Outdoor Wood Furnace Info
All-Purpose OWF Discussions => Equipment => Topic started by: stewie3500 on July 14, 2014, 06:23:57 AM
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So I decided to get busy on building a new splitter. The original unit I use was made by my father 25 yrs ago and is still going strong but I am splitting wood for three stoves and need more productivity. I looked at the big names in splitters and just cant spend $6-10k on a unit especially when I am a not running a commercial firewood service. I hope to be able to post pics as I go in hopes to give ideas or get feedback on the build.
Thanks
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Looks like a good start!
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For rigidity I decided to box the ends of the beam.
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Finished boxing one end of the beam.
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Started on the other end.
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Stewie, Have you seen the SplitFire woodsplitters? I have one for my PTO, they split in both directions. I don't think they would be very hard at all to build.
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Coolidge,
I have looked at the Splitfire. They are a nice machine and would certainly speed things up. I am tentatively attempting to copy a timber wolf tw-5. My hopes are to build a 4 way wedge and only split each piece once, within reason.
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Built the wedge and made the first pass around it. Going with a 6010 root and a 7018 cap with multiple stringers.
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Here is the four way wedge. The plan is for it to raise and lower hydraulically.
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Another view of the wedge.
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When I built my log splitter for my skid steer I used a 18" wedge and ran it thru the frame instead of butt welding it to the top. I now have a 24" piece of wedge sitting in the shop, plan is to replace the 18" with the 24" and have the whole thing slide up and down thru the frame so if I get some nasty stuff I can use it as a single splitter or a four way on the straighter stuff.
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That's a great idea mlappin, sure sounds like it would be a whole lot stronger!
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Mlappin,
That is a great idea. I belive it is similar to the design used by built rite. They make an excellent machine as well. If this works as intended the four way wedge will travel the full length of the stationary wedge so when it is fully lowered i will have the single wedge to split. As far as the but weld is concerned, i beveled the 1/2" plate 30 degrees and left a 3/32" root face. I made the root pass with 6010 and capped it with 7018. If it fails i will cut the beam to insert the stationary wedge below the surface and weld it from both sides top and bottom.
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I decided to build the hitch with 2" box tubing and make it removable. It will tow from the non splitting end.
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Boxing in the hitch end.
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Built the anchor and mounted it.
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Another view of the anchor.
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I finally got the pusher built. I used 3/4" plate with 1/2'' webs. The mounting location for the clevis is 1'' plate.
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Another angle of the pusher.
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I welded 3/8'' nuts on the face to prevent slippage.
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Checking the clearance.
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nice pics!
:thumbup:
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Thanks Matty,
I noticed in your signature that you have a l3800dt. How do you like it? I have 35 hrs on mine and would only trade it for another one.
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Installed two zerk fittings in the top of the pusher.
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Installed zerk fittings in the lower guides.
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Finished welding the wedge to the beam.
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Finished welding the anchor.
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Built the motor mount.
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Finished welding the four way wedge.
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The cylinder finally made its way onto the beam.
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Is that a five or six inch cylinder? In hindsight I kinda wished I stuck to a four inch for faster cycle times, Bobcat doesn't do bad with a 5" but I think a 4" would have still had plenty of power to split the nasty pieces.
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It is a five inch cylinder. I opted for a 2.5'' ram to help on the return cycle time. Should be around 5.5 sec out and 4 sec back. Once the outfeed table is complete I will begin work on the conveyor.
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Awesome splitter. Hey Stewie, how do you like the HOSS 400? Any comments on it's pros and cons?
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Vincent,
Thanks on the splitter comments, I have not made much progress on it as of late due to working a lot of overtime. As for the stove, I love it. It is well built and very heavy. I must say that the one thing I like the most about it is the door size. It is not as efficient in its design as other models available from other manufacturers but is was also less initial cost. I have had no issues with it. Time will tell. I am particular in the maintenance and layup of the unit which should add to its longevity. As far as fuel is concerned if it will fit through the door it will burn it.
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You've done a great job on the splitter. It is very impressive. The whole OWB concept is awesome but if you are like me and work A LOT OF HOURS, it can also be confusing. I really wanted to stay with an American company and at our farm, we always try if possible to support small business. We have an unlimited amount of wood at our disposal off our farm. The efficiency is a concern but the bigger deciding factor for us is reliability with me being gone a lot. Thank you again for your response. The folks who participate in this forum are genuinely nice people. I met one last month ( CountryBoyJohn ) and after meeting this young man and the people on this forum, there is still hope for our country.
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What a nice statement! to bad most of the country doesn't feel the same way, perhaps we can convince them?
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Yes, a nice statement indeed. Vincent, how is the 400sf working out for you? What is your heatload. How long have you had the stove
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It's on order. Supposed to be delivered last of September. I go in for double knee replacement ( I'm way too young for that but.....) this Thursday then rehabbing at my farm. We already have 15 cords cut, split and stacked. That part is done. I have quite a few friends who have OWB's and they are all going to help on the install. I'll keep you posted, in the meantime, as always, thank you for your help.
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I have been working a lot of overtime lately and haven't made any progress on the splitter in a month. I finally got a day off and got back after it.
I made the swinging foot for the end opposite of the jack.
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Finished the cylinder mount for the adjustable 4way wedge.
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Mounted the Hydraulic tank.
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Built the mounting platform for the hydraulic valve.
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It's on order. Supposed to be delivered last of September. I go in for double knee replacement ( I'm way too young for that but.....) this Thursday then rehabbing at my farm. We already have 15 cords cut, split and stacked. That part is done. I have quite a few friends who have OWB's and they are all going to help on the install. I'll keep you posted, in the meantime, as always, thank you for your help.
Oh crap, a double? Just a glutton for punishment eh?
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Both knees are coming along well. Physical therapy was a killer. But, we are trenching this week (if it stops raining) and I'll keep you posted on the install. I am sure there will be many, many questions.............vpm
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Vincent,
Glad to hear that your recovery is going well.
I started on the outfeed table.
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I finished the outfeed table.
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Mounted the engine and started plumbing.
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Finished the plumbing and routing the hoses.
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The two spool hydraulic valve i ordered had the detent located on the opposite end of the spool for the main cylinder. To resolve the issue i mounted the control handles upside down. I also shortened the handle for the wedge lift.
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The build is coming to an end. I will fill it with hydraulic fluid and check for leaks. Hopefully tomorrow i can try it out. I will post some pics of the progress, and of course, any modification it requires. The next step is to modify a grain elevator to load the split wood into a dump trailer.
Thanks for the views and the feedback.
Stewie
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Looking good. Job well done
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So, The trial run of the splitter went well as far as its function is concerned, however, it revealed one weakness. The axle was built from 2" SCH 40 Black iron pipe and proved to be far too weak to support the weight of the machine on a rough gravel road. Here is a pic and the repair that followed.
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OOPS!
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I cut the spindles off the pipe and welded them in the center of 1/2'' plate.
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Then,
I attached the 1/2'' plate to 3/8'' x 3" box tubing.
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The four way wedge splits as i had hoped and the outfeed table catches wood. I will post pics of it splitting with the conveyor in place as soon as the conveyor is finished.
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Very nice build there Stewie. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your project with us and posting pics along the way. I also really like the wood catch table you built for it. Makes me want to try to modify mine in a similar fashion. Currently I split and grab quickly so the pieces don't fall off on my toes.
:thumbup:
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Super Job! Your attention to detail and design is better than factory. Was wondering if you would share what you used for motor and pump and if you did achieve the cycle time you expected?
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I had an old ear corn elevator that we used to handle firewood when I still had a firewood processor. First thing we had to do was replace the bottom section of the elevator where the wood landed as the this sheetmetal gave way very shortly, replaced it with a piece of 10 gauge, then we took some 3/8 rod, placed a ninety degree bend in one about two inches long and ran that thru a small piece of black pipe. then let the long end hang down and contact the floor of the elevator, did this so a small piece couldn't slip down into the boot of the elevator and jam the paddles when they came around. I can snap a picture of it if you want as i still have the elevator, used a slow running hydraulic motor to run it.
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mildot1,
Thanks for the comments, I used a honda gx 390 that i picked up used from a pressure washer setup that was not properly winterized. I paid $50 for it. "Right place at the right time". The pump is a barnes haldex 22 gpm two stage. The cycle times are very close to what i had originally figured. I set the rpm @ 3600 and the use of straight fittings vs 90's helped with the flow and heat. I have since changed the design of the 4 way wedge and will post pics when i get time. The original design was made with 1/2'' plate and was not strong enough. It finally showed its weakness on knarly maple. I made the new wedge with 3/4'' plate and tripled the height where the horizontal wings attach. I also made the new wedge "float" instead of being fixed to the hydraulic ram.
This gives the wedge the ability to rise and fall as need be if the wood is not straight grained or is knotty. Pics help tremendously i know but i have been busy.
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mlappin,
I would like to see the pics you mentioned. The conveyor is still not finished. I have the bearings to replace on the axle at the tail pulley but havent had the time. The splitter will pile wood off the end of the outfeed table about shoulder high before it tries to shove the splitter backwards. This has me pondering and idea. I am thinking i can build a ramp with sides to contain the wood that would attach to the table and "push" the wood up into the dump trailer. It would simplify things.
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That must happen more than I would have thought, I got the same engine for the same reason. I just picked up a 30" stroke, 2.5" dia ram cyl with a 40" long body yesterday, I don't know what it came off of but it was all I could do to get it in the truck.
I am really against bending over to wrestle logs or pick up splits so I am going for a build like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYrMBRFa-wc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYrMBRFa-wc)
I was figuring a 22gpm pump but not sure on the brand, seems to be a significant price diff between the Haldex and others. Is it worth it? I usually subscribe to the "Buy Once Cry Once" theory but wondering.
I am fabbing up my own tank, will be about 21 gl.
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This is just something that was brought to my attention by James at Spiltez. Looking at your setup I'm guessing changing the hydro filter will be a little bit of a bitch since it sits below the oil level of the tank???
His recommendation was to mount it as high as possible so you only loose what's in the filter.
FWIW
Still think it is a super system!
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Mildot1,
I realized my error when i attempted to change the filter for the first time. I now have a valve installed between the tank and the filter body. Good catch. I finally got around to taking some pictures of the revised wedge.
Thanks
http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/stewie3500/slideshow/new%20splitter%20wedge (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/stewie3500/slideshow/new%20splitter%20wedge)
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Sorry it took so long to get the pictures. Any time one of the original paddles on the conveyor gave me problems I replaced it with 1"x1" tubing with a tab welded to each end to bolt into the original hole the paddle used.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t167/Marty_Lappin/IMG_1166_zps116a2dda.jpg (http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t167/Marty_Lappin/IMG_1166_zps116a2dda.jpg)
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t167/Marty_Lappin/IMG_1165_zpsab39f3cc.jpg (http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t167/Marty_Lappin/IMG_1165_zpsab39f3cc.jpg)
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http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/stewie3500/media/Splitter%20Conveyor%20and%20Trailer/20141220_141904_zpsa189af4b.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0 (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/stewie3500/media/Splitter%20Conveyor%20and%20Trailer/20141220_141904_zpsa189af4b.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0)
Mlappin,
Thanks for the photos of the conveyor/elevator. I have my eye out for something similar to that. I am using an all aluminum unit that does work but is a bit too narrow at times. It still saves alot of handling though.