Harbor Freight 10 Ton Manual Log Splitter Modifications and Testing Part 2

This is for entertainment purposes only. I’m not a professional welder so do at your own risk! I’ve got a cold so please bear with my narration and camera instability.
Harbor Freight 10 ton manual log splitter does work out of the box. Biggest problem is the built-in splitting wedge is dull and rounded over. In the previous video, just rebuilding the splitting wedge tip improved the splitting speed and ease.
In this video, making more modifications to the stock splitter to improve it even more.
Total time to do this was about 7-10 hours, but got delayed by rain several times. Wood used in testing was salvaged from the branch that fell in the storm. Normally would not save or split this due to the difficulty.
Really pleased how it turned out. Did split another 10” log four ways without problems and splitting smaller logs 4 ways in one pass is a real time saver.
What I would do different would be make the vertical cutting edge taller and make the horizontal cutting edge wider by 2-3” or 50-75 mm wider. Ideally the factory cutting wedge and frame needs to be narrowed.
May cut a slot in the stock splitting wedge to lower the horizontal bar in but don’t know if the built in wedge or frame can take the force. Little worried about side loading on the hydraulic ram could cause the seal to wear prematurely but this doesn’t get a lot of use.
Normally don’t have much wood to split so don’t need anything larger. Have tried to find compatible log splitters with the Case 446 but they’re either super expensive or shipping is more than the cost of the splitter. Debating on replacing the hydraulic jack with a cylinder powered by the tractor but the nice things about this splitter is it doesn’t require any external power so it can be used anywhere.
Check out Donn DIY, Project Farm, and Kodiak Cutting Tools, not affiliated.

[@FoxMan777]

Similar to what I did with mine, but I didn't use the reinforcement plate and bolt, just welded a knife edge like you made there to the splitting point, and ground it down to a sharp point. Sticks out about an inch and a half. Wanted a good bite into the wood before it hits the wedge sides and starts separating.
Haven't had any issues yet other than my front seal is going bad after 5 years. :)

[@t-towncase3808]

I have lengthened the vertical cutting edge an additional 2”and will update in the future after testing it out.

[@t-towncase3808]

This is also sold by SunJoe and other companies.