Splitter / Press Idea

[Parm]

a thread ive seen has reminded me to post up my idea.

I want (note not need) a little press type affair that will split logs and if required double up as a small bench top type press, like the one I saw in double boosts vidios the other day.

It's primary function would be to split the occasional log but would be handy as a press too as I'm sure I will find a use for it.

I've got a 15 ton bottle Jack and plenty of truck leaf spring to make a cutting / chopping edge with. Now thing is the frame. I've got lots of 60 mm angle iron, will this be suitable to make a frame out of ? And will it also do for the top also ?

 

[Bill Edwards]

How thick is the angle? Provided it's something decent such as 6mm + it should be fine, its easy enough to weld two pieces together to form box section. You can use two pieces of box together if they aren't strong enough singly, so you're probably going to be fine.

The problem I see is regarding how to power the thing. A bottle jack is good for use in a press but hopeless for splitting logs. You will have had enough of standing there pumping away for what seems like all day by the time you're onto the third log. I think you need to fine a better (quicker) solution for splitting logs.

 

[brokenbiker]

a bottle jack log splitter is hard work...i like using a giant screw type thing in the drill now

 

[Parm]

How thick is the angle? Provided it's something decent such as 6mm + it should be fine, its easy enough to weld two pieces together to form box section. You can use two pieces of box together if they aren't strong enough singly, so you're probably going to be fine.

The problem I see is regarding how to power the thing. A bottle jack is good for use in a press but hopeless for splitting logs. You will have had enough of standing there pumping away for what seems like all day by the time you're onto the third log. I think you need to fine a better (quicker) solution for splitting logs.

Ok the angle is definately more than 5mm, will check in the morning as I don't want to go out in the dark (lots of horrible things out there) with respect to splitting logs I have a supply of logs roughly 200 mm long of a good mate. I don't have a fire and only use the wood once seasoned in one of my many outdoor cooking devices, so don't mind it being slow as it won't be used very often

Interested In this screw type thing too, tell me more

 

[Parm]

Just to add, the press in double boosts video the other day seemed to have uprights made with what looked like 40 x 5 mm ish bar drilled to make variable height situation, just thought the angle ive got might be ok

 

[Bill Edwards]

Slow...
It's not just that it would be like waiting for the next ice age, you'll be pumping away like a mad thing for ages. It's worse with having such a strong jack as it's going to be designed to move very little per stroke to cope with its rated capacity.

 

[Parm]

Slow...
It's not just that it would be like waiting for the next ice age, you'll be pumping away like a mad thing for ages. It's worse with having such a strong jack as it's going to be designed to move very little per stroke to cope with its rated capacity.

What else would you suggest then? I only put it forward as I've got one lying around that isn't used for anything so would have been a cheap project for a bit of fun

 

[Bill Edwards]

Ah, there's a reason I made no suggestions. It's not easy to think of a good way.
Replacing the jack with a hydraulic ram run off a tractor or from an electric motor coupled to a pump is one solution, though unless you happen to have the bits to hand that's probably a no.
An air jack would be an improvement, if you have a large compressor to keep up with it. It wouldn't be fast, but would be considerably better than doing it all manually.
An axe is probably the easiest solution here!

I've not used one myself, but I'm told the screw type splitter do work but sort of tear the wood apart and don't make a nice job - though for the quantity you plan to do it may be the best option. Perhaps take a look on youtube to see some videos of them in action?

 

[Parm]

Ah, there's a reason I made no suggestions. It's not easy to think of a good way.
Replacing the jack with a hydraulic ram run off a tractor or from an electric motor coupled to a pump is one solution, though unless you happen to have the bits to hand that's probably a no.
An air jack would be an improvement, if you have a large compressor to keep up with it. It wouldn't be fast, but would be considerably better than doing it all manually.
An axe is probably the easiest solution here!

I've not used one myself, but I'm told the screw type splitter do work but sort of tear the wood apart and don't make a nice job - though for the quantity you plan to do it may be the best option. Perhaps take a look on youtube to see some videos of them in action?

Brilliant, definately don't have a tractor, electric motor or any other device, now stop giving me ideas

I do have single phase comp with 3hp and 100 litre tank though so will look into air Jack and costs

Currently in using a wood grenade and sledge hammer, just thought I would come up with a more elegant and simple solution. Plus it's another thing to do in the hols

If the angle iron I have I think I'm gonna go for it, if it works, even slowly then job done if not I have a press that I didn't need but always wanted

 

[Shedendman]

Been meaning to knock up one of these for myself

 

[Parm]

Been meaning to knock up one of these for myself

That looks like an awesomely simple highly effective bit of kit, likevthat it can do kindling too, but the cynic in me is enquiring as to how dry those logs may be??

My wood supply is from a local lad and I tend to get all the stuff that's too small, difficult to chop (for him cause it's time consuming or too small and not worth it). It's usually freshly cut and wet. I need to be able to chop it up for drying. I've had a good arrangement with this lad and now have a three year cycle. Of drying, replenishing chopped wood. It's a good arrangement as I only pay him in curry, he supplies unlimited wood and in return he can eat at mine when ever he wants

 

[brokenbiker]

i have a much smaller homemade version of this lying around somewhere, fits in my sds drill and is as effective as i need but only use it on small logs

 

[ukracer]

That looks like an awesomely simple highly effective bit of kit, likevthat it can do kindling too, but the cynic in me is enquiring as to how dry those logs may be??

My wood supply is from a local lad and I tend to get all the stuff that's too small, difficult to chop (for him cause it's time consuming or too small and not worth it). It's usually freshly cut and wet. I need to be able to chop it up for drying. I've had a good arrangement with this lad and now have a three year cycle. Of drying, replenishing chopped wood. It's a good arrangement as I only pay him in curry, he supplies unlimited wood and in return he can eat at mine when ever he wants

Do you run an Indian takeaway

 

[brokenbiker]

Parm, you sound like my current manager...im doing a fair bit of work in his house and everytime i am there he insists i eat something...most of the time its lovely as his wife was a chef in india, but sometimes its either mental hot or needs an accquired taste haha

 

[Parm]

Do you run an Indian takeaway

Not quite, I love cooking but live on my own, so when I make something it's akways easier to do a small quantity than just a few morsels, I don't mind being generous with my chums that share their generosity

 

[Parm]

i have a much smaller homemade version of this lying around somewhere, fits in my sds drill and is as effective as i need but only use it on small logs

Send me a picture if you can please

 

[Parm]

I do also run a monthly curry club in my barn. The deal is its £20 per head and maximum 25 people. I make food but there is no menu to choose from. I make lots of yummy things, they eat and providential own drinks. Once the food is done they can chill in the barn, smoke, drink play any music they want till home time

It's always a good night

 

[brokenbiker]

Send me a picture if you can please

will see if i can dig it out of the overgrown shed