I am an engineer, but I did not learn that from school either. My father in law was a real fabricator, from which I learned a lot. I also played way too much Lego brick when I was young... My day job has absolutely nothing to do with fabrication... May I ask you your first name if you don't mind? Thanks!
Joe Lesage my name is Kirk. We will be living off the grid in the near future I would think a welder ran by its own generator would be the ticket. I think wire feed are easier for the novice? Are they as good as arc? Do you recommend a certain brand? Thank you
Thanks! I am not a welding expert... I would say wire feed is easier as far as the welder has an autoset feature, which set amps and wire speed for you. If you plan on welding often, I would go for a known brand. I've only experienced Miller and would buy again.
@@FromSteelToWood Miller is a good machine for MIG. The better machines do produce very nice weld and make even a novice look like they are experienced. It's fairly straight forward to weld clean, rust free mild steel with 0.035" MIG.
I was a bit worried with a large number of fake reviews but I am very pleased with the results. Bit of background, ruclips.net/user/postUgkxmKn8dCAXovWn8_cLYoosGLVrVrpwlIMc I need to split approximately 1.5 cords of wood and didn't feel like destroying my back. I purchased this anticipating to have a few issues splitting wood but have only come across a few logs of elm where the stringy nature of elm made it more difficult to split. Overall its not a necessarily fast process but it also isn't a very arduous one either. I came and went fairly often to do different tasks but once I stayed and got into a system I could easily split my pieces in a fairly timely manner.
I am impressed with the fact that you value your back, not to be used as a forklift. Those log tongs really make it a pleasure to work with. Great job of engineering. Thanks and take care.
VGad you let it warm up. That got the thumbs up from me. That's a nice rig but I'd have to build another house to keep it in the dry because if I had one that nice it'd NEVER be out in the rain. Thanks for a fine job!
Wow!! I've looked at a lot of boughten and home built splitters. And yours is by far the best!!! Absolutely love that simple but completely user friendly crane. Now I know how I'm going to build mine!!! I've gathered a lot of new no longer used parts from the assembly line from the place we're I work at. Hydraulic tank level/ temp gauge, single spool valve, a huge amount of hydraulic hose they were going to throw ECT ECT.
I'm planning to build a very similar splitter, but with a two-way box design and auto-cycle valve. This should effectively run nearly fully automated except for the log loading. Great job Joe !
Very nice. My splitter is the same height as my dump trailer. You will love this. Splitter pushes each piece into trailer. No bending over. Just like you mine was a after thought. Very good job sir. Thanks for video
I have watched this at least 20 times, and still marvel at the workmanship, the thought process, and the sheer value of the machine, , I have looked at some of the commercial units available, and so far not the first one I have seen come close to a compare
The amount of ingenuity and work you put into this is impressive. Another benefit of the crane is that the entire unit can sit higher. You need to bend down to roll logs onto even high end splitters. Well done!
You could make a ton of money selling these. Amazing work. Wether you learned this from yourself, your father in law or the neighbor, be proud. That's an amazing piece of machinery.
My back loves the crane too! Thanks again! I have few other videos where I use the same crane in the garage with a vertical winch. (ruclips.net/video/ZHljYFeu76U/видео.html) (ruclips.net/video/FbRZ7wkGcos/видео.html) (ruclips.net/video/RP22PBWRFHA/видео.html) or installed on my trailer (ruclips.net/video/0DbL56Gxf-8/видео.html)
without a doubt one of the BEST shop built log splitters I have seen yet...and the welding is really Good. Can see anything I would change. Great Job,,you sir are an engineer. thanks for showing us.
Awesome job. I’m gathering parts to build a new splitter. I like a lot of ideas you have here. I also like that it is much safer to use. I can have family members run the splitter while I cut.
first time ive seen a splitter like this , well done , the stabilisers , the crane and the tongs , the box and the blades and the whole set up , fucken amazing and once you get that chute made like you say it will push the wood right up and into your trailer or truck and in the background you have the tractor there to gather or your rounds up closer to within reach of your machine ...seriously i am impressed
i would love to see that in action when you get around to making it and any other improvements and additions to your set up , oh and the way it pushed the unsplit timber back into the box ....ingenious
Wow - that is pretty impressive Joe. Really like the idea of the job crane- it looks so much easier to swing it around and drop the tongs to grab the big pieces. Nice!! well done.
Best splitter on youtube Joe, and I think I've seen them all! I'm going to build one too. I really like many of your features. The crane and removable axles, are great ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your comment Travis and thanks also for watching! In few weeks, when snow melts (yes, we got 2ft on the ground yet), I'll make a new video with all the upgrades.
what a beautiful machine....great design, couple of design adjustments to let the log fall into place on the return..............you should be proud...
great splitter.....almost identical splitting wedge like I have.....I built mine about 3 years ago......so much better than the store bought ones. There are features you have that I have been planning on adding to mine......but your outrigger system is much better than what I have.......I like your crane system that I may try to incorporate on another project......already have a hydraulic log lift for mine........awesome spliter
Thanks. I am always curious to see other's people ingenuity and I am amazed on how some clever design are yet cheap and effective. It's just a matter of time and patience to build it.
That is one heck of a setup man. I like to drop drawer and you can have a consistent wood split. Even provide you with some kindling to get things started. My hats off to your idea great job
Really nice and well thought out. I made a similar one but the blade box was just welded to a piece of 1/4" plate on an I-beam. The first pass with some really knotty twisted grained oak tore the box right off the splitter. Your design is far better and heavier duty. Good job!!!
That log is so close to falling in there on its own! Maybe a little bigger opening on your next build. Looks like a good design, that's for sure. Now you're gonna need a chute like you said. Or a conveyer to load the truck/trailer. Thanks for posting this vid!
I think simply having that reutrn rail closer should do it. I.E. Weld a rail into the gap, so it doesn't have to return 6" before contacting the wood. Ten minute modification! Right?
nice I like it great project. some tweaks and you will have it made. I say a solid plate in the back so you don't have any hang ups. and for that 1/2 inch I think you can get that fixed were it comes all the way back to rest the log for splitting. over all I like it. Now to but a canveory at the end to make a nice pile or to load it in the back of a truck or wagon.
very cool. Defintely not in my skillset but maybe one day! I ended up purchasing a vertical wood splitter and it's really great. Probably cost me 10 times as much as yours did though! That crane is a really good idea! Well done!
Thanks! I started welding by watching RUclips... nothing I learned at school! My first project was the dirt bucket on my tractor. Still holding 10 years later!
Well done. A few interesting design concepts. I made something similar probably about 7 or 8 years ago. One day Ill get a decent video of it and post it for people to get ideas off. Mine has a hydraulic log lift, so no winch is required. and has a table grate with chute attached. It has been a work in progress and does a good job of all the hardwoods we have in Australia
Thanks! That would be great to post it. I am always insterested in homemade designs. Ingenuity does not come with having the best tools and materials. I have seen so many ingenious people on RUclips with very minimal tooling, but great ideas!
Tremendous job! I wish I had the thought process to build one like that. I use a timber wolf, put about 10 cord per year through it. It's a great machine, NOT as great as yours!
LOL with all the improvements you want to make, you might as well get the son to do it and you can spend time with the wife. At the least with all that noise the son won't hear anything. LOL, Great video Joe.
Hey Joe, still one of the best if not THE best box wedge splitter I've seen on RUclips. How did you design your wedges, because in comparison to other splitters of this type you seem to have very little debris.
Thanks for your comment! I do have a video with the shematics ( ruclips.net/video/yCvmZbuHPyw/видео.html ) Basically, it is a matter of angles and sequence. Wood can be compressed a little bit. But if the wedge does not allow for expansion of the splitted log, then you get strong rubbing and thus debris. See video #76 on my channel, you will have a close view of it. ( ruclips.net/video/pTrCcC8nQgs/видео.html ) Thanks!
Very nice splitter. Can you tell me what the cutting edge angles are for the center and side wedges, and also how much are the side wedges angled out from centerline to provide clearance for the splits? I saw the sketches you shared on the design but didn't see that detail.
Good Work!!!, I have been thinking of a way to install a winch on my splitter, I like the way you made yours from start to finish,,,, I may have to redo my splitter to use Your enhanced enginnering. best idea I have seen yet,, I am sure you have that problem fixed on how to get it to drop into the drawer again, as I saw it, I was saying, just bolt a short piece of 2x4 to that pusher, problem fixed, at least for today
The design I have been looking for. I am using Hydraulics from a CAT excavator for higher pressures and speeds and improved power density. With slight modification and limit switches I think the stroke could be automated so you can keep loading while the machine makes the movements. Very nicely done. Thank you very much for sharing.
Thanks! You are right, the movement could be automated. But you know, I have to keep some job for my teenagers! They are very skilled with remote controls anyways... By using hydraulics from an excavator, the splitter will be on fast motion... Overkill is underated! Thanks again for your comment! When it's done, please post a video!
Great job on this project (design, construction, and sharing). I love the articulating boom, too. Need to modify the return carriage so the wood drops in without reaching in each time - but you knew that and it will be an easy fix. I'm just jellious now.
I think it is important to share. I have seen so much ingenuity on the web that inspired me to do this. I initially wondered why they did share but I was glad they did. Now I think this is good to share this one in return.
The fireplace I have is a RSF Delta (rsf-fireplaces.com/en/delta-2-fireplace-specifications#mc) which when you look into the specifications, can take 24'' long wood. That is actually the width of the door. So you load the logs sideways. That is why I cut 21'' long logs and I split them quite small. It dry better, cord easier. This fireplace has so much control in air admission that I can simply bunch up a pile of wood and it will burn slowly the whole night.
Love your crane. Would love the plans. I plan on building something similar for moving my honey super boxes around! Might be pausing this video a few times. Haha.
Thanks! I don't have any plans of it. If I had to do it again, I would change a few things. Good thing is I am going to build another one next summer. If you want some sketches, I can do some. Just email me and I'll try to send you something. joe.lesage@hotmail.com
What if you put the winch control on that log picker upper thing? Would save you from having to let go of the thing to winch it up. There are wireless remotes available to retrofit push button switches.
I built one and went back to a normal splinter with a different wedge head. Have to remember these work great if your wood is round with no knots or butts sticking out. If you have those then the piece sits up and doesn’t give you the desired size piece. Also you are pushing the piece through a die and not having it split naturally this leaves lots of small pieces that allot but are inside the box so you basically end up with two pieces. You’re build is very nice though
By the accuracy of your description, you had it run for a while! I totally agree! I am thinking of putting a regular splitter parallel to this one, so I still can benefit from the engine, pump, control lever, and jib crane. I do have knotty logs and odd pieces, and it does produce a lot of debris. But I do collect the bigger ones in a tote bag and the smaller ones are chipped down and bagged in paper bags. There is basically no waste. The upside is having the logs to be evenly sized. Thanks Greg!
A crane is lot better then log lift but wonder if trolley would be better then the swing at the end. Over all a very good splitter for home made!! Couple things like you said, the block dont come back quite far enough, probably fixed it by now, 2nd the ram needs to be 2 speed especially on return, 3rd that bring back arm should be QUICK detachable and or QUICK swing up out of way. Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!
this would be really cool if you could make it so that the hydraulic cylinder activates 6 times in a row (3 push sequences and 3 pull sequences) but also be used manually with the hand lever. So that when you get big pieces of wood like that you can activate it and you are able to move the log back into place for it to go again, might increase productivity that way too. Of course the manual level that is already used can be used for log pieces that are a bit smaller. Great idea!
Thanks! That would be so cool! But I've got a similar idea. This is called "kids". Lol! I have my son hook logs while I simply activate the lever! Make sure to watch video #77 on my channel which features improvements made on this splitter. Thanks for watching!
@@FromSteelToWood What is the chance you are making a set of plans? Would love to build one or you could build another one for me and for you tube to watch and I will finance it. That way you can make any changed or mods that you might like to do.
He's spitting out 4 sticks of wood with each stroke. That's not slow if you think about it. Mr. McNeil should look up the old saying about better to have someone think you a fool than open your mouth and confirm.
I like both the splitter and the hoist. It does need to adjust the part that returns the round back to the starting point so you don't have to reach up and pull it in. Other then that, that is a nice set up. No I see one more thing. The piece that got stuck in the grid of the output would have not gotten stuck if that was flat with no grid. I'm sure the thought was for derbies to fall through, but that would just pushed out the end with the wood. So ad some sheet metal so wood can't get stuck. Oh... and a conveyor to remove and pile the splits as they come out.
Well you got some good points there! Make sure to watch the updates (videos #77 & 78 on my channel). You might find some modifications interesting! Thanks!
Hey Martin, looks like I have not seen your comment you made 2 months ago! Sorry! They are Stanley Earmuff. You can find them on Amazon of Menards. Or any hardware store locally. www.stanleytools.com/products/hand-tools/safety-and-protective-workwear/hearing-protection/sync-digital-amfmmp3-radio-earmuff/rst-63012
love it,,,, no fighting the dam logs..... but if you can control the size of logs with a adjustment table would make it perfect ,,as in the thickness or did I miss that step ???
I have planned something about this. The bottom of the "drawer" is bolted from beneath. You can see from the side of the splitter the 2''x2'' square tubes under the bottom's drawer. They are held in place by 1/2'' bolts. So loosening the bolts, adding shim blocks and the bottom of the drawer will stand lower. This will increase the thickness of the splitted logs from 3.5'' to 5.5''. My own goal was to produce small logs for my fireplace. I did not used this feature yet.
Have you split any knotty red oak with your splitter. Or any knotty wood. I would love to build one but I wander how it would do against logs with knots
Knots were not a problem in maple, neither yellow birch. I don't have knotty red oak, but I do have white elm at my new place. It goes through quite well. Although they are usually smaller logs. And for the bigger logs, I take smaller bits at that point.
I don't find very many home built splitters on RUclips impressive, but yours sure is. I love the square, uniform pieces it produces. It'd be nice if the log would drop in the tray on the return stroke. Would graphite spray on the floor and the return pusher help? Or does the return pusher need a smooth, solid face? Anyway, very, very well done!
Thanks. It really stacks very well when you have square pieces. Look for my other video, where I made the fixes. Pusher needed some mods in order to drop back the log into the tray. ( ruclips.net/video/RP22PBWRFHA/видео.html )
Thanks Will. 27 ton of pressure is enough in my opinion. Unless you get a lot of big uneven/odd blocks. Otherwise, assuming you have a 2 stages pump, it will definitely work. If I had to change something on the splitter, I would go with a smaller engine (10hp instead of 15) and a 4'' diameter cylinder. It would have been faster. The key is to have sharp knives and a sequential order. Make sure to watch the updates on the splitter on my channel (vid #77 & #79). Thanks for watching!
Those splits are perfect, really like that. Not my cup of tea of the length of the rounds but that’s not the splitter. Ever figure out the return issue where it doesn’t come back fully on the beam?
Good design, well made and if you fit a piece of flat steel plate on the face of the pull back cross bar the logs will not sit on top and slide back in. my guess is that you have already done that, two thumbs up.
Thanks Bob! I already made some modifications last fall and going through more modification at this time. Make sure to watch video #74 on my channel. Yet another video will come soon to show the very last fixes. Thanks for your comment!
Okay your just making all us DIY guys look bad now haha! Very impressive what do you do for a living? How did you learn all this stuff?
I am an engineer, but I did not learn that from school either. My father in law was a real fabricator, from which I learned a lot. I also played way too much Lego brick when I was young... My day job has absolutely nothing to do with fabrication... May I ask you your first name if you don't mind? Thanks!
Joe Lesage my name is Kirk. We will be living off the grid in the near future I would think a welder ran by its own generator would be the ticket. I think wire feed are easier for the novice? Are they as good as arc? Do you recommend a certain brand? Thank you
Thanks! I am not a welding expert... I would say wire feed is easier as far as the welder has an autoset feature, which set amps and wire speed for you. If you plan on welding often, I would go for a known brand. I've only experienced Miller and would buy again.
@@FromSteelToWood Miller is a good machine for MIG. The better machines do produce very nice weld and make even a novice look like they are experienced. It's fairly straight forward to weld clean, rust free mild steel with 0.035" MIG.
Absolutely! Good tool, good result!
I was a bit worried with a large number of fake reviews but I am very pleased with the results. Bit of background, ruclips.net/user/postUgkxmKn8dCAXovWn8_cLYoosGLVrVrpwlIMc I need to split approximately 1.5 cords of wood and didn't feel like destroying my back. I purchased this anticipating to have a few issues splitting wood but have only come across a few logs of elm where the stringy nature of elm made it more difficult to split. Overall its not a necessarily fast process but it also isn't a very arduous one either. I came and went fairly often to do different tasks but once I stayed and got into a system I could easily split my pieces in a fairly timely manner.
Thanks! Still running great 6 years later!
I am impressed with the fact that you value your back, not to be used as a forklift. Those log tongs really make it a pleasure to work with. Great job of engineering. Thanks and take care.
That's really nice. Fairly simple but very functional. I like the jib crane too.
out of all the homebuilt designs I have watched, your build is the one that makes the most sense to me. great job!
Many thanks Brian!
VGad you let it warm up. That got the thumbs up from me. That's a nice rig but I'd have to build another house to keep it in the dry because if I had one that nice it'd NEVER be out in the rain. Thanks for a fine job!
I had to come back and watch this again. That is an amazing wood splitter.
Lol! You might also enjoy those!
ruclips.net/video/Zo9smg1S1v4/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/1AXwfr2dr_I/видео.html
Wow!! I've looked at a lot of boughten and home built splitters. And yours is by far the best!!! Absolutely love that simple but completely user friendly crane. Now I know how I'm going to build mine!!! I've gathered a lot of new no longer used parts from the assembly line from the place we're I work at. Hydraulic tank level/ temp gauge, single spool valve, a huge amount of hydraulic hose they were going to throw ECT ECT.
Thanks!
I'm planning to build a very similar splitter, but with a two-way box design and auto-cycle valve. This should effectively run nearly fully automated except for the log loading. Great job Joe !
Very nice. My splitter is the same height as my dump trailer. You will love this. Splitter pushes each piece into trailer. No bending over. Just like you mine was a after thought. Very good job sir. Thanks for video
Now that, Sir, is one impressive piece of engineering, fabrication and planning. You thought of everything and made it work fantastically.
Thanks! That is a nice comment!
I have watched this at least 20 times, and still marvel at the workmanship, the thought process, and the sheer value of the machine, , I have looked at some of the commercial units available, and so far not the first one I have seen come close to a compare
Thanks for your kind comment! Make sure to visit my channel, I added few more videos of that splitter recently! With improvements! Thanks again!
Every time I get close to finishing a job I find a new one for next project. Very well done.
Thanks! You are right! I already choose my next project!
The amount of ingenuity and work you put into this is impressive. Another benefit of the crane is that the entire unit can sit higher. You need to bend down to roll logs onto even high end splitters. Well done!
Thank. You are right. No more bending.
You could make a ton of money selling these. Amazing work. Wether you learned this from yourself, your father in law or the neighbor, be proud. That's an amazing piece of machinery.
Thanks! That is a nice comment! You may be interested in the latest modification on that splitter. See video #198 on my channel!
Great job on this splitter, not over built at all. Its properly built! I love the articulating crane/hoist and the electric start
My back loves the crane too! Thanks again! I have few other videos where I use the same crane in the garage with a vertical winch. (ruclips.net/video/ZHljYFeu76U/видео.html) (ruclips.net/video/FbRZ7wkGcos/видео.html) (ruclips.net/video/RP22PBWRFHA/видео.html) or installed on my trailer (ruclips.net/video/0DbL56Gxf-8/видео.html)
Cool build! Good job Joe. I especially like the articulating crane. Very clever design!
Thanks!
Lots of engineering and work that went into your splitter paid off for you. Must give you great pleasure to use it. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for your comment!
without a doubt one of the BEST shop built log splitters I have seen yet...and the welding is really Good. Can see anything I would change. Great Job,,you sir are an engineer. thanks for showing us.
Many thanks! I am not a professionnal welder for sure. I try to do my best. Thanks for your comment!
What you have built is something I have thought about a couple of times but there is now way I could ever build it. Kudos on a damn fine job.
Very nice. Save your back. Quick. One hell of a machine. Congratulations!
Thanks for taking the extra time to document and share. Very nice!
I've been a Millwright for over 30 years , good job I'm impressed .
Ron Brown, thanks for your comment!
Awesome job. I’m gathering parts to build a new splitter. I like a lot of ideas you have here. I also like that it is much safer to use. I can have family members run the splitter while I cut.
Thanks! That is exactly my plan for next year.
Very cool! Love how the return sets up the log for the next split.
Thanks!
Good work. Really like the crane\grapple attachment the best. Saves your back!
I like it too! I can ask my kids to work too! Nothing is too heavy now!
I like the way it slices up the wood into small pieces and by the looks of it, can handle very large rounds. Cool design.
Thanks!
I like your style smart design and not begging for subscribing. This is the best hoist I've seen on a log splitter
Thanks! The hoist is a good addition!
first time ive seen a splitter like this , well done , the stabilisers , the crane and the tongs , the box and the blades and the whole set up , fucken amazing and once you get that chute made like you say it will push the wood right up and into your trailer or truck
and in the background you have the tractor there to gather or your rounds up closer to within reach of your machine ...seriously i am impressed
Many thanks! If winter can get away, I will put that machine (with the chute!) to real work soon! Thanks again!
i would love to see that in action when you get around to making it and any other improvements and additions to your set up , oh and the way it pushed the unsplit timber back into the box ....ingenious
Good job! I'm loving the crane.
Wow - that is pretty impressive Joe. Really like the idea of the job crane- it looks so much easier to swing it around and drop the tongs to grab the big pieces. Nice!! well done.
Thanks for your comment! My 13 year old daughter can bring 300 lbs logs to the splitter alone!
I like the thought you put into that! I have a bad back so I especially appreciate the crane to lift the logs!!!! Looks awesome, thanks for the video!
Thanks George! Do you have any project going on?
Joe have to admit this is very impressive you do good work. I’m lucky if I can build a birdhouse by myself lol.
Lol! You are kidding Ben! Thanks!
i like ur design a bit better over my hydraulic quite a lot. good job.
Best splitter on youtube Joe, and I think I've seen them all!
I'm going to build one too. I really like many of your features. The crane and removable axles, are great ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your comment Travis and thanks also for watching! In few weeks, when snow melts (yes, we got 2ft on the ground yet), I'll make a new video with all the upgrades.
Sounds good. I'm looking forward to it. I live in Alaska, we've got lots of snow this year too.
Lol! You definitely know what snow is!
what a beautiful machine....great design, couple of design adjustments to let the log fall into place on the return..............you should be proud...
Thanks for the great compliments! Thanks for watching!
Very nice design I really like the lift a bit slow but that maybe a good thing for safety purposes again well done I'm impressed......
Also paint it a green , red or yellow just an idea I hope you get many years of use with your neat wood splitter.....
Sorry, I like grey!
Lift is slow because it is a cheap winch... Thanks for your comment!
Nice work! There's some neat engineering in your design!
great splitter.....almost identical splitting wedge like I have.....I built mine about 3 years ago......so much better than the store bought ones. There are features you have that I have been planning on adding to mine......but your outrigger system is much better than what I have.......I like your crane system that I may try to incorporate on another project......already have a hydraulic log lift for mine........awesome spliter
Thanks. I am always curious to see other's people ingenuity and I am amazed on how some clever design are yet cheap and effective. It's just a matter of time and patience to build it.
Very cool build. I really like the sled and the hoist. Great ideas.
Like the drawer style splitters. Nicely done!
Thanks!
That is one heck of a setup man. I like to drop drawer and you can have a consistent wood split. Even provide you with some kindling to get things started. My hats off to your idea great job
Many thanks!
Really nice and well thought out. I made a similar one but the blade box was just welded to a piece of 1/4" plate on an I-beam. The first pass with some really knotty twisted grained oak tore the box right off the splitter. Your design is far better and heavier duty. Good job!!!
Thanks Gerry!
Impressive! Well done.
That's one Hell of a splitter you built. Pretty Damn coool.
Thanks Kevin!
That log is so close to falling in there on its own! Maybe a little bigger opening on your next build. Looks like a good design, that's for sure. Now you're gonna need a chute like you said. Or a conveyer to load the truck/trailer. Thanks for posting this vid!
Thanks for the comment. I actually made a fix for this problem. Not yet tested as I need big logs. I hope this will work!
Maybe an auto kick off valve for return and just a bit more speed on travel ,, good build , ty for the vid
I think simply having that reutrn rail closer should do it. I.E. Weld a rail into the gap, so it doesn't have to return 6" before contacting the wood. Ten minute modification! Right?
If one had a couple of vertical pieces of steel instead of the horizontal tubing then it would slide down better, maybe.
See my the Splitter Update video (ruclips.net/video/RP22PBWRFHA/видео.html) at 3:32. That is exactly what I did.
That's a darn ingenious idea, absolutely love it.. Thanks for showing us
Thanks for your feedback! I appreciate!
Lots of cool features. I have been wanting to build a log lifter something like yours.
That is a must-have in my opinion. Thanks!
One of the best designs ive seen. Great job.
Thanks!
Well done , I am constantly amazed as I watch these you tube videos . I got a lot of my ideas off these channels also .
Thanks! I have been inspired by other RUclipsrs as well!
Nice little setup.
nice I like it great project. some tweaks and you will have it made. I say a solid plate in the back so you don't have any hang ups. and for that 1/2 inch I think you can get that fixed were it comes all the way back to rest the log for splitting. over all I like it. Now to but a canveory at the end to make a nice pile or to load it in the back of a truck or wagon.
Your biceps overshadowed the splitter💪
Lol! They are going to be smaller now that I have this splitter! Thanks!
Nice machine and well designed too. Congratulations on your first operation!!!
Thanks. Make sure to watch the updates! Some are very cool!
hi there nice looking splitter made mine around 1972 still going john
You made it strong!!! Thanks!
very cool. Defintely not in my skillset but maybe one day! I ended up purchasing a vertical wood splitter and it's really great. Probably cost me 10 times as much as yours did though! That crane is a really good idea! Well done!
Thanks! I started welding by watching RUclips... nothing I learned at school! My first project was the dirt bucket on my tractor. Still holding 10 years later!
Outstanding idea for the return mechanism
Thanks!
Well done. A few interesting design concepts. I made something similar probably about 7 or 8 years ago. One day Ill get a decent video of it and post it for people to get ideas off. Mine has a hydraulic log lift, so no winch is required. and has a table grate with chute attached. It has been a work in progress and does a good job of all the hardwoods we have in Australia
Thanks! That would be great to post it. I am always insterested in homemade designs. Ingenuity does not come with having the best tools and materials. I have seen so many ingenious people on RUclips with very minimal tooling, but great ideas!
Tremendous job! I wish I had the thought process to build one like that. I use a timber wolf, put about 10 cord per year through it. It's a great machine, NOT as great as yours!
Guerry Dotson здравствуйте
Most things are a journey. Not perfect, but look forward to the tweaks and improvements.
Some great ideas, thanks for the parts list, big help.
You are welcome!
Excellent design work and craftsmanship!
Thanks Paul!
LOL with all the improvements you want to make, you might as well get the son to do it and you can spend time with the wife. At the least with all that noise the son won't hear anything. LOL, Great video Joe.
Lol! Good idea!
Hi, sorry I responded to a different machine,, yours is great,, proper job,, looks like log splitting can be fun. Nice one
No problem! Thanks!
best log splitter ive seen thank you for sharing
Wow! Many thanks!
Hey Joe, still one of the best if not THE best box wedge splitter I've seen on RUclips. How did you design your wedges, because in comparison to other splitters of this type you seem to have very little debris.
Thanks for your comment! I do have a video with the shematics ( ruclips.net/video/yCvmZbuHPyw/видео.html ) Basically, it is a matter of angles and sequence. Wood can be compressed a little bit. But if the wedge does not allow for expansion of the splitted log, then you get strong rubbing and thus debris. See video #76 on my channel, you will have a close view of it. ( ruclips.net/video/pTrCcC8nQgs/видео.html ) Thanks!
Well heres my new project. Absolutely awesome!
Thanks!
Very nice splitter. Can you tell me what the cutting edge angles are for the center and side wedges, and also how much are the side wedges angled out from centerline to provide clearance for the splits? I saw the sketches you shared on the design but didn't see that detail.
Good Work!!!, I have been thinking of a way to install a winch on my splitter, I like the way you made yours from start to finish,,,, I may have to redo my splitter to use Your enhanced enginnering. best idea I have seen yet,, I am sure you have that problem fixed on how to get it to drop into the drawer again, as I saw it, I was saying, just bolt a short piece of 2x4 to that pusher, problem fixed, at least for today
The design I have been looking for. I am using Hydraulics from a CAT excavator for higher pressures and speeds and improved power density. With slight modification and limit switches I think the stroke could be automated so you can keep loading while the machine makes the movements. Very nicely done. Thank you very much for sharing.
Thanks! You are right, the movement could be automated. But you know, I have to keep some job for my teenagers! They are very skilled with remote controls anyways... By using hydraulics from an excavator, the splitter will be on fast motion... Overkill is underated! Thanks again for your comment! When it's done, please post a video!
Very impressive, wish I had one like that when I was in the firewood business.
Great job on this project (design, construction, and sharing). I love the articulating boom, too. Need to modify the return carriage so the wood drops in without reaching in each time - but you knew that and it will be an easy fix. I'm just jellious now.
I think it is important to share. I have seen so much ingenuity on the web that inspired me to do this. I initially wondered why they did share but I was glad they did. Now I think this is good to share this one in return.
Lots of good ideas there. Looks like good wood for one of those Jotul 118 wood stoves. They need long fine split wood
The fireplace I have is a RSF Delta (rsf-fireplaces.com/en/delta-2-fireplace-specifications#mc) which when you look into the specifications, can take 24'' long wood. That is actually the width of the door. So you load the logs sideways. That is why I cut 21'' long logs and I split them quite small. It dry better, cord easier. This fireplace has so much control in air admission that I can simply bunch up a pile of wood and it will burn slowly the whole night.
Great design! Interesting how to get the block to drop back it needs an inch or two extra on the return, have you found a way to make it drop better?
Excellent design.
Love your crane. Would love the plans. I plan on building something similar for moving my honey super boxes around! Might be pausing this video a few times. Haha.
Thanks! I don't have any plans of it. If I had to do it again, I would change a few things. Good thing is I am going to build another one next summer. If you want some sketches, I can do some. Just email me and I'll try to send you something. joe.lesage@hotmail.com
The problem with all these box wedges is the amount of paint paddles they make
Very good, just a bit of a packer to nudge the wood back on the return stroke,,,
If you add a plate with springs attached to the pull back bar it will eliminate pushing the block back into the box every time it returns the block.
What if you put the winch control on that log picker upper thing? Would save you from having to let go of the thing to winch it up. There are wireless remotes available to retrofit push button switches.
The remote control would be great, like you say. One day or the other, I will make an improvement to be as you suggest!
I built one and went back to a normal splinter with a different wedge head. Have to remember these work great if your wood is round with no knots or butts sticking out. If you have those then the piece sits up and doesn’t give you the desired size piece. Also you are pushing the piece through a die and not having it split naturally this leaves lots of small pieces that allot but are inside the box so you basically end up with two pieces. You’re build is very nice though
By the accuracy of your description, you had it run for a while! I totally agree! I am thinking of putting a regular splitter parallel to this one, so I still can benefit from the engine, pump, control lever, and jib crane. I do have knotty logs and odd pieces, and it does produce a lot of debris. But I do collect the bigger ones in a tote bag and the smaller ones are chipped down and bagged in paper bags. There is basically no waste. The upside is having the logs to be evenly sized. Thanks Greg!
A crane is lot better then log lift but wonder if trolley would be better then the swing at the end. Over all a very good splitter for home made!! Couple things like you said, the block dont come back quite far enough, probably fixed it by now, 2nd the ram needs to be 2 speed especially on return, 3rd that bring back arm should be QUICK detachable and or QUICK swing up out of way. Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!
Thanks Job38 Four! You might like to see the updated version! Video #77 on my channel.
ruclips.net/video/Zo9smg1S1v4/видео.html
this would be really cool if you could make it so that the hydraulic cylinder activates 6 times in a row (3 push sequences and 3 pull sequences) but also be used manually with the hand lever. So that when you get big pieces of wood like that you can activate it and you are able to move the log back into place for it to go again, might increase productivity that way too. Of course the manual level that is already used can be used for log pieces that are a bit smaller.
Great idea!
Thanks! That would be so cool! But I've got a similar idea. This is called "kids". Lol! I have my son hook logs while I simply activate the lever! Make sure to watch video #77 on my channel which features improvements made on this splitter. Thanks for watching!
ah yes, Child labou- I mean character building, definitely pays off :P
Really like that the wood comes out a consistent size. Now build a conveyor to dump into your pickup bed;0)
For sure I will do.
not bad at all. surely has a bit of room for improvement, but its really really super nice
Very cool splitter! Very smart design, well done! 👍🍻🏝🪵
Thanks!
I must of watched this 10 times love it.
Lol!
@@FromSteelToWood What is the chance you are making a set of plans? Would love to build one or you could build another one for me and for you tube to watch and I will finance it. That way you can make any changed or mods that you might like to do.
Would you mind sending me an E-mail to joe.lesage@hotmail.com? Thanks
Nice job on the splitter.
Thanks!
He's spitting out 4 sticks of wood with each stroke. That's not slow if you think about it. Mr. McNeil should look up the old saying about better to have someone think you a fool than open your mouth and confirm.
Excellent! wise use of materials and strong!
Thanks!
I like both the splitter and the hoist. It does need to adjust the part that returns the round back to the starting point so you don't have to reach up and pull it in. Other then that, that is a nice set up.
No I see one more thing. The piece that got stuck in the grid of the output would have not gotten stuck if that was flat with no grid. I'm sure the thought was for derbies to fall through, but that would just pushed out the end with the wood. So ad some sheet metal so wood can't get stuck. Oh... and a conveyor to remove and pile the splits as they come out.
Well you got some good points there! Make sure to watch the updates (videos #77 & 78 on my channel). You might find some modifications interesting! Thanks!
Joe, that is absolutely brilliant! What a time saver and back saver! BTW, what brand and model of ear protection do you have on there?
Hey Martin, looks like I have not seen your comment you made 2 months ago! Sorry! They are Stanley Earmuff. You can find them on Amazon of Menards. Or any hardware store locally.
www.stanleytools.com/products/hand-tools/safety-and-protective-workwear/hearing-protection/sync-digital-amfmmp3-radio-earmuff/rst-63012
No worries Joe! It’s easy to overlook comments. Thanks for replying!
I like the folding crane idea 😊
Thanks!
love it,,,, no fighting the dam logs..... but if you can control the size of logs with a adjustment table would make it perfect ,,as in the thickness or did I miss that step ???
I have planned something about this. The bottom of the "drawer" is bolted from beneath. You can see from the side of the splitter the 2''x2'' square tubes under the bottom's drawer. They are held in place by 1/2'' bolts. So loosening the bolts, adding shim blocks and the bottom of the drawer will stand lower. This will increase the thickness of the splitted logs from 3.5'' to 5.5''. My own goal was to produce small logs for my fireplace. I did not used this feature yet.
Have you split any knotty red oak with your splitter. Or any knotty wood. I would love to build one but I wander how it would do against logs with knots
Knots were not a problem in maple, neither yellow birch. I don't have knotty red oak, but I do have white elm at my new place. It goes through quite well. Although they are usually smaller logs. And for the bigger logs, I take smaller bits at that point.
I don't find very many home built splitters on RUclips impressive, but yours sure is. I love the square, uniform pieces it produces. It'd be nice if the log would drop in the tray on the return stroke. Would graphite spray on the floor and the return pusher help? Or does the return pusher need a smooth, solid face? Anyway, very, very well done!
Thanks. It really stacks very well when you have square pieces. Look for my other video, where I made the fixes. Pusher needed some mods in order to drop back the log into the tray. ( ruclips.net/video/RP22PBWRFHA/видео.html )
Great craftsmanship, I’ve been contemplating retrofitting my speed o I purchased 10+ years ago, problem is I’m unsure if the 27 ton pressure is enough
Thanks Will. 27 ton of pressure is enough in my opinion. Unless you get a lot of big uneven/odd blocks. Otherwise, assuming you have a 2 stages pump, it will definitely work. If I had to change something on the splitter, I would go with a smaller engine (10hp instead of 15) and a 4'' diameter cylinder. It would have been faster. The key is to have sharp knives and a sequential order. Make sure to watch the updates on the splitter on my channel (vid #77 & #79). Thanks for watching!
Those splits are perfect, really like that. Not my cup of tea of the length of the rounds but that’s not the splitter. Ever figure out the return issue where it doesn’t come back fully on the beam?
I found a solution that works well. See video #77 on my channel! Thanks for your nice comment.
ruclips.net/video/Zo9smg1S1v4/видео.html
You built a splitter for your great grandchildren to use.
Lol! Thanks!
Good design, well made and if you fit a piece of flat steel plate on the face of the pull back cross bar the logs will not sit on top and slide back in. my guess is that you have already done that, two thumbs up.
Thanks Bob! I already made some modifications last fall and going through more modification at this time. Make sure to watch video #74 on my channel. Yet another video will come soon to show the very last fixes. Thanks for your comment!