve full cords of wood each year to burn. About 5 years ago we found a head for the wood splitter that was built very similar to the one you just manufactured in this video. After using that 4-way cutting head, I was sad that I hadn't discovered it, or thought of making one, years earlier.
I took this video and showed it to a welder/fabricator in my neighborhood, and he used it to make a 4-way for my new Champion 34t. Works like a champ! Thanks for the video!
I didn’t know how I was going to bend 1/2 inch steel but I do now. Great video on how to. I was paying attention. Thank you.
Another awesome video Andrew! Thank you for what you do!
This is why I love the channel, A Genius way of thinking of bending that metal plate.
Great design. The way it splits the middle first and then splits the sides is a good idea. I also like that it slips on and off easily. That bolt keeps it from walking off the main splitter. Good job!
I have been looking at your videos for about 10 hrs so far,for a young guy you have a lot of smarts for your age👍
I am, simply, just totally astounded by your skill, confidence and knowledge. Please keep up the video-feeds :-)
Using the splitter as a press. You are officially a genius. Unless you got any weld splatter on your cylinder ;)
Dude ur an insperation to many ! Only if our youth had ur work ethic and ingenuity, ur parent taught u well , give a em a huge hug man they earned it !
Awesome job. Works great. I agree, splitters should come with that at least as an attachment that can be added like yours. Tip to viewers, use caution and only a last resort when striking an axe with a hammer. Axe heads are hardened steel which makes them brittle and potential missles when the poll (back part) is struck with a hammer. Put a piece of wood between the two and strike wood instead of steel. Thank you for another great video, Andrew!
They do make some splitters with the 4 way, I have seen it on some heavy duty ones, I'm guessing they don't do it with normal splitters because they have a lower compression rating and the extra stresses might break it sooner, but IDK, it seems to work fine with a stepped edge design.
it all falls down to cost one splitter is for home owner use another is industrial for companies that sell fire wood
I have used and owned both types. The 4-way head is obviously way better when splitting. However, the cylinder, the engine and the structure around the cutting head are all bigger and can bear heavier loads.
The first cutter has already split the wood, so when the second cutter is bearing down the ram isn't actually driving 4 cutters at once, just the second pair
When you were starting on the big piece " well this is a little crazy but lets see what it'll do" Started laughing, sounds like so many jobs/shops I've been in. Great video Andrew. Thanks
Thanks
you've made such a name for yourself why not. People that know about you would want to support your work because your a badass.
I love splitting wood! I could watch it all day!
How about adding a bigger base so when you split the larger logs you dont have to hold it up to the splitter.
this is a good idea
That's what I was thinking, or just a longer one.
to eliminate the tilt.
If one bigger base is too big then maybe 3 hinged wings, 2 off the side and one off the front. that would fold for transport and storage. I don't like the idea of holding something in place with moving machinery could cause it to shift and you make a sudden movement to compensate perhaps causing injury. Rather like holding an object on the drill press by hand and having the drill grab the material....not that I have personal experience in that area.
My first thought was to dig square hole for the base to sit into about 3 inches down so it's flush with the ground to avoid the large wood rounds from tilting off
Customer: "I need something to split the moon into a million pieces"
Andrew: "Come back tomorrow. I'll have a working model by then"
or one of those earth threatening asteroids
"let's cut into it and see what happens."
Thanks for adding metric measurements.
As a member of your international audience, i appreciate that.
Inches mean very little to 95% of the world and make it hard to follow the video.
Nice build, man! You're a smart dude and I appreciate you taking the time to post your ideas and experience. You just demonstrated that I can use the splitter as a press for U-joints, bushings and such. Killer idea -and MANY thanks!
Love your camera work driving over the camera like that, nice touch! :)
I’m so proud of you. That is a great idea.
This kid is amazing self taught and very hard working and with this you tube channel he is going to be rich too.
wanted to do that for years. Awesome job!
Also place split wood directly on a pallet to move with forks .
Saves a ton of work.
I split wood with HYD hammer on a mini excavator also.
Great build and the minute you started using a come along to get the big wood up to the plate I knew i was in the right place Lol. New Sub here !!
I always use the word Amazing when I watch your work. Here you go again. Thanks for the great video...
Thanks
on your all-time welding quality record this one rates at Number 1
I love the way you used the splitter to bend the new parts
$$$ is the reason mfg's do not come with a 4 way split. Yours is better, and you got it just the way you want it, Good job
Mike is kind of right. The reason your model did not come with a 4-way splitter. Is the pump itself. The pump is design to function just get enough for the maximum existence it can endure. So by adding that 4-way splitter your shortening the lifespan of the pump. I'll give you a fine example. The log splitter offered by Harbor Freight. It splits two different directions and it's pretty fast for the cycle rate. But it was not meant to have an aftermarket 4-way splitter adapter. I've had to help several friends build mount for aftermarket pumps because they added a four-way splitter adapter and within a chord the internal components of the pump went bad. Now that said there is a way to compensate that. And you were very close to it. Your points need to be as sharp as possible you can see in the video the wood is resistance from the moment the points touch it. Also your metal is too thick on your wings. You did have the right idea by placing your wings back from the initial breakpoint but you should have staggered them. The first wing 2 inches Back II wing 3 inches back. By doing this you get your initial break then you get your second break then your third brake that way you have maximum pressure on the break point not on double points. This is how I did mine and it's a harbor freight and the pump is still going 3 years later
Richard Elbe thanks for the advice
Get a patent! Time for you to be a millionaire.
Andrew is Iike McGyver
On steroids! 😵
Talks about not ever having a piece of wood stuck on wedge where the included "stuck wood remover arms" are needed, then has a case where they are used. I really enjoy all of your videos, I learn something new every time. You are a true inspiration. Keep up the good work.
I never thought of using a splitter as a press. Thank you for teaching us. Excellent video.
"it should work..thats the plan" 😂 I've heard and said that MANY times
If you buy a quality splitter, mostly push through design, they usually offer 4 or 6 way wedges.
You are a very hard working, innovative young man. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful attachment! They are now making and marketing the 4-way attachments as an accessory!! BTW, you can make a lot of the hard work easier by welding on a large plate the bottom pate so that you won't have to hold your logs against the upright as often. If the bottom plate were say, 16X16 inches instead of the small plate, you now have, it would be much easier AND safer to put a log on it that would sit flat instead of having to hold it to the upright I beam. Just set the log on and lower the ram. Less work, less bending and pushing, less muscle fatigue and less of a chance that a log could explode outward toward your face!
I saw another You Tuber do this and it made things a lot easier and also keeps the machine from tipping as the wood pushes past the bottom plate and into the ground, lifting the machine.
Great video and great build. As to why manufacturers don't equip their machines with the 4way to begin with, I really don't think they thought that far ahead, to start with so NOW, they sell them as an accessory!
Best of luck for another future build! If the manufacturers would get users together and ask what they'd like to see added or changed, they'd have netter products and happier customers and receive better reviews from users!
Looks like you could do with making the base plate bigger too. (The bit on the ground that the ram pushed against)
There was a few times it was trying to lift itself off the floor with the bigger wood!
HughzieTube: I use my son’s splinter @ it does that if I put a large piece in @ try to split it. So I put down a large piece of 3/4”plywood on top of the plate. It helped but messed up the plywood a little. Should use 1/2” piece of large plate steel!
Very nice job!
Thanks
The reason the splitter manufacturers issue machines with a vertical split only is to generate income in offering the 4-way as an additional after-market purchase.
I like that your instinct is to presume manufacturers would offer products of greatest benefit to the consumer but Marketing departments generally win out over the engineering talent. Great video as always Andrew, thank you.
Hey Andrew, add a bottom plate where the log sits about 20 in. in diameter and at about a 4-degree tilt towards the splitter. I did this to mine and it helps immensely when splitting your logs you don't need to hold them in place.
You should make a wood splitter that fits on your excavator and use the excavators hydraulic for wood splitting.
we use one that looks similar behind our tractor. only vertical though. It does have less trouble going through though. Gonna make a 4 way wedge for that as well.
That's funny you say that we made a splitting wedge for my cousins jackhammer on his excavator just for fun the other day it is stupid fast and also you don't have to stand the wood up it busts it up no matter what way its laying or pound it in the ground
Hello! I hope to make this observation on a more recent video, but here goes:
Engineers take into account some of the shortcomings of the material in the devices that they design. And design accordingly, so they would not want the design pushing the structural integrity of the splitter. The comment about the wings of the wedge coming into play after the first wedge strikes is important. The initial stress of the first strike is dissipated and the machine is ready for the second attack. Or maybe the dratted first design worked "well enough" and the manufacturer could not be bothered making it more efficient for the user. Or easier to change heads. I hope you Mr. C get that computer-controlled cutting table. And capable help to keep your equipment making money in the meanwhile. Good ideas, good job and good hopes for a productive future. And of course, great video.
Andrew you are a force of nature !
I am guessing nothing ever beats you ?
love how your getting the splitter twisting splitting that big block
Awesome ingenuity mate. Well done!
Your welding beeds seem to be a lot better. :) Another great video!
Andrew,
You're very good at what you do and act like you don't even know it. Around here, we call that not having a big head. That's why I keep coming back to your videos. Many thanks!
Im gonna upvote this video twice. I had no idea that a log splitter had enough tonnage to bend 1/2" flat bar. No press brake no problem. You are the man Andrew! Changing my mind about yankees.
Also, I like your hardfacing that wedge.
I can’t believe you have all the same machines that I have and you do all the same things that I do It’s weird keep up the good work
You're a tribute to American ingenuity. You should patent your winged wedge idea and sell it to a manufacturer.
I think the reason they do this is to get you to buy their higher tier model so they make more money. Everything manufacturers do is for a reason.
TehHijack that's exactly what I thought!
It’s the Base Plate that’s causing problems.
Horizontal Models have No Base Plate..they allow a Flow-Thru design.
The bottom is the Splitter..Top is the Push Plate.
No Longer Available !!!!!
Oregon 4-Way Splitting Wedge (Fits Oregon 22Ton Log Splitters)
Model: 4-Way Wedge | Item Number: S40201200
UPC: 087196402191
No Longer Available
At the very beginning of the video Andrew said he had previously tried something that he bought - that he did not make himself - but that it would NOT work properly. The design of the wedge that he bought would pinch the wood / bind up .He changes the angle of the "wings" on the one he made to avoid the hangups.
Reading the reviews of the for sale units, there are complaints that they only work with certain splitter mfrs - some work only horizontal not vertical etc.
Dude I found this video the other day and rounded up some scraps from the job. Made this 4-way and it works like a dream! Thanks for posting!! Love the idea on how to bend the plate! 👌🏻
Extreme Wood Splitting!!! Dude, it came out mint! Like my old man always told me, necessity is the mother of invention. Looks I need to make one some day as well!
Yeah, that worked well. Defiantly do it.
There's a lot of heat in that firewood eh? It keeps you warm when you cut it, it keeps you warm when you split it and warm when you burn it. Being from Canada, I know.
Alan Hall Dec 26 2019, T shirt weather here in Victoria.
First rule of RUclips - someone makes this comment on every log splitting video...
In one of you videos can you give us a tour of all your equipment
Pretty ingenious! And bending the metal plate with the wood splitter - never would have thought of that.
Thanks, yeah that worked nice.
Now all you need is a bigger plate to stand the logs on before splitting,great job Andrew.
Ohooo that bare and uncovered chrome hydraulic cylinder rod/shaft!
I didn't hurt it.
Not this time!
But that aside, you did a great job on that 4-way splitter.
Good welds don’t spatter lol
Well Bailey, I admire your faith in Andrew's welding ability. ( and by the way, I'm laughing too)
Yep good idea to cover the shafting when welding near it so the spatter doesn't hit it.
Good job, looks like your welds were top notch. ;-)
Your vision and risk taking is amazing! Blowing minds like its nothing!
Andrew you are a genius, keep it up buddy
AWESOME VIDEO WISH YOU WHERE MY NEIGHBOR
This is how you make America great again micro business or nano business
I noticed that a added bonus with the 4 way head was you got quite a bit of tinder for starting a fire...bravo
Very nice job fabricating the 4 way wedge, I know all to well about the 4 ways on the market and how the splits get jammed and yes you are one motivated person.
Andrew cover your cylinder rode you can damage it and why not make big one Like my naber did one with a H beam .
I was going to comment to this effect but you beat me to it. Cylinder rods should always protected from weld spatter. No exception.
Tank you vidéo magnifique bravo tu a toujours de bonne idée
just bought a wilton vise just like this one for 25.00 at a auction this weekend good job on the splitter wedge
It's a good idea to protect that ram shaft from weld spatter. Great video with great ingenuity as always. Thanks
cover the exposed rod on that cylinder or your going to be replacing seals.
You should convert that splitter into an attachment for your excavator.
that worked really well. I imagine companies don't sell attachments like that on smaller machines, so that they have a market for their larger machines and don't end up competing with themselves. Now you need to create an attachment that chops 44" logs into matchsticks :)
We use to use really small mobile torch cutters for breaching doors, they would only run for about 45min but them things would cut through 2" like butter pretty sure it was a company called Broco that made them. we also used little hand held ones that would go for seconds but would handle bars no issue. Basically thermite in a a stick......That is a really nice one you have there, handled that angle cut like a champ.
I have seen 4-way splitters, but they are pretty spendy and not as well built as yours.
Is all that wood from the building site you cleared?
Andrew, I cringe every time I see that claw hammer, give me your mailing address so I can send you a proper hammer for repair work and fabrication.
Love your videos but that claw hammer needs to be sacrificed.
Wife and I have watched most of your videos - gteat job - got an old Lesco 52" hydro walk behind with no motor, thinking of using the pumps on it to make a wood processor. Wheel drive used to drive log for cutting to length and one of the pumps to drive the wheel and splitter piston along with a 2500 lb winch to pull logs up onto the processor bed.
I think that 4 way wedge is a better design than any other one on the market tbh.
That's a groovy piece of kit. The Resistance approves.
Great video and a big improvement to the splitter. I give you a lot of credit. You have a lot of drive / motivation
Andrew - You are a modern day Leonardo da Vinci - The very essence of a renaissance man
You shoulda done this and you shoulda done that but what you did was make another extremely fun, innovative video showing your inquisitive mind at work. Thanks for all the great videos and happy New Year Andrew
No Round is too big for Andrew. He is always up to the challenge.
👍one of my favorites, I love it how you make something more useful for your use. Greetings Koos from Norway
And Andrew just whips out the Plasma Cutter. Not sure all of us have one of those just laying around. Handy Guy with lots of handy tools.
Great job! My back is hurting just watching this.