Many people want to make a mechanical wood splitter with their own hands. However, not everyone knows where to start. It is interesting to read about the design of a particular device. They look quite attractive in the photographs.
The retail chain offers those interested a whole arsenal of machines for splitting logs. Quite interesting videos have been made for some of them; the features of their work have been demonstrated over the years. On the stands near the proposed models there are results of chopping firewood into individual logs.
Why do we need firewood - improving fuel quality
IN modern world quite a few energy sources:
- Natural gas available in wide areas. It is enough to open the burner and light it, and a bluish light appears, which releases a significant heat flux.
- Liquid fuel, supplied through the nozzles, burns with a bright red or yellowish flame. Even used in heat engines different types liquid energy carriers.
- Coal and its processed products have a long combustion cycle. The reddish flame gives off heat for a long time not only by convection; a powerful flow of thermal radiation reaches all surrounding objects.
- Firewood was the first available source of heat. They remain relevant today.
Used in many homes stove heating. Baths and saunas, when advertising their services, indicate that they use wood of certain tree species as a heat source. Outdoor cooking traditionally involves the use of wood in the technology of cooking food.
Theoretical foundations of heat engineering - solid fuel combustion
To make it easier to set fire to wood, it needs to be split into relatively small fragments. After splitting the logs into separate logs, the surface of contact of the combustible material with the air is increased. As a result, instantaneous heat transfer inside the firebox increases in proportion to the combustion area. Therefore, the procedure of chopping wood is a technique that allows you to increase the efficiency of fuel use.
Attention! Firewood chopped into logs is placed in woodpiles. They dry out in them. The moisture inside the wood evaporates rapidly. The apparent heat of combustion increases, since there is no need to waste energy on evaporating the liquid located in the intercellular space.
In thermal engineering, the following concepts have been introduced to characterize fuel:
- The highest calorific value, implying the total heat released during the combustion of a specific type of combustible substance.
- The lower calorific value is the actual amount of heat, which takes into account the energy costs for heating the fuel and the removal of ingredients from it during the combustion process that are not involved in the process itself.
Therefore, drying firewood is a technique that improves the performance of a fuel cell. Pre-grinding increases the efficiency of drying firewood, and subsequently burning it in a stove or other combustion device solid fuel.
Wood splitting process
You can chop wood in different ways. Traditionally, it is customary to strike with an ax, trying to split a sawn fragment of a log, striking the end part.
A heavy wedge (the ax is wedge-shaped) is inserted into the body of the log. If you come across wood without knots and with a loose structure, then even with relatively little physical effort, the wedge will be inserted inside. Tangential forces will push the fibers apart, causing the body to split into two components.
If the apex angle is made small, then the wedge-shaped body will penetrate deeply inside, but the magnitude of the tangential forces will be small. The destructive force will not be enough. The ax will jam in the resulting gap.
When a less acute angle is formed, the tangential forces will be more significant. They can split wood.
The rheological properties of different types of wood are studied in laboratories. Viscosity depends on many factors. It has been established that for most types of wood it is desirable to have a wedge with an apex angle of 25...30 °. For such a cutting tool, the chopping properties are the best in terms of splitting properties.
With slow penetration of the wedge, the kinetic energy not accumulated as a result of the swing and subsequent impact becomes decisive. The process occurs by introduction into a plastic body, where, when certain values are reached, the bonds between the fibers are broken.
Research has shown that for wood splitters the apex angle should be 30...38 °. Then the penetration of the wedge will be accompanied by breaking the bonds with less effort. Only some species will resist: elm, maple, apple, cherry.
For pine, oak, ash and a number of other species, a small penetration into the body is sufficient. Breaking ties is quite easy.
The length of the block also influences the magnitude of the forces. The shorter it is, the less resistance the tree has when splitting. Usually the length is determined by the depth of the firebox - the firewood must be placed inside the stove so that the door can be closed.
Mechanical assistants for splitting wood
A number of metalworking enterprises produce wood splitters. Based on their operating principle, they are divided into several types:
- Cleavers are installations for chopping action. The logs are placed on special supports, and then blows are applied with a weighted chisel.
- The chopping wedge is placed motionless, and the objects to be split are supported on them. The blows are applied with heavy sledgehammers, the splitting is carried out when passing through a passive working element.
- Pressers are installations with a mechanical pusher drive. The log is laid on a bed, and then it is pushed through a flat or cross-shaped knife.
- Screw destroyers are embedded inside the layered material. Penetrating deeper, they split even strong and twisted wood.
Cutting wood with wedge devices
Wedges are the simplest devices for cutting wood. In them, the level of labor mechanization is minimal. The main task of the device is the oriented fixation of the block relative to the cutting edges. The blows are delivered by the user himself, swinging a heavy hammer or sledgehammer.
In cleavers, the movement of the wedge ax is carried out along a constant trajectory. The processing object is placed on a stationary platform. To maximize the impact force, the mass of the actuator is increased.
To soften the operation of the device, it is equipped with powerful springs. They soften the impact at the end point, preventing the wedge from touching the supports (preventing the wedge from dulling). Along the way, the springs help the user lift the heavy knife to strike again.
In a stable position, the entire system is in a balanced state. The moment created by the weight of the load G located on the arm L₁ is balanced by the force of the spring F on the arm L₂.
G·L₁ = F·L₂
It is most convenient to use springs from a car. For standard cars, the initial compression value is F = 8 kN (800 kg). Shoulder L₁ = 2.0 m. Taking arm L₂ = 0.3 m, the weight of the load G = 300 kN (30 kg) is obtained. The spring mechanism works quite softly, although the action of the wood splitter is based on striking the logs being cut.
The person lifts the load from the waist level by 0.5...0.6 m. Then the wedge is released. He falls and breaks the log. If complete destruction has not occurred, then you have to lift the cleaver and the block. With subsequent impacts, the weight of the entire system acts, and the impact is stronger. Even knotty scraps break when struck repeatedly.
Mechanisms for feeding logs for splitting
Wood splitters, which implement the principle of pressing through fixed knives, mechanize the main technological process: splitting logs into separate fragments. Based on the type of pusher drive, it is customary to determine:
- Hydraulic, in which the pushers are connected to the rods of hydraulic cylinders. The pump creates pressure in the oil, which is transmitted inside the mechanism. These are the simplest designs, since hydraulic drive devices do not have additional energy converters.
- Inertial ones use rotating masses. The energy accumulated by the flywheels is converted into forward movement of the pusher. The devices use special clutches that are engaged by the operator after installing a piece of log on the bed.
- Rack and pinion mechanisms use a converter from rotational to translational motion using a gear and a rack with teeth. At the right moment, the gear rotates until it engages the teeth of the actuator. The pusher moves the block onto the stationary knives. It splits into smaller elements.
- The crank mechanism receives torque from the gearbox. It is converted into translational movement of the pusher. Switching on (off) is regulated by a constantly open clutch. At the right moment, the operator engages the clutch, the crank begins to rotate, causing the connecting rod to move forward. The cycle ends with the return of the crank and connecting rod to their original position.
- Split nut and lead screw. The engine turns on, the rotation of the shaft is transmitted to the lead screw. At the right moment, the split nut is connected, the rotating shaft moves it, acting on the pusher. To return, the direction of rotation of the shaft is changed (a reverse rotation gear is used).
Such devices do not have high performance, but they take up relatively little space. They are installed in woodsheds (rooms for storing firewood). There they also split the bars into small logs and wood chips.
The machine includes:
- An electric motor transmits torque from it to the actuator.
- Drive and driven pulleys with a V-belt, a reduction V-belt transmission helps to increase torque and also reduce the rotation speed on the main part of the device.
- The cone is the main working body. A persistent conical thread is cut on the conical surface. When rotating inside the destructible body, the conical screw part cuts deeper, pulling the log towards the support.
- A wedge is an auxiliary device that helps destroy a drawn part.
The mechanism is simple, it is controlled by one person. During the work, you have to feed the block of wood onto the cone. Its design is more complex. The thrust thread is cut with a pitch of 7 mm.
Making your own wood splitter
Many residents of rural areas, as well as summer residents, have questions: “How to make a mechanical wood splitter with your own hands? How difficult is it to make a wood chopping machine?”
Even more questions arise during the manufacturing process. You can start with the simplest device. Having mastered the techniques of working with it, you can move on to making more complex wood splitters and more.
Step-by-step guide to making a spring log splitter
To complete the work you will need the following tools:
- Angle grinder (grinder) with a set of cutting discs and cleaning flap wheels.
- Welding machine, modern inverter-type household devices for welding steel structures relatively small in mass. The process runs on DC, so the welds are neat, the molten metal of the electrode completely fills the joints between the parts.
- Clamps will help connect the parts to be welded.
- Measuring and marking tools will help produce blanks for future designs.
Materials needed:
- Channel No. 10...16 (the number determines the height expressed in centimeters).
- Profile pipe 40·60 mm (30·60 mm).
- Rail 300…400 mm long.
- I-beam No. 12...16.
- Corner No. 30...50.
- Bushing from the car suspension (it may have wear).
- Pipes with a diameter of 40...70 mm.
- Suspension spring passenger car, for example, from VAZ.
Before starting work, a preliminary design is drawn. Some craftsmen have mastered the programs engineering design, with the help of which they can work out the details of the future product. Manufacturing details are shown below.
An approximate diagram will help you navigate the process of manufacturing the installation.
The support is made from the channel. A stand is welded to it. It is best to use an I-beam for the rack. This type of rolled product has high rigidity. Under prolonged loads, it is quite difficult to bend such an element.
To ensure stability of the base, jibs are welded to it. Additionally, stops are created from the existing pipes; they will prevent a possible fall of the entire product.
A support for the spring is cut from the channel. A square hole is sawn through it. This will allow you to securely fix the element on the rack in the future.
The installation height of the support is determined by the length of the existing spring. At the same time, they focus on the height of the entire wood splitter, as well as its ease of use for humans. It is convenient to lift a load located at waist height. You will have to lift it slightly above chest level.
All these considerations will allow you to choose the height of installation of the spring support on the strut.
The corners are used to make jibs. They will hold the support. Then, when the wood splitter is dynamically loaded, there will be no displacement of the supporting surface.
To fix the lower end of the spring, you need to make a cylindrical clamp. A small piece of pipe is used to make it. It is advisable to select a pipe according to the inner diameter of the spring. Then it will not move during operation.
There is a slot in the top of the rack. A bushing is installed in it. Then it is boiled. When installing, you must maintain perpendicularity to the rack. The hub axis must be parallel to the ground. For welding, a conductor is used that will allow the specified conditions to be met.
The shaft is installed in the sleeve. A rocker arm is welded to it (a channel is used). A small piece of pipe is mounted on the lower part of the rocker. The upper part of the spring will be fixed in it.
In order for the rocker to move freely, a window is cut in it; its dimensions depend on the parameters of the rack.
Welded to the rocker profile pipe. A chisel is installed at its end. These tools are made from carbon steel U9...U10. The hardness of this metal is HRC 60...63. This tool will last a long time. During operation, it is easy to sharpen it using an angle grinder and a grinding wheel.
The wood splitter becomes operational. A load (part of the rail) is welded above the chisel. For ease of use, the handle is welded. To reduce damage to your hands, wear rubber elements. They will dampen vibration upon impact.
To work, you will need to install a large piece of log. Logs will be placed on it, which will have to be cut.
The log is held with one hand. They raise the cleaver and then strike.
The cleaver goes down. The fragment located below splits. The chisel goes lower. If a complete split occurs, the point hits the wood support and does not become dull.
Organization of the production process
After making the wood splitter, you will have to start chopping firewood. In order for the job to be done easily, it is necessary to properly organize the production process.
The sawn fragments should be placed on one side. To get less tired, the distance should be only two or three steps.
It is advisable to place the chopped logs on a cart. The volume of the cart is small; no more than 30...40 kg of firewood will fit into it.
After filling, they need to be transported and placed on a woodpile. While the chopped firewood is being transported to the storage location, you can take a break from your main work. Changing activities is also a vacation.
Video: do-it-yourself mechanical wood splitter or how to assemble a wood splitter.
Conclusion
- You can make the preparation of firewood easier by using wood splitters. The simplest types of these devices can be made by hand.
- Carrying out step by step actions When making a spring device yourself, it is easy to make a convenient impact wood splitter yourself.
Updated:
2016-09-10
Do-it-yourself wood splitters are used, as a rule, by residents of villages and towns who heat their homes using firewood. Buy professional installation very expensive and beyond the means of an ordinary villager. In addition, such machines are mainly used in large enterprises. However, if you wish, it is not difficult to build a wood splitter with your own hands; its mechanism is simple and extremely useful in country farming.
The device for splitting firewood is divided into mechanical and hydraulic modification. Depending on the supply of logs to the installation, classification by orientation can be horizontal, vertical or mixed.
A homemade wood splitter is also classified by its power source. These can be models with electric or gasoline engines, or single-shaft ones with tractor traction. All these devices for splitting firewood differ from each other in the specific installation and individuality in terms of the operating principle.
However, all wood splitters have common positive qualities:
- Minimizing forces when chopping wood.
- Speed and efficiency in work.
- Optimization of physical effort: a person does not need to constantly bend over during the chopping process.
- Instantly ready for use: you just need to connect the device.
- Endurance during operation of the unit: it has the ability to continuously chop wood over a long period.
- Versatility: even a person without any special advantages in physical strength can chop wood with a log splitter.
The disadvantages include the inflated price when buying a ready-made wood splitter, as well as the complexity of the mechanism if you make a hydraulic wood splitter with your own hands.
Simple DIY wood splitter
The lightest system self-made devices for splitting firewood are cone splitters. They are based on a steel cone with a thread, which is driven rotational movement using an electric motor. The difficulty in creating such a wood splitter can only be created by the cone, since it will need to be turned on a lathe.
Before you make a wood splitter with your own hands, you need to purchase the following tools and materials:
- power unit - electric motor or gasoline engine;
- gearbox;
- bearings;
- bed (preferably metal);
- working cone - gimlet.
All these tools and materials for the wood splitter are selected individually; there is no specific scheme. In this case, the device for splitting firewood will accurately meet all conditions and provide the required working performance.
A homemade wood splitter, which is based on a threaded cone, is turned on a lathe, then a spiral thread is made on it using a grinder. Next, the cone is placed on a shaft with bearings, where it is fixed with a pin for further removal from the shaft and replacement of the gimlet.
When chopping wood, the cone can get stuck in the log, so the ability to remove it from the shaft is necessary.
Next, a gearbox or spacer made of pipes and nuts is mounted between the engine and the shaft. The gearbox is necessary in order to increase torque, reduce speed, and also provide stable air pressure before each blow. The spacer made of pipes and nuts is designed to tension the chain.
The homemade wood splitter is ready, you just need to turn on the mechanism and set the cone in motion. When it starts to rotate, a log is aimed at it using a stop. Thus, the working cone, screwing into the wood, will split it in half.
DIY hydraulic wood splitter
To process a large number of logs for firewood, it is recommended to make or buy a hydraulic model of a wood splitter. In such a device, the main power component is a cylinder, the rod of which extends under the influence of fluid pressure inside. For this purpose, the design includes a pump and an electric motor.
To make a wood splitter with your own hands, it would be logically correct to use drawings with diagrams. The hydraulic splitter can be made on a rod or in a stop structure. This device is static, which increases the strength of the entire structure.
The lightest model is assembled as follows: a car jack is mounted at the bottom of the vertical frame on the platform. Then, instead of the cutting element, the knife, a conical wedge is installed. Upper part The frame is detachable for easy adjustment to the size and length of the log being split. The wedge is brought to the firewood using a central screw, then the jack enters the splitting process. However, a do-it-yourself hydraulic wood splitter, mounted on a fixed frame, requires some knowledge and skill, so it is not recommended to make such a device without experience.
When choosing a specific modification, you need to take into account the following characteristics wood splitter:
- The splitting force depends on the dimensions of the cylinder and the power of the electric motor. It ranges from 4-10 tons.
- The maximum workpiece size is 0.5-2.0 m.
- The location of the wood is vertical or lying.
- Motor power, depending on the type of engine, ranges from 1.2-2 kW.
A hydraulic wood splitter has a large throughput, which is why it is often used for commercial purposes. However, it can also be installed at home; such a device facilitates convenient and high-quality splitting of firewood for heating a house, bathhouse and other household items. By building it yourself, you can save a considerable amount, but it is important to take into account the maximum diameter of the workpiece and the speed of its processing.
Chopping wood is considered a very beneficial activity for human health - it is both physical training and stimulation of the heart muscle. Still swinging the ax for many modern people very tiring - either their physical fitness is weak, or civilization has a negative impact on them. In general, today's people are ready to spend time in the gym, but not doing something like chopping wood. Even if they have to deal with such work, they still try to make it easier by inventing various electric wood splitters. Yes, they are good, but why spend a lot of money on buying equipment that will be used in the country from time to time, if you can make a manual wood splitter yourself, which will both facilitate and secure the process of collecting firewood?
DIY firewood splitter photo
What you need to make a manual wood splitter
By and large, in order to make a simple manual mini wood splitter yourself, you won’t need much – first of all, it’s the ability to use a welding machine. If you do not have such skills, there is no need to be upset - there are always friends and acquaintances who can help you in this matter with warm and sincere company. In this case, you only need to collect everything you need and make the preparation yourself. For all this you will need the following things.
- Sheet of thick metal 7-10 mm. The piece is relatively small - if we talk about fragments, then you will need a strip of metal about 100 m wide. From it you need to cut one piece 300 mm long and two pieces 150 mm long. Basically, if you plan to chop logs large diameter, then the length of these plates will need to be increased.
- Metal plate for the base of the wood splitter. Here you can take thinner iron - five millimeters in thickness will be enough. The size of the plate, based on the above details, is approximately 300 by 300 mm.
- A metal rod of round or square cross-section - as an option, a pipe will do, but a rod is better. The wood splitter will be subject to heavy shock loads, and the pipe may not last long. The cross-section of the rod is at least 20 mm in diameter or square on the side. How much rod will you need? Approximately about 3 meters.
In principle, that’s all – unless, of course, you belong to the category of aesthetes and want to decorate a hand-held firewood splitter with various forged trinkets and put it on public display. Don't laugh, there are such people - they just love collecting unusual handmade things. You should also not forget about tools - in addition to, you will also need a grinder and an electric sharpener, electrodes and other small tools such as clamps, a hammer, and so on. To better understand what will have to be made, you can watch the attached video, which shows one of the options for such a device for chopping wood.
How to make a manual wood splitter with your own hands
First, let's look at our 100 mm wide plates. As mentioned above, there should be three of them. You will need to do the following thing with them - first sharpen one side at a time, like an ax (on both sides). Then, using welding, assemble them into a cross - assemble them so that the sharpened edges are on one side of the cross. In fact, you will need to weld short strips to the center of the long strip - I think you’ll figure it out, there’s nothing complicated here. You need to cook it well on all sides. Once the cross is ready, you can begin assembling.
Once the rim is securely welded to the posts, the cleaver can be tested. It works very simply. A log is placed on the cross, which you hit with a sledgehammer - as a result, the log shatters into four parts. If you need it smaller, we place each half separately on the cross and hit it again with a sledgehammer. Tell me, why is all this needed? I mean, such difficulties when you can just swing an ax. You can swing it if you have the skill - I have nothing against it, but this way you will probably break one log into four parts with one blow, and you will have to swing the ax much more often and more. In general, this is convenience and safety as well.
How to improve a manual firewood splitter
After you have tested such a device and thoroughly enjoyed the fruits of your efforts, you will probably have a desire to slightly improve your homemade firewood cleaver. Moreover, all the prerequisites for this exist. Of course, you won’t have to count on much here, but nevertheless, a couple of improvements can be made.
In principle, such a wood splitter can have a larger number of knives. On the one hand, this is good - it seems like the log will scatter into more parts. On the other hand, it’s not entirely good - the more knives, the more cramped conditions the split firewood will be in. In short, they will get stuck there, and a lot of effort and time will have to be spent on getting them out of the cleaver. In general, the optimal one is one cross blade. Alternatively, you can generally stop at one - it will be quite enough for the needs of the dacha, even if you heat it occasionally.
To conclude the topic about a manual wood splitter, there is only one thing left to add - to say that such a wood splitter allows you to chop logs not only into large firewood, but also chop them into very thin chips. It is very easy to make torches for igniting a stove or in this way.
Chopping wood is an extremely tedious process, fraught with danger and taking a lot of time and effort. That is why many people who have to regularly perform this work try to purchase a special wood splitter or even make one themselves. Of course, to assemble a wood splitter with your own hands, you need drawings, photos, and instructions. But in addition, you need to know which model to give preference to.
What types of wood splitters are there?
So, before answering the question of how to make a wood splitter with your own hands, you need to decide which model is the best solution for a particular user. Today the three most common options are:
- hydraulic;
- electric;
- manual (inertial).
Now let's look at each of these options in more detail, so that the potential user can choose the most suitable mechanism for splitting firewood.
Hydraulic
Perhaps the hydraulic wood splitter is the most popular. The fact is that it is he who has the greatest productivity.
When working with such equipment, you can easily and quickly cut almost any wood, including wet and durable wood.
The main element of this wood splitter is the hydraulic cylinder. A log is placed on it, after which the cylinder, under the pressure of the liquid, pushes the sharpened blade.
Thanks to the significant pressure, the work is completed in a second. High productivity allows you to chop in the shortest possible time large number firewood
Important! When choosing the material from which the blade will be made on a hand-assembled wood splitter, give preference to the hardest grades of steel so that you do not have to sharpen it often.
Alas, this type of equipment is the most difficult to manufacture. Therefore, to construct a hydraulic wood splitter with your own hands, drawings will not be enough - you also need to have considerable experience working with such mechanisms.
Electric wood splitter
More budget option, which also does not require special strength - by observing certain safety precautions, even a ten-year-old child can successfully work with it. The operating principle is similar to hydraulic. However, here the blade does not split the log under the influence of a hydraulic mechanism. Here the main operating force is the electric motor.
Thanks to its simpler design, it costs significantly less. And it will be much easier to assemble it yourself (if you have the appropriate components).
Important! When installing an electric log splitter, choose a location on a slight hill and be sure to place a rubber mat under it to avoid shorting if the ground is wet after rain.
However, there are certain limitations. First, you need to have a source of electricity nearby. However, in most dachas and private houses this is not a problem. Second, make sure the wiring can handle the additional load. A wood splitter with a gearbox, either a homemade one or a factory one, is equipped with a fairly powerful engine, and if the wiring is too weak, this can lead to knocked out plugs.
Manual (inertial) wood splitter
The layout of this type of wood splitter is simple, which makes it a certain popularity. No engine is needed for manufacturing, and even a person who is not too accustomed to working with his hands can handle the assembly.
A blade is installed on a long, about one and a half meter, metal pipe. A log is fixed under it, on which a log is placed. After this, the user simply swings the main working part down.
Muscular force combined with inertia easily splits most logs, which would be quite difficult to handle manually.
In some cases, the wood splitter is modified. For example, the working part is equipped with a spring at the bottom, the other end of which is fixed near the block. The user lifts the part with the blade manually, unbending the spring, and then sharply releases it - under its weight and the tension of the spring, the blade delivers a strong blow, cutting even a problematic log with knots.
You can also hang a small weight on the opposite end of the pipe - this will significantly facilitate the lifting process, although it will slightly reduce the impact power.
Finally, on metal pipe, in the area of the blade, you can hang additional weight. It will be harder to lift the blade, but the blow will be much stronger.
The advantage of a manual or inertial wood splitter is its simplicity, unpretentiousness and the ability to assemble from improvised means. But there is also a minus. You need to have a certain amount of physical strength to successfully chop enough wood. And this will take much more time than when working with a hydraulic or electrical device.
Which wood splitter to choose
The most common types of wood splitters are described above. They can be made by hand - some are simpler, others more difficult. But having a drawing, anyone can install a homemade wood splitter in their dacha.
It is very important to decide which device will become good choice for you. After all, manufacturing will take a lot of effort, time, and money. Therefore, the possibility of error should be excluded.
Let's start with the hydraulic one. Its main advantage is high performance and ease of operation. But there is also a minus - it is complex; to create it you will need special equipment and certain skills that not every person has. Such equipment should be preferred in cases where the user will regularly work with a large amount of firewood.
The advantage of an electric wood splitter is its greater simplicity and power, which is not inferior to a hydraulic one. A very good solution for an ordinary summer resident - you can prepare several cubic meters of firewood with such an assistant without much difficulty. And in order for all summer season heating the bathhouse, and during frosts heating the main living space a little, this will be quite enough.
Finally, a manual wood splitter. As already mentioned, it is simple. Almost everything you need can be found at a ferrous metal collection point, paying no more than a few hundred rubles for the necessary components, and sometimes much less. But to work productively with it, you need to have good physical fitness.
Although it is easier to chop wood with an inertial wood splitter than with a regular cleaver, it is still quite difficult. Therefore, it should be chosen only by people who have remarkable strength, but who are unwilling or unable to work as a cleaver. However, if you need to chop just a few logs into logs, without risking your health (inept handling of an ax often leads to serious danger) and without getting too tired, this solution will be a good one.
Classification of wood splitters
In addition to those models that were described earlier, there are others. For example, with a cone-shaped cleaver. Very convenient solution, most often created on the basis electrical equipment. Using any sufficiently powerful engine (suitable from a pump, motorcycle or even washing machine), high-quality equipment can be easily manufactured. The cone rotates at high speed - just bring the log to it and apply light pressure so that it splits along the fibers. There is no need to swing an ax - even an inexperienced user will take a matter of seconds to turn a heavy log into a pile of logs suitable for burning in a stove.
Drawing of a rack-and-pinion wood splitter.
Drawings of a rack-and-pinion wood splitter are also popular - many users want to make one with their own hands. Why is he interesting? In general, it is similar to a conventional hydraulic one. There is only one difference here. If in most wood splitters a blade is driven into a log, then on a rack splitter it’s the opposite - the log splits on the blade. To do this, a blade is installed on a suitable platform (usually made of thick sheet metal). A block of wood is placed in front of it, on which the moving part of the wood splitter presses. In a second, a thick, weighty log splits in half, then into four parts, and so on.
A simple mechanism for chopping firewood from scrap materials
Our people are distinguished by their ingenuity and love for non-standard solutions. Therefore, many craftsmen make a mechanical wood splitter with their own hands. It consists of a frame with a knife attached on one side and a tight spring on the other. A block of wood is placed on the frame (usually not very large so that it can be easily split in one go), after which the spring is tightened. This is done either manually or using a special gate. Then the spring is suddenly released. She delivers a strong blow to the log, which splits on the knife. The mechanism is simple, but at the same time reliable, effective and does not require much physical strength.
How to make a manual wood splitter with your own hands
Let's start from the very beginning simple option– we’ll tell you how to make a manual wood splitter at home. In fact, it’s not even a wood splitter, but a simple device that simplifies the process of chopping wood and makes it safer.
To do this you will need:
- a thick metal sheet (7-10 mm thick) measuring 150x600 mm – the future blade;
- metal plate 5 mm thick and 300x300 mm in size - base;
- metal rod (the cross-section can be either round or square, but not less than 20 mm) - about 3 meters.
Now let's start assembling. The scheme of a homemade wood splitter is as simple as possible. The thick sheet is cut into pieces: one 150x300 and two 150x150 millimeters. They are sharpened on one side and welded to a metal base in the shape of a cross.
The rod is cut into two parts: 1 and 2 meters. The first is welded to the base from the side, strictly perpendicular. The second is bent into a circle and welded to the first at a height of 30 cm.
That's all, the design is ready. Now insert the log into the ring formed by the rod, resting it against the sharpened cross, and strike it from above with a sledgehammer - it will split into four neat parts.
How to make a spring log splitter step by step
If you want to make a spring cleaver with your own hands, you don’t need drawings - the diagram here is as simple as possible. You only need a few details:
- metal corners;
- two pieces of channel;
- a powerful spring (you can use a spring from a car);
- a plate that acts as a knife (you can use an old cleaver);
- hinge joint;
- a piece of pipe whose diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the spring;
- weighting material
When you have everything you need, you can start assembling:
- Using one channel as a base, weld a second one perpendicular to it.
- Prepare a site for installing the spring.
- Weld the pipe and spacers (corners) onto the base.
- Using a grinder, make a cutout on the beam through which the structure will be attached to the base.
- Weld the beam.
- Hang the beam with the hinge assembly onto the support.
- Install the spring.
- Fix the boulder on the moving beam.
- Weld the weighting material on top of the boulder.
The structure is ready - you can paint it to protect it from rust.
Carrot wood splitter
This is the popular nickname for a wood splitter that uses a screw to split wood. Here the design is more complicated - to assemble a screw wood splitter with your own hands, you will need drawings, photos, and instructions. Before you begin, prepare:
- the engine is quite powerful and provides a rotation speed of 200-250 rpm;
- cone with screw thread with a diameter of 5-6 cm and a length of 20-22 cm;
- two rotation supports;
- chain;
- shaft 30 cm long and 3 cm thick.
Drawing of a carrot wood splitter.
Problems usually arise when searching for a cone - the easiest way is to order it from turners or buy it in a store; it is not too expensive. Now get started:
- Install the shaft onto the bearing and weld the flange at the back.
- Place the cone on the shaft and secure it.
- Weld the supports to the bearing to secure the structure to the table.
- Make a spacer between the engine and the shaft - use it to tension the chain.
- Place the structure on the table, fix and tension the chain between the flange and the motor.
If you use an electric motor, do not forget to protect the structure from moisture, and if possible, ground it.
How to make a hydraulic wood splitter
The hydraulic wood splitter is the most complex. Typically, the engine is a gasoline engine from a car or motorcycle. It’s worth warning right away - its creation will not be cheap. But the comfort of work and productivity fully compensate for the costs. So, what do you need to assemble a gasoline wood splitter with your own hands? , and how much will it cost?
- Engine 12-14 horsepower – 14 000.
- Hydraulic distributor – 3500.
- Hydraulic cylinder 100x40x61 – 10500.
- NSh32 – 1500.
- Drive NSh – 4000.
- Hubs from a VAZ 1500 car.
- Engine pulley – 1000.
- V-belts – 900.
- 40 liters of hydraulic oil – 2500.
- Couplings and high pressure hoses – 2500.
- Flanges for NSh – 400.
- Metal plate – 1000.
- Metal profile – 4000.
- Fastening material – 700.
- Engine oil - 400.
- Rubber hose and clamps – 300.
- Paint – 600.
- 2 kg of electrodes f4mm and 5 kg f3mm – 1000.
- Wheels for an angle grinder (regular and clearing) – 700.
- Brush for applying paint – 100.
In total, you will have to pay about 51 thousand rubles, and maybe more. If you have purchased all the necessary elements, you can get to work.
Assembling the frame
The assembly proceeds as follows:
- Weld a 30x30 mm corner - a hub - to a 50 mm pipe. You should get two triangles.
- On the front axle, made from a 60x60 mm corner, weld spacers from a 30x30 mm corner.
- Attach the wheels to the axle.
- Weld a base onto the rear axle on which you will place the engine.
- Weld a strong channel frame.
- Assemble a movable structure from 80 mm channel.
- Weld a triangular platform from a channel that pushes the log onto the knife.
- To prevent the log from falling, secure stops on both sides of the platform.
How to make a splitting knife
A good cleaver is the basis for comfortable and safe work. A piece of Kamaz spring will do. Fortunately, its manufacture is a relatively simple procedure - to make a firewood splitter with your own hands, you don’t need drawings. But you can’t do without tools - you’ll need a sharpening machine.
Sharpen the metal - the angle should be 60-70 degrees. Weld the knife onto the bed.
How to assemble the motor and oil tank
You can use an empty propane tank as an oil tank. The work is as follows:
- Fill the balloon with water.
- Without pouring out the water, cut off the valve using a grinder.
- Create a sump - separate a quarter of the volume of the cylinder by installing a steel partition at least 10 cm high.
- Install a filter mesh equipped with a magnet 5 cm from the bottom. The filter will retain chips, increasing engine life.
- Weld the pipe - oil will flow through it into the pump. The fence should not reach the very bottom so that the pump does not suck up debris.
- Place the tank just above the pump using a level
How to make a wood splitter mobile
Do you want to be able to easily and quickly move a homemade wood splitter, made by yourself, that weighs a hundredweight or even more?
Equip it with small wheels, for example, from a garden wheelbarrow.
The most careful users also install brakes on the wheels.
But you can use several bricks to keep the structure securely in place.
What is the difference between a homemade wood splitter and a factory model?
The main difference is the cost. Even if you decide to make a hydraulic wood splitter, for the components for which you will pay about 50 thousand rubles, you will still save a lot. After all, the cost of a factory one starts at 100 thousand. There is no need to talk about screw or manual ones - they will cost several hundred or thousand rubles, because everything you need is available in many farms or can be purchased quite inexpensively.
Now you have a good understanding of the types of wood splitters and can easily make the right one.
A homemade screw splitter will help you chop a large amount of firewood without spending a lot of effort. This device uses the principle of splitting wood when screwing in a massive screw, which is a symbiosis of a screw and a regular wedge. The manufactured cone, thanks to the cut thread, easily tears the wood along the grain due to the large diameter of the screw.
Based on the design of the drive, you can make several types of homemade wood splitters. Some craftsmen place a screw on the working shaft of an electric motor. In this case, very stringent requirements are put forward for the electric motor. It must only be low-speed and quite powerful.
The most common are screw splitters of another type, in which any electric motors can be used. Reducing the speed in them is achieved due to the use of various gearboxes or belt drives. A small diameter sprocket is placed on the working shaft of the electric motor, and a large pulley is installed on the cone of the wood splitter. Their dimensions must be selected in such a way as to reduce the engine speed to 500 rpm. It happens that when using high-speed electric motors it is difficult to achieve the required speed values. In this case, it is worth installing an intermediate shaft and a special stepped transmission.
All components of the device must be securely fastened to a durable frame. For more comfortable work, it can be equipped with a small folding table.
Advantages and disadvantages of cone splitters
The main advantages of cone splitters are:
- simplicity of design;
- the ability to assemble it yourself;
- good performance of the device;
- low installation price;
- Any person can work on such a device.
At the same time very simple and reliable design homemade wood splitters have a number of disadvantages.
- One of them can be considered that wood with highly intertwined fibers is a big problem for its screw. This is why tree roots and logs with knots should be chopped by hand.
- The next drawback is the poor separation of large lumps into parts.
- It is also worth noting that making a cone yourself is almost impossible without the help of a qualified turner.
At the moment, on the Internet you can find high-quality drawings of a screw wood splitter for making yourself or offers for selling the finished product.
Main requirements for an electric splitter
A homemade electric splitter must be very reliable, safe to operate and have high performance. That is why, when choosing the type of device and assembling it, it is necessary to follow the rules for complying with the requirements for devices of this type.
The basic requirements for wood splitters are:
Materials and tools for assembly
Assembling the machine with your own hands does not require the use of expensive parts. Many blanks can be taken from an old washing machine or a faulty walk-behind tractor, and you should ask an experienced turner for a drawing of a cone for a wood splitter.
For making homemade device you will need the following materials:
Many nodes will fit from the old one washing machine or car. You should not make your own screw. There are a lot of materials on the Internet in which craftsmen advise cutting out this part using an ordinary grinder. Experts say that this idea will just turn out to be a carrot, not a cone screw.
To assemble the electric splitter, you will need the following tools:
- welding machine;
- drill and drill bits;
- electric grinder;
- small hammer;
- wrenches;
- pencil and tape measure.
To protect the surface of the machine from corrosion, you can use any type of enamel. However, it is worthwhile to properly prepare the metal for painting. This can be done using a special brush and chemical rust converters.
DIY cone splitter
At the initial stage of assembling an electric cleaver, it is worth making a good sketch, which will indicate the location of the parts and mechanisms of the device, as well as its dimensions. A diagram will be needed electrical wiring, which any electrician can create. These steps will help you assemble the machine efficiently and prevent many mistakes. It is also necessary to take a responsible approach to the manufacture of a special wedge, since it is the most vulnerable part of the mechanism.
Most suitable material For a wedge, tool steel is considered expensive, but it is very difficult to process even for an experienced turner. Most often, ordinary steel is used for this, which is then strengthened by carburization or hardening. Long and high-quality operation of the screw cone will be ensured only if it is well manufactured. A simple metric thread is not suitable for these purposes, as it wears out quite quickly and does not fit into the wood well. Experts advise making a double-start thread with a pitch of 5 mm.
The dimensions of the bed directly depend depending on a person’s build, but most often they are:
- height - about 90 cm;
- the surface width should be no more than 70 cm;
- The length should be about 1 m.
Most often, the electric motor is located in the lower part of the frame, which helps protect it from various chips or small shavings. When using a motor from a walk-behind tractor, it should be placed on the same level as the screw wedge. This arrangement is very convenient during operation of the machine, if it is necessary to adjust the rotation speed or add fuel.
When designing an electric splitter, it is necessary to decide on the method of tensioning the belt drive. To do this, you need to install additional rollers or sprockets. It is worth attaching a special protective casing to the belt drive, which can be made from a piece of tin and attached to the working surface with fastening materials.
Assembling a screw cleaver
After a drawing of the machine has been made and all the materials and parts have been prepared, you need to begin manufacturing the screw splitter. Experts advise using quality instructions and carry out assembly in accordance with the drawn up work plan.
To make a homemade electric wood splitter, you will need a little skill in handling tools. A little time spent on assembly will save a lot of effort in the future. The main thing is to follow all safety rules when working with the device.