hydraulic Qs

[grunty]

Sorry but this post contains log splitter

Having just acquired about 6ton of very knotty Chestnut i have decided it is time to build a log splitter. My problem is the technicalities of hydraulics

I have done a search but can't find specific info like ram size, 4" is mentioned but is that area, case diameter or rod diameter?
I have seen pumps that state CC's per rev and others in GPM or LPM ?.
What valve do i need? 3 way, multi port and is a spool the same thing?
Any pointers appreciated.
sorry for dumb questions

cheers
Alan

 

[richi b]

No queston is dumb
You would only need a 2 way valve one forwad and one return
4" is a hefty ram if its its diamater. Reckon you are looking at its stroke or travel lenght. dia I reckon 1" would more then do the job with ease.
basicaly make a frame to hold the ram securly in the horazental and leave a gap big enought for the log rounds puls the cutter head. and weld/Bolt a hefty stop to the other end conect the vale to the ram tank and pump and your done basicaly.

 

[Drains]

Grunty, for a bit of background, look here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_machinery

Your circuit will probably be a bit like this - a Constant pressure (standard) system.

To work out the component sizes you need to establish

Motor speed, rpm
Hydraulic pump cc's per rev
Ram speed (eg, how long do you want it to take to travel through the stroke) and stroke length.

From these you can work out the ram cc required. Obviously you'll also have to consider the power output of your motor vs ram speed. No point having the ram stall on you cos it can't push hard enough.

An ideal design is one that has a two position spool valve (not three), or in which only two positions are used, where the default position puts the ram back into its housing. Just my preference.

It can be done, but I'm not sure how... some form of return pressure within the ram circuit. There are all sorts of ways of doing this stuff.

Also not a detente valve (where the lever stays where you put it - you want a spring return to default)

Worth spending a few minutes looking here - http://www.flowfitonline.com/
Maybe you could phone them for advice - they're friendly enough.

They do complete log splitter kits, but if you can work out what components they use I'm sure you can do something similar for far less. Check out the log splitter kits pdf, lots of good info there.

 

[ghound]

If you have access to a tractor, old dumper, mini digger etc, using there hydraulic system can save you a lot of time, money and hassle.
I run mine from a mini digger and with the right size of wood rings can cut 2 cubic mtrs of wood an hour, which is enough in 2 days cutting to see me through the winter,

Also think about the way you want it to cut, either the ram pushing the wood through the blades, or the ram pushing the blade through the wood? Everyone has there own preferences / ideas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AZyvVyHnXQ

 

[bluebobtail]

Hi, do you have any more photos of your log splitter.
I'm going to have the ram push down to a stationary splitting wedge, as i've heard that the other way the wood sometimes gets stuck on the splitter.
Thanks
Ian

 

[Justme]

I'm going to have the ram push down to a stationary splitting wedge, as i've heard that the other way the wood sometimes gets stuck on the splitter.
Thanks
Ian

That can happen with both set ups IF you dont have the right ram & pump comb.

 

[ghound]

Here you go, simple as they come, it's made mostly of steel i had lying around. It has a 100mm cylinder, so the video gives you an idea of the power and speed of use.
It's made at this working height so as the logs fall off the end into large builders bags. As the logs pass over the open slats, the small bits of bark etc fall through leaving just the logs in the bags.
Good luck with your one, keep the pics coming

 

[bluebobtail]

Hi thanks for the photos. It has gave me a few more ideas.
I'll keep the pics coming