Hi, I am thinking about buying an inexpensive log splitter (after spending too many hours splitting a cord myself yesterday). Since I am not cutting my own wood at this stage and looking to split a cord or so at a time, I don't think I need an expensive hydraulic splitter. However, are the manually operated ones I've seen at Lowes or Home Depot or Ebay (around$200) worth the price. If so any brands to look for (or stay away from). I don't mind doing a certain amount of the work but don't want to waste my money. Thanks. Rich
Manual log splitters
- Thread starter rgsccr
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The only manual one that is productive I would say is still an axe/maul. The mechanical advantage ones seem to be quite time consuming for set up and are limited to wood size. How big are the rounds that you are processing and what species? This will help others to chime in. The small electric hydraulic can be found for $300 or less and seem to get the job done on those non-average Knotty pieces in there piles. They are also slow. A good weighted maul can do wonders. Again it depends on the size and species of wood. Good luck.
I the rounds I am splitting are generally under 20" long and 24" in diameter or smaller. Mostly douglas fir and maple. For the most part, it splits okay with a maul and my nine pound hammer, but after a while I get tired and sore.
rgsccr said:
The electric splitter I got at Lowes wasn't much more than that and so far only Elm refused to split on it.. Search info in this forum there is lots to read..
Ray
raybonz said:
Two friends have purchased foot operated mechanical splitters and found that they are effective on small diameter, straight, clear logs.
I purchased an electric Ryobi unit and have had great success will it. I split Locust and Elm with it, including some really large rounds.
While its no 30HP gas unit, if you google around there are some good tips for maximizing its potential.
rgsccr said:
Hours? Eff that.
Take smaller bites.
Get yourself a Fiskars and swing away at that cord for 15-20 minutes per day.
You'll be shocked how quickly it disappears.
I have one of those manual 10 ton hydraulic splitters. I welded a 5/8" bar to it, put wheels on and welded a brace to the front end. This gave it three point stabilization as well as ease of movement around yard. Bought a 20 ton air hydraulic jack that will be replacing the 10 ton jack. Got deployed before I could mount 20 ton so I will post how that turns out next year. Total cost was around $190 including the new 20 ton jack. I used coupons at Harbor Freight. I have found that if I can split the round in half with hydraulic splitter then the rest I can handle with axe/maul fairly efficient.
raybonz said:
The purge process is important to ensure the unit is working properly. Keep the splitting wedge sharp with a file. Occasionally apply some vaseline to the wedges faces.
For stuborn rounds, notch the face with a saw. The splitter's wedge will fit into the notch, and hopefully the round will split. Alternatively, take smaller splits from the edges before attacking the centre - having help available to do this safely is important!
The Ryobi has processed approximately six cords, and there is a small pile of roughly eight pieces it would not split.
A big gas splitter will get the job done in much less time with a lot less fuss, but is not an option for me.
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