Foot operated log splitter

My relative Ken was in need for a log splitter. I made one up for him, using a cheap bottle jack and various bits of stuff I already had lying around. The resulting splitter is foot operated and capable of splitting logs of various sizes.

Although this project falls in the category of Redneck projects, it is still important to think of safety. For example, I did not only look away when grinding steel, but I also squinted my eyes at the same time! *

Enjoy,
Richard Tegelbeckers

* Just kidding: WEAR GOGGLES!!!

Step 1: Main frame

For the main upright I used a section I salvaged from a store display unit. It has holes along it's length, which will be useful for adjustment purposes. I also used 25X50 rectangular box and 50x50 square box, which I recovered from other redundant fabrications. I did sketch up the main frame and sliding block before making them. After completion of the frame and the slider, I did not make use of any drawings and made it all up as I went along.

Comments

[hubertnick2]

would a 4lb diamond shaped wedge work on this?

[RTegelbeckers]

I have no first hand experience using such a wedge. However, I believe such a wedge would be made out of heat treated, high carbon steel. As such it could be a bit troublesome welding it. Not impossible, but it might be easier just welding a couple of plates into a wide wedge shape and grinding a sharp cutting edge onto it.

[Botanikas]

after watching video only one thing comes to my mind: you need to protect your nuts when operating this splitter :D

[RTegelbeckers]

With small logs, having a cross section similar to the size of the wedge, the pieces will jump sideways. Larger sections tend to stay in place. Still, Ken will be wrapping a bungee around the logs, for the reason u pointed out...

[Marco Maas]

Where are the times that men swearved with axes?

Nice job!

[RTegelbeckers]

Step into the modern times... ;-)

Thanks Marco!

[Vika84]

Brilliant as usual! :-) Good luck in this contest!

[RTegelbeckers]

Thanks hun!!! :-D