What size RAM do you have on your splitter?
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I'm not sure about size, but my ram comes within an inch or so of the wedge on my gas splitter, which I appreciate having come from an electric that only got within 3 or so inches.
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To check bore size measure the outside diameter of the cylinder and subtract 1/2". This will the inside diameter. Cylinders over 4"bore size usually increase by 1/2" increments. Overall length will vary depending on stroke and attachments.
Bill Gates says the most RAM you will ever need is 640KB 
(a quote taken out of context many times in the past)
(a quote taken out of context many times in the past)I need to reconfigure the entire splitter so I will be reworking the wedge position as well as the length/stroke of the cylinder. Is there anything wrong with getting a "welded" cylinder? Its the only way to get a low priced 4" bore by 24" stroke ram.
NoPaint said:
I just rebuilt a cylinder (replaced the seals) for about $90 and 1.5hrs labor. A new cylinder is way more expensive than this. Why bother making a longer stroke if all you really need is functional splitter?
Just wondering. Maybe your stove is longer (wider) than 24 inches.
The only reason I want a longer RAM is not because my stove is so big but because the ram doesn't really get close to the wedge and when fully retracted it can hardly fit a standard size log. If I move the wedge farther away to make loading easier then it really won't split well. A 24" stroke ram seems to be industry standard? If it is too long I can always limit my travel but at least get a full split. $90 for a rebuild is way more than I would spend on a rebuild. There are rams on ebay for about $50 more shipped which are better than what I have.
The $90 was for the seal kit and the labor required to pull the nut off the end of the shaft. I didn't have the equipement. If you did, the total rebuild would be about $40. But if your stroke is too short, yea, go with the new cylinder especially if they are that cheap where you are.
NoPaint - yes, a 24" ram is pretty common. The bore diameter is what will yield the "power" (more square inches for fluid to push on). A typical 20+ ton splitter will use a 4" x 24" ram. 25-27 ton will use a 4.5" and above that is typically 5", until you get to the really big boys.
Stroke length is totally up to you. If your stove takes an 18" split, there is no need for a 30" stroke splitter, but if you have an OWB, then maybe the 30" is your thing. I built mine so the end of the stroke is about 1/4" from the wedge. I split some stringy stuff and can go full stroke if need be.
My splitter runs a 24" stroke by 5" bore with a 16 GPM pump. A pretty common combo. If you are running an 11 GPM pump, you will probably want to stick with a 4" ram or your speed will be compromised.
Stroke length is totally up to you. If your stove takes an 18" split, there is no need for a 30" stroke splitter, but if you have an OWB, then maybe the 30" is your thing. I built mine so the end of the stroke is about 1/4" from the wedge. I split some stringy stuff and can go full stroke if need be.
My splitter runs a 24" stroke by 5" bore with a 16 GPM pump. A pretty common combo. If you are running an 11 GPM pump, you will probably want to stick with a 4" ram or your speed will be compromised.
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