Author Topic: Log Splitter. (Read 2449 times)

Mick.Chicago · « **on:** August 29, 2011, 05:36:26 PM »

Found this.

Looking on Google it appears I need two handles to even see if it works!

Anyone with any experience with this? It's made by harbor freight, Made in India.

Jet_deck · « **Reply #1 on:** August 29, 2011, 06:15:42 PM »

That looks like more exercise than a rowing machine.

Mick.Chicago · « **Reply #2 on:** August 29, 2011, 07:25:01 PM »

Maybe you could rig up the diving arm mixer to do the work for me!

Tman1 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 29, 2011, 08:27:18 PM »

In the ads at the bottom of the page...
http://www.harborfreight.com/10-ton-hydraulic-log-splitter-67090.html?utm_medium=cse&utm_source=nextag&hft_adv=40011&mr:referralID=9139d5cc-d29e-11e0-891e-001b2166c2c0

maybe you buy the handles from them! I would think that this would be a good option for someone who doesn't need huge amounts of wood split. Good lesson in patience...

Mick.Chicago · « **Reply #4 on:** August 29, 2011, 09:04:53 PM »

I have two adequate handles.

I got it to move about an inch, turned the release valve and the cylinder retracted. Went to pump again and it went about a quarter inch, I think it's low on hydraulic fluid, it looks like it was chucked out due to lack of use though as it had cobwebs on it, rather than being chucked out after breaking, if not, it weighs a lot for the scrap man.

Ev · « **Reply #5 on:** August 29, 2011, 09:22:33 PM »

I've got one of those. Bought it last year at HF. It works pretty good but you won't win any speed splitting comps with it. One lever goes slow with lots of power. The other goes a little faster. Together, it goes a little faster yet, but with less power.

Jet_deck · « **Reply #6 on:** August 30, 2011, 12:30:37 AM »

Quote from: Mick.Chicago on August 29, 2011, 09:04:53 PM

....... I think it's low on hydraulic fluid, it looks like it was chucked out due to lack of use though as it had cobwebs on it, rather than being chucked out after breaking .......

I will bet you two wooden nickels that the refill hole is referenced below. I would suggest regular 10-40 motor oil to refill it with.

Ev · « **Reply #7 on:** August 30, 2011, 07:47:26 AM »

That is the refill hole. When you fill it, make sure the piston is completely retracted, otherwise you could over fill the cylinder and blow the rubber fill plug sky high and get a shower of hydraulic fluid. Don't ask me how I know this.

Mick.Chicago · « **Reply #8 on:** August 30, 2011, 08:24:17 AM »

Jet.

Why 10-40 and not hydraulic?

Jet_deck · « **Reply #9 on:** August 30, 2011, 09:29:32 AM »

It will likely take less than 1 qt. ,10-40 should be easier to find, although an AutoZone or something might have a 1 qt. bottle of "bottle jack oil"

Ev · « **Reply #10 on:** August 30, 2011, 10:42:59 AM »

You should have no trouble finding small containers of hydraulic fluid. I'm sure that's what's already in there. Why mix with something else if you can avoid it?

Mick.Chicago · « **Reply #11 on:** August 30, 2011, 11:07:20 AM »

I found it by the gallon at Menards! And Harbor Freight sell a quart for $2.99 I think

JJP · « **Reply #12 on:** August 30, 2011, 01:31:08 PM »

motor oil, brake fluid, steering fluid or hydraulic fluid... all should work fine for what your doing. Its just a cheap pump so no real risk for damage and if its shot.... they are cheap to replace.

Mick.Chicago · « **Reply #13 on:** August 30, 2011, 03:40:32 PM »

The most important factor is the least amount of effort involved

If hydraulic fluid is going to mean I sweat less then its OK, plus I can get it near by so there's no need to even slightly risk damaging it.

Brand new the whole unit is $120, not something I'd like to chuck away for the sake of a buck.

Will update if it works.

Ev · « **Reply #14 on:** August 30, 2011, 09:40:03 PM »

I just got a flyer in the mail from HF. Those are on sail right now for $89.99

widespreadpizza · « **Reply #15 on:** August 30, 2011, 10:05:41 PM »

Mick, honestly, a good sharp maul is likely to smoke that thing. No pun intended..... -Marc

Mick.Chicago · « **Reply #16 on:** August 30, 2011, 11:08:47 PM »

Yeah I have two, and a few hatchets and wedges etc but I can see if I have a use for this on some bigger pieces of wood! My wife's given me permission to go ahead and build an oven

c0mpl3x · « **Reply #17 on:** August 30, 2011, 11:48:37 PM »

great for branch logs with knots and twists. other than that, manual splitting is still faster

petef · « **Reply #18 on:** September 05, 2011, 04:35:32 AM »

Quote from: c0mpl3x on August 30, 2011, 11:48:37 PM

great for branch logs with knots and twists. other than that, manual splitting is still faster

I agree! Manually splitting a log typically takes me 10 to 15 seconds to pickup & position the log and split it. I contemplated getting a power splitter, but I really don't think it would save time. It might be easier, but not faster than manually splitting with a maul or axe.

On the other hand, a hydraulic or power splitter would be most useful for logs that are very hard to split manually or for anyone with a physical problem that inhibits their ability to efficiently handle a maul or axe.

---pete---

TXCraig1 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 07, 2011, 01:09:18 AM »

Take it from someone who has split a lot of wood with a maul and with a hydraulic splitter, unless you're splitting little tiny logs with a helper, manually is NOT faster than a power splitter. Not even close.