Making a stand to bring a small electric log splitter up to a good working height. woodgears.ca/to... It's surprising how capable one of these little electric log splitters are.
I heard from a farmer in Michigan, of Danish descent, that you get twice as much heat from the firewood if you split it by hand. He said it with a wink.
When you mentioned the long travel time of the cylinder, I expected you to put a block in front of the jaw, not a stopper to prevent it returning. It's this kind of logic that makes your projects interesting to watch.
i was expecting the same, but then i realized it could be dagerous to have 2 pieces pushig against eachother... huge chunks of wood jumping around are not fun when you are nearby :D
I've been using a pusher block and it has given some nasty surprises. Never thought about Matthias' approach... But now i will. Also one way to not let the piston travel all the way back is just let go of the switch, but keep the valve open - but that will leave me managing logs singlehanded...
mine has a collar with a screw in it which is on one of the pull rods. just tighten the screw (it has a big hand knob on it) and the stroke is reduced.
Damn. A design-build that probably took about one hour total, but is still enormously functional. This is typical Matthias: spending just the right amount of resources--including his time--on a project.
Great ideas here. I really appreciate him speeding up the video, you can always rewind and watch again. Too many videos spoiled by dragging out every little detail and comment.
I have one of those splitters, (the older green version). I put a bungee cord on the safety handle so when you let go of the power button the part that pushes the log ahead stays put and I can lift the safety lever to move the pusher back to where I want it. Saves a lot of time between splits. This way I can have a hand free during splitting so in case a log splits violently I have a hand free to catch it. Good because my slpitter on a stand is at stomach/groin height. Note: This is bypassing a safety feature and I am not saying to do this but this is the way I use this type of splitter. Do so at your own risk.
I love woodworking, i work in a woodshop, i like your video, but hell am i lazy when its come to do stuff on my own. But i learn everytime i watch you, that great.
The log splitter that I bought doesn’t come with a stand so I will have to build one just like you did. Now I have a good idea of what to do. Thanks for the video
I recently got a very similar machine. They are actually hydrolic, the electric motor driving a hydrolic pump. Or the one I have has. And they are surprisingly powerful. I have been splitting rounds way over the specified diameter. I use it on a trestle table. I found it about the right height, a lot higher than you are aiming for and with it on a trestle table against a wall when the logs separate it 'catches' them so I don't have to pick them up off the floor. Just from the table height. You can't always position them so the right size is at the back to drop into a barrow, then you have to go round and get it. On the table I just reach over and lift it back to the splitter bed. The one I got has a giant washer, really thick, on the half inch round stock black bars that run from the head of the thing back to the pusher mechanism. This is threaded like a grub screw would be and clamps on to the round stock so you can limit the cycle length. You solve that at the end of the film with a block of wood but on mine I can adjust the stroke length with this stop. Do NOT be tempted to put a block of something in between the log and the pusher. The forces involved will launch said block into your face at the earliest opportunity. I like the oiling idea but I worried that would just end up being a grinding paste with grit off the logs stuck to and embedded in the nylon friction reducing pads... And don't forget to loosen on starting and tighten after, the little bleeder valve, stupid plastic thing it is.....
Another great project. I have noticed all of your video projects have a purpose and a use! Repurpose, recycle, reuse! And make life better and easier! Thankz
This is a great video and my introduction to Matthias (subscribed). I am going to make my wheels a little wider apart and use big pneumatic ones. I often take the splitter to the log pile (less handling) over very uneven ground. These things are really top-heavy and can easily tip over on slight inclines.
Since I found PTFE (Teflon) spray I've been using that. Even better than silicone! You're right about grease and oil... it just gums up too much after it's gathered enough debris from a short splitting session.
I have been using a splitter for several years now, and I learned two new ideas. First, the small wooden piece to stop the cylinder from going all the way back. I expect that will be better than using a small log to push the log you want to split. Also, I will clean the resin from my splitter and grease the bed!
Wow, for a moment there I thought Matthias had gone over the to "Dark Side" and was using pocket holes. Then I realized he was just screwing in at an angle. Whew, that was close!
Why are there dislikes to this video?..... What's not to like? Two problems solved very well. He might have cut out the crotch but he put a good sized piece of wood in it. :)
Thanks for your advise, I'll fix mine this way. Oiling on top and bottom is not in the instructions but I appreciate your video on it...Have a great day Matt.
I have an almost identical splitter, and I too get annoyed by the retract length of the cylinder. All it took was a scrap of wood to alleviate the problem and I never even thought to do that. I guess I really am dumber than a stump lol.
No. Mathias is an unusual thinker. He is able to decode most things and reduce them to a simple solution. Look into his education and background and you will see why.
Neat stand. I have a splitter just like this and have done much the same as you to make it more user friendly!! And you're right, there isn't much you can't split with it. If you can get it on the splitter it will probably split the piece.
Thank you Mr. Wandel for explaining everything. i'm so amazed with how things are put together because I don't have any skills close to what you possess. God bless!
I tried to stay away, I'm back unfortunately for you. Good project, there is no way I would sit or bend over to use that thing. Good point on the return stops and lubrication.
A nice custom adaptation of old used lumber to make a stand for this model....stands generally cost some $40 to $50 and do not come with those nice wheels and axle you had laying around! Nothing too painful to watch in the entire video! Nice to have a decent shop to build such items. I have a 5 ton electric unit and used a spare stand I had out of my woodworking shop to bolt my splitter to. So my stand was left from my older planer that finally died. It has no wheels, but I do not move my splitter around. It stays on my covered back porch and is my splitting station.
+Matthias Wandel I bet the youtube views would pay for the hydraulics plus what you already paid for the splitter. An all wooden hydraulic log splitter would get a lot of views. Especially if you get highspeed of the pressurized wooden cylinder exploding.
A very simple way to make a good tool better! Yes the travel is annoying! But candle wax is better for the sliders than the liquid lubricant as it does not have as much fine wood stick to it. I will be making one however thanks. NSW in Oz
Jetzt fehlt nur noch, dass du die Zweihand-Bedienung auf einen Hebel umbaust. Mein Holzspalter lässt sich z.B. mit dem Knie betätigen, was den Vorteil hat, dass du dich nicht zum Hebel runter bücken musst.
I have the same model. At 4:44 he makes a great point on saving time with the spacer. I've witnessed and experienced people using a seperate wood block in front of the pusher to save time. DO NOT DO THAT. Either the wood you are splitting or the block will pop out in random directions depending on the angle of either piece of wood you are using. I learned the hard way. I used a piece of aluminum block that was square with rounded edges and guess what. POP!!! Luckily no injuries sustained
I would recommend you build you log splitter stand, like mine! Make the ground level Get 8 concert blocks, 2 high. 4 in the back on the wheels and 4 in the front on the legs> this way you can check the oil. I made a cover for it as well and it stay there!
I do like the stand and I am a bit jealous since mine log spliter is hydraulic. Using what is nothing more than a 10 ton house jack that you have to pump. It was cheap and still better than splitting it with an axe.
Now you're a bona fide countryman I advise you buy or make (video opportunity?) a cone or screw-type PTO log splitter for your tractor. Much faster, more powerful, and you can cart it to wherever the trees are. Log up the tree where it lies, then split the rounds and throw them straight into a trailer - saves so much time.
March 2021. I just bought this same splitter from crappy tire. I was too cheap to get a gas unit, didn't wanna spend $1000. I'm not digging that it needs a stand. And Especially don't like that you have to use two hands to operate it. The green button and a lever. Don't ever forget to open the hydraulic pressure release screw.
+Levillain Robert Either that, or France and the French could finally wake up to the reality that english is a language more than worth learning. Broaden your own horizon instead of asking others to facilitate your chauvinism, which won’t help you a bit, mon ami. Even the Germans speak english quite well nowadays and in spite of the Brexit english will remain Europe’s main language by far :-). Just a little rant; pardon my english ;-).
Mathias and Matt, The crotch brothers! LOL! Nice little extras in the assembly. i was also thinking you could make a smaller version with 4 wheels for your kid to ride?
you may should make a piece of wood at the knife part. that way you can put the pieces all the way trough without having to pick them of the ground or split the last bit by hand.
I have an electric log splitter. Biggest problem I have is it's so low to the ground. Don't know if I can make something this good or not, but it's definitely an idea. Also, I'm sure it rolls easier than with the wheels that are on it.
I've always been confused about how your big dust collector works. Because the motor is on the side and all the space in between. I was wondering if you could maybe try to take the filter bag off the top and have a look inside. Thx.
Great project...! "No Pain No Gain Solved Electric Log Splitter Eunuk Stand"...! Next You can make Infeed/Outfeed tables and throw in a Hygrometer, for good measure...! Summer Greetings to You Matthias and Your Family...Jakob.
2021: with the Price of the wood.... Better buy the 29.99$ Stand sold FOR those log Splitter... I was thinking of doing one myself out of Metal that I have at home... BUT only the wheels would cost at least 30$.... BUT I like the repurposing of stuff, good video and good Stand!
The best response to that is "just because you can't see it doesn't mean I don't have a plan." Besides, if you wrote it down, you'd just have something else to change mid-project!
@Mstthias wandel Quick question. Can you build a Milling maschine simmulare in style to a bridgebort out ov Wood ? I would love to see that. By the way you make awesome videos. Keep up the great work
Matt, if you are going to use it or someone else on bigger scale, did you think about "foot"switch? It will free your hands and it whould be faster. Only if it's possible to do, i don't know anything about that specifick log splitter.
at some point during the designing process he probably asked himself: "should I glue these parts together?" but then thought "nah, screw it".
1:35 "Well, I hope that wasn't too painful to watch..."
Tony Baggett would you like your space between your legs removed?
Twice!!!
2:58 Lol indeed
Maikel Versantvoort I
Ha ha, yeah. I had to chuckle out loud when he said that.
I heard from a farmer in Michigan, of Danish descent, that you get twice as much heat from the firewood if you split it by hand. He said it with a wink.
True! ;)
Quite true, you get heat from the stuff twice. Once while you split it, and once while you burn it. So twice the heat in total.
Alex Arevalo firewood heats you on two days.
When you mentioned the long travel time of the cylinder, I expected you to put a block in front of the jaw, not a stopper to prevent it returning. It's this kind of logic that makes your projects interesting to watch.
i was expecting the same, but then i realized it could be dagerous to have 2 pieces pushig against eachother... huge chunks of wood jumping around are not fun when you are nearby :D
I thought the same as you and I still think that's a better solution because you do not stop the machine to go back.
I have concocted several such blocks. None of them stand up to long term use. Mathias' approach is much more effective and safer to boot!
I've been using a pusher block and it has given some nasty surprises. Never thought about Matthias' approach... But now i will. Also one way to not let the piston travel all the way back is just let go of the switch, but keep the valve open - but that will leave me managing logs singlehanded...
mine has a collar with a screw in it which is on one of the pull rods. just tighten the screw (it has a big hand knob on it) and the stroke is reduced.
Genius. Caved and bought an electric splitter. Delivered next week, going to build a stand similar.
Damn. A design-build that probably took about one hour total, but is still enormously functional. This is typical Matthias: spending just the right amount of resources--including his time--on a project.
I love that you use whatever you have laying around. Frugal!
I like those quick and dirty projects!
I always get excited when i see a new one of his videos :)
Keerat Mudhar I agree and yes he is a genius and he deserves more subs and views
A bunch of clever decisions to make a simple stand. Very nice. And the return stop is another very good idea. Bravo.
zendell37 the return stop was great! I'm always amazed.
Great ideas here.
I really appreciate him speeding up the video, you can always rewind and watch again. Too many videos spoiled by dragging out every little detail and comment.
I have one of those splitters, (the older green version). I put a bungee cord on the safety handle so when you let go of the power button the part that pushes the log ahead stays put and I can lift the safety lever to move the pusher back to where I want it. Saves a lot of time between splits.
This way I can have a hand free during splitting so in case a log splits violently I have a hand free to catch it. Good because my slpitter on a stand is at stomach/groin height.
Note: This is bypassing a safety feature and I am not saying to do this but this is the way I use this type of splitter. Do so at your own risk.
"This piece goes HERE" & "this fits nice HERE". Like the word HERE. You have one of the most entertaining channels on RUclips.
Your quick and dirty slap together is the same as my over thought out and poorly crafted handyman version lol - keep up the great work mate!
I love woodworking, i work in a woodshop, i like your video, but hell am i lazy when its come to do stuff on my own. But i learn everytime i watch you, that great.
Thanks, I enjoyed seeing a project that was purely for function
I really love that you use old scrap lumber!
My dad need these upgrades. Thanks for the ideas
The log splitter that I bought doesn’t come with a stand so I will have to build one just like you did. Now I have a good idea of what to do. Thanks for the video
I recently got a very similar machine. They are actually hydrolic, the electric motor driving a hydrolic pump. Or the one I have has. And they are surprisingly powerful. I have been splitting rounds way over the specified diameter. I use it on a trestle table. I found it about the right height, a lot higher than you are aiming for and with it on a trestle table against a wall when the logs separate it 'catches' them so I don't have to pick them up off the floor. Just from the table height. You can't always position them so the right size is at the back to drop into a barrow, then you have to go round and get it. On the table I just reach over and lift it back to the splitter bed.
The one I got has a giant washer, really thick, on the half inch round stock black bars that run from the head of the thing back to the pusher mechanism. This is threaded like a grub screw would be and clamps on to the round stock so you can limit the cycle length. You solve that at the end of the film with a block of wood but on mine I can adjust the stroke length with this stop.
Do NOT be tempted to put a block of something in between the log and the pusher. The forces involved will launch said block into your face at the earliest opportunity.
I like the oiling idea but I worried that would just end up being a grinding paste with grit off the logs stuck to and embedded in the nylon friction reducing pads... And don't forget to loosen on starting and tighten after, the little bleeder valve, stupid plastic thing it is.....
That splitter seems so ostensibly safe and innocuous in it's operation.
Another great project. I have noticed all of your video projects have a purpose and a use! Repurpose, recycle, reuse! And make life better and easier! Thankz
2:59 was way more painful to watch than 1:35 because by that time you had already pointed it out...
I'm sort of new to this, what was painful about it?
Looks like two human legs.
Possibly the only thing more effective than coffee waking you up in the morning is a band saw in the crotch.
Ian Duh hahahaha nice trolling there bro.
Dutch Vander Ploeg or a laser beam...
This is a great video and my introduction to Matthias (subscribed). I am going to make my wheels a little wider apart and use big pneumatic ones. I often take the splitter to the log pile (less handling) over very uneven ground. These things are really top-heavy and can easily tip over on slight inclines.
I like silicone spray for lubricating the splitter as it doesn't gum up from dirt/chips like it will with oil
Since I found PTFE (Teflon) spray I've been using that. Even better than silicone! You're right about grease and oil... it just gums up too much after it's gathered enough debris from a short splitting session.
So well built archaeologists will be puzzled as to its origins 1000 years from now! Thanks for sharing
Nice build from scraps. Thanks.
glad to see you use real screws over drywall screws.
I have been using a splitter for several years now, and I learned two new ideas. First, the small wooden piece to stop the cylinder from going all the way back. I expect that will be better than using a small log to push the log you want to split. Also, I will clean the resin from my splitter and grease the bed!
Matthais, the king of using reclamed wood.
Matthias is the Master of Economy! Always has very useful ideas!
He has got to be the thriftiest woodworker on RUclips!
Gary Pelini. "And I'll just use these scraps". Oh Matthias you do surprise me.
Now you have me thinking differently about electric wood splitters.
Wow, for a moment there I thought Matthias had gone over the to "Dark Side" and was using pocket holes. Then I realized he was just screwing in at an angle. Whew, that was close!
Why are there dislikes to this video?..... What's not to like? Two problems solved very well. He might have cut out the crotch but he put a good sized piece of wood in it. :)
Thanks for your advise, I'll fix mine this way. Oiling on top and bottom is not in the instructions but I appreciate your video on it...Have a great day Matt.
I have an almost identical splitter, and I too get annoyed by the retract length of the cylinder. All it took was a scrap of wood to alleviate the problem and I never even thought to do that. I guess I really am dumber than a stump lol.
I am planning to extend my presser for that reason. I have to check if I can actually just use a stopper like Matthias also.
Well, if you are dumber than a stump, maybe you should just stay away from the thing.
No. Mathias is an unusual thinker. He is able to decode most things and reduce them to a simple solution. Look into his education and background and you will see why.
I like how you didn't mess around pre-drilling for the pocket screws. And those bandsaw cut mortise joints look super tight too.
Thank you.
Neat stand. I have a splitter just like this and have done much the same as you to make it more user friendly!! And you're right, there isn't much you can't split with it. If you can get it on the splitter it will probably split the piece.
In my country is Friday night
And I love a Friday night upload from Matthias
Thanks dude!
A foot switch would be a nice ergonomic addtion.
Thank you Mr. Wandel for explaining everything. i'm so amazed with how things are put together because I don't have any skills close to what you possess. God bless!
Matt is like going in reverse. I remember back in the day he wouldn't even bore a pilot hole if it hadn't yet been punched with an awl.
Great example of working smarter not harder!
I tried to stay away, I'm back unfortunately for you. Good project, there is no way I would sit or bend over to use that thing. Good point on the return stops and lubrication.
when I watch your videos I am made aware of how stupid I really am...very simple and creative to solve your problems
"Nothing too strong ever broke" - I think that's Matthias's mantra =)
A nice custom adaptation of old used lumber to make a stand for this model....stands generally cost some $40 to $50 and do not come with those nice wheels and axle you had laying around! Nothing too painful to watch in the entire video! Nice to have a decent shop to build such items. I have a 5 ton electric unit and used a spare stand I had out of my woodworking shop to bolt my splitter to. So my stand was left from my older planer that finally died. It has no wheels, but I do not move my splitter around. It stays on my covered back porch and is my splitting station.
Were you not tempted to make your own log splitter. I'm sure you could come up with an improved design. 🙂
the hydraulics alone would cost much more than the whole splitter
Do it with gears!
With sufficient gearing, would you really need hydraulics? I would think you could get similar pressure using a worm-gear type motor.
+Matthias Wandel I bet the youtube views would pay for the hydraulics plus what you already paid for the splitter. An all wooden hydraulic log splitter would get a lot of views. Especially if you get highspeed of the pressurized wooden cylinder exploding.
awesome, nice idea. I replaced the button to activate the motor with a foot switch too.
you should do a Q and A one day. That would be awesome!
did one last year
ok! Thanks. Kinda geeked out when you replied XD
A very simple way to make a good tool better! Yes the travel is annoying! But candle wax is better for the sliders than the liquid lubricant as it does not have as much fine wood stick to it. I will be making one however thanks. NSW in Oz
those poor dead tree's... i will cry for you tonight
Handy tip to shorten the stroke for small pieces!
Very nicely built stand.
Jetzt fehlt nur noch, dass du die Zweihand-Bedienung auf einen Hebel umbaust.
Mein Holzspalter lässt sich z.B. mit dem Knie betätigen, was den Vorteil hat, dass du dich nicht zum Hebel runter bücken musst.
: / For a moment I though he would build a log splitter.
Great idea Matthias!
I love it when we can make a tool work better !!
If you find that your oil on the log splitter is collecting too much dirt you could try wax. Ski wax is pretty good in colder temperatures.
I have this log splitter too, it's been great.
Well that stand is sturdy!
Matthias, get yourself an impact driver my friend... Will change your life.
I have three, but I prefer to use a drill
Any particular reason why?
That’s a great job. Thank you
I have the same model. At 4:44 he makes a great point on saving time with the spacer. I've witnessed and experienced people using a seperate wood block in front of the pusher to save time. DO NOT DO THAT. Either the wood you are splitting or the block will pop out in random directions depending on the angle of either piece of wood you are using. I learned the hard way. I used a piece of aluminum block that was square with rounded edges and guess what. POP!!! Luckily no injuries sustained
Yer a wizard Harry!
I would recommend you build you log splitter stand, like mine! Make the ground level Get 8 concert blocks, 2 high. 4 in the back on the wheels and 4 in the front on the legs> this way you can check the oil. I made a cover for it as well and it stay there!
Great Job; I'm Very tall and getting down to use this splitter is very difficult
How many lawn tractors do you have also can you do a video of all your lawn tractors please
I do like the stand and I am a bit jealous since mine log spliter is hydraulic. Using what is nothing more than a 10 ton house jack that you have to pump. It was cheap and still better than splitting it with an axe.
A very satisfying build!
Needs to be painted Steve Ramsey Purple! :)
Now you're a bona fide countryman I advise you buy or make (video opportunity?) a cone or screw-type PTO log splitter for your tractor. Much faster, more powerful, and you can cart it to wherever the trees are. Log up the tree where it lies, then split the rounds and throw them straight into a trailer - saves so much time.
March 2021. I just bought this same splitter from crappy tire. I was too cheap to get a gas unit, didn't wanna spend $1000. I'm not digging that it needs a stand. And Especially don't like that you have to use two hands to operate it. The green button and a lever. Don't ever forget to open the hydraulic pressure release screw.
Bonjour ! On est beaucoup a te regarder en France ! tu aurais plus audience si tu pouvais traduire tes videos.
Thanks . Very good video
+Levillain Robert Either that, or France and the French could finally wake up to the reality that english is a language more than worth learning. Broaden your own horizon instead of asking others to facilitate your chauvinism, which won’t help you a bit, mon ami. Even the Germans speak english quite well nowadays and in spite of the Brexit english will remain Europe’s main language by far :-).
Just a little rant; pardon my english ;-).
Mathias and Matt, The crotch brothers! LOL! Nice little extras in the assembly. i was also thinking you could make a smaller version with 4 wheels for your kid to ride?
Well done my smiling friend
Nice video.You really should support the front of the motor, from underneath.
Why? As designed it's not supported there either.
you may should make a piece of wood at the knife part. that way you can put the pieces all the way trough without having to pick them of the ground or split the last bit by hand.
I have an electric log splitter. Biggest problem I have is it's so low to the ground. Don't know if I can make something this good or not, but it's definitely an idea.
Also, I'm sure it rolls easier than with the wheels that are on it.
Taking measurements from a freehand drawing: Very effective in improvised projects. Rulers and CAD only when you are forced to use them.
I don't comment much but that was GREAT!
I've always been confused about how your big dust collector works. Because the motor is on the side and all the space in between. I was wondering if you could maybe try to take the filter bag off the top and have a look inside. Thx.
Perfect! Just what I was looking for. Cheers for that Matthias!
Nice build, and handy tips; Cheers.
What a great video!
Kudos!!
That log splitter is way to safe
For a lazy guy like me this is a great idea. It just seems that axing it would be faster, especially with a helper to position logs and move cuttings.
says someone who hasn't split wood with an axe.
Heheh. Been a couple of years since I chopped some up. It's a great work out for sure!
Out here in BC splitting fir and cedar is easy work. I use an ordinary axe and a maul sometimes. Out in east splitting hardwood would suck.
Great project...! "No Pain No Gain Solved Electric Log Splitter Eunuk Stand"...! Next You can make Infeed/Outfeed tables and throw in a Hygrometer, for good measure...! Summer Greetings to You Matthias and Your Family...Jakob.
i think this is the first time ive ever seen you not predrill!
How do you split an electric log?
Watt, did you not know, you use an amp.
use steam powered splitter
Do Androids split electric logs?
You should review the log splitter because my father has been looking to get one and I would like to know the pros and cons.
2021: with the Price of the wood.... Better buy the 29.99$ Stand sold FOR those log Splitter...
I was thinking of doing one myself out of Metal that I have at home... BUT only the wheels would cost at least 30$....
BUT I like the repurposing of stuff, good video and good Stand!
Congrats ! A vy nice and useful ideea !
People ask me how I can just "throw things together" without plans. I tell them I watch videos like this one.
The best response to that is "just because you can't see it doesn't mean I don't have a plan." Besides, if you wrote it down, you'd just have something else to change mid-project!
Everything slides better with a little bit of greasing ;)
@Mstthias wandel Quick question. Can you build a Milling maschine simmulare in style to a bridgebort out ov Wood ?
I would love to see that.
By the way you make awesome videos. Keep up the great work
I like these projects
I miss building stuff
Matt, if you are going to use it or someone else on bigger scale, did you think about "foot"switch? It will free your hands and it whould be faster.
Only if it's possible to do, i don't know anything about that specifick log splitter.
I may add one one of these days.