Splitting logs can be a necessity in preparing for times when you may require firewood for warmth. Luckily, log splitting can be accomplished without an ax or chainsaw and sheer manpower. Logs can be split with a hydraulic log splitter that you can make yourself. Try these steps to build a log splitter.
Steps
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1Draw or purchase log splitter plans. You may be able to find and purchase plans for building a log splitter online.
- A log splitter is basically made of an engine, a hydraulic oil pump and a valve.
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2Prepare a wheeled metal structure to put your log splitter on. This can allow you to tow your log splitter to remote jobs or easily move a log splitter closer to you or the wood you need to split.
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3Start building your log splitter. Attach a 5-horsepower engine fueled with gasoline (petrol) to a 2-stage hydraulic oil pump that can pump 3 gallons (12 l) per minute at 2500 PSI.
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4Place a valve on a hydraulic cylinder that powers a piston. The typical cylinder is 24 inches (60 cm) long and has a diameter of 4 inches (10 cm).
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5Connect a hydraulic hose to the valve and the oil pump. When the pump is active, high-pressure oil will go to the valve.
- Use the valve to adjust the hydraulic cylinder's movement and control the log's split. The pressure of the moving oil will drive a piston and a cutting wedge down to split a log.
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6Weld pipe fittings into the top of an oil tank. Hydraulic oil can be drawn from the tank and through the hose to feed the hydraulic pump.
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7Make a V-shaped trough to hold logs in place for splitting.
- Arrange 2 pieces of angle iron that are each 5 feet (150 cm) long and 21/2 inches (6.25 cm) wide so their 90 degree angles touch.
- Bridge 1 of the angles formed with a 5-foot (150 cm) long, 2�-inch (5.63 cm) wide steel bar. The steel bar and angle iron pieces should form a space that is roughly angled at 125 degrees. Each log to be split will rest in that space.
