Electric Log Splitter?

Not with 5 ton.  Used a 20-ton when burned wood

Kneale Brownson

The 5-ton MIGHT split straight grained stuff. I's bet it will not split knotty stuff. I've run into knotty stuff the 20-ton had trouble with.

Re: Not with 5 ton.

Mark Mandell - Gone Round In New Jersey

That's about what I figured.

New they're about $280. $150 is a bit high for doing small stuff.

Told my son I'd take up my big one (32Ton) if he wants to play.

Re: Not with 5 ton.

William Duffield

I've split lots of knotty black locust (and other, easier stuff) with an Ochsenkopf Spalt-Fix splitting axe. It weighs a lot less than 5 tons, even when it's stuck in the end of a log and I need to pick them both up together to complete the split.

Yeah I know. There's a lot of difference between weight and force.

5's

Mark Mandell - Gone Round In New Jersey

Have a five pound splitting maul.

Did a good job.

[in the dim past when I had the energy to swing it]

Looks nice on the tool rack.

force

John K Jordan

>>>The 5-ton MIGHT split straight grained stuff. I's bet it will not split knotty stuff. I've run into knotty stuff the 20-ton had trouble with.

My thoughts exactly. I'd hate to split with less than 20 tons of force.

JKJ

5's too small useless

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

An 8 pound maul does what a hydraulic splitter does for all but the knottiest stock. I have come to leave that kind of wood in the woods-crotches and large limb forks. I have never seen a 5. 6's good for smaller logs. A dogwood wedge and an ax are useful additions.

Hmmm, Maybe

Mark Mandell - Gone Round In New Jersey

that's why I switched to a 32 ton 10hp splitter

Depends on how you work...

John in NM

When I had a house with a wood stove, I split loads of local wood up here with a pair of 6 lb mauls. Most of it was various pine & fir varieties, tons of knots. I only used wedges if the two mauls weren't enough - sink one maul with a swing, then hit it with the other. Once I got some practice I could usually swing the second with one hand (lift underhand so you get a pendulum rhythm going) if the wood was half dry and easy splitting.

Re: 5's

William Duffield

I'm afraid I'm getting too old for the maul and wedges, too (71 next month). I guess it's about time to look for a splitter.

Rebuilt Mine

Mark Mandell - Gone Round In New Jersey

It started out as a borg special with an 8 hp Briggs and the 6" box beam as the fluid reservoir. Then the motor died about the same time that the welds on the box beam started cracking from the vibration and leaking hydraulic fluid. Got a new 10hp motor and a 10 gal tank from Northern Tools.

Beastie's been bullet proof ever since. Have yet to find a tree that it won't split including elm.

Re: force

Joe Rogers, West Virginia

After moving to WV post retirement, I used a 6 ton electric splitter the first winter. Large logs can be split but one has to take small bites from the edges. Entails a lot of lifting and has limited capacity as to length. The next summer I had a dozen big trees harvested to protect the buildings. This required a new chainsaw and a 28 ton splitter...

To feed a fireplace for atmosphere, an electric splitter will work. To feed a wood stove or insert for heat, go big!

Joe

Re: Electric Log Splitter?

Mike Cutler

Mark

I'm going to say that yes, there is definitely a place for a small electrohydraulic splitter.

To split the initial rounds, no, it's too small. To use in the house, or basement, to make already split smaller for kindling, or pack the box, yes.

Like everyone else, I have all the mauls and wedges. I had mini mauls for use inside the house to make kindling and such. Now I have a no name brand Tractor Supply 5 ton splitter right at the wood stove.

If you heat your house with wood, put it right at the wood stove, or fireplace. I promise you that you'll find a use for it.

Re: Electric Log Splitter?

ebd

Personally I think owning a splitter, unless you are continually working up wood, is a waste. I can rent one and work up a years supply for my woodshop and firepit as well as my Son's needs in a day. I don't have to store it, nor maintain it.

Cord

Pete in Holland MI

Just remember to use an adequately sized cord & extension cord. That unit will be working hard. An under sized power cord will speed up the expiration date of the motor.