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[E167]Electric Hydraulic Log Splitter

by Eric J. Slarkowski, Eri

For anyone with a lot of wood to cut, owning a log splitter can be a very good investment. If you have a fire place, or if you like to make log furniture, it will pay for itself in no time. A log splitter can be purchased where logging equipment is sold, or you can try to find a new one or make your own to save money.

A hydraulic log splitter is a simple machine consisting of a small Edsel of gasoline engine, an out pump and a hydraulic cylinder. The engine powers the machine, and the oil pump powers the cylinder, which splits the logs. The oil pump has an oil tank and the oil has to be periodically changed.

Hydraulic log splitters usually range from 5 to 8 hp. Splitters intended for home use will have a smaller engine than a commercial one with 10-25 tons of splitting power.

Most people obtain a home splitter to cut their firewood. First a tree is cut and all of the branches removed, using a chainsaw. The trunk of the tree is cut into small pieces with a chain saw and then fed into the splitter. The entire process of cutting wood is fast and easy this way, and jobs that may take days without a splitter can be done in a matter of hours.

Needless to say, a log splitter can be very dangerous. Children should never be allowed to operate this equipment, and should not even be allowed near it when it is operating since flying debris could injure them. Anyone who is operating a log splitter should wear heavy work boots for foot protection, and no loose clothing or long sleeves which can be caught in the machine. Safely glasses are also important for eye protection.

Before operating this machine, be sure to read the manual and be thoroughly familiar with the machine. Be sure no one stands close enough to the machine that they may be hit by pieces of wood flying out. When the machine is in motion, don't try to adjust the wood pieces. Make sure to use it only during the day and never operate a dangerous machine like this while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is important not to use it on a surface that is damp or may be slippery and keep the safety guards on the machine at all times. A log splitter should only be used for splitting logs, no other material.

Besides chopping firewood, a log splitter is great for making log furniture. If you like the look of this rustic furniture, or if you are interested in selling it, yo will also need a chain saw and some other tools.

Some of the tools needed are:
Various size clamps to hold down material
Instruction books and plans
A router
Chisels in a few large sizes
A mallet to drive the chisels
A tenon maker so tenons can be made quickly and all of the same size
Wood guides to shape the wood properly

If you have a lot of wood that needs chopping, put down the axe and get yourself a log splitter. Log splitters can help you with everything from cutting firewood or to building wood furniture. Log splitters can be found at lumber stores and hardware stores, but they can cost a pretty penny. Used log splitters can help you save money, or alternatively, if you are especially handy, download plans for building log splitters from the internet and get building.

Hydraulic Log Splitters - The Benefits

There is not much to a hydraulic log splitter - just an engine and an oil pump, but those simple features make splitting logs so much easier. What's more, the simplicity of the machine means it is easy to maintain. All you have to do is keep the engine filled and change the oil every now and then, and you're in business.

What to Look for in Hydraulic Splitters With hydraulic splitters, it is all about horsepower. Splitters range from fairly weak to super powerful (with increasing prices to boot). For occasional use at home, such as splitting firewood for the winter, going for something on the lower end of the horsepower scale is not only acceptable, but it is desirable from a safety point of view. For professionally logging, go for the big bang motors.

Hydraulic Log Splitter Safety Tips

Like all power tools, log splitters can be dangerous when used by someone who is not sure what they are doing or who . These safety tips will keep the accidents at bay when log splitting:

- Kids and log splitters don't mix - Dress for the work - cover your arms and legs and save the shorts and flip-flops for the beach. - Never split lumber without eye gear - Read the directions before you use the splitter. Practice the motions for awhile before turning it on. Let is run in your hands for awhile before you put everything together. Know your machine. - Don't get too close, unless you want to take a flying log to the head - If you need to adjust the machine, turn it off - Log splitters are for daytime use only. - Log splitting does not make a good party trick, no matter what you think after a few beers. Alcohol and log splitters are like kids and log splitters - don't mix them. - Don't try to cut other things with the splitter - wood only. - No one is ever so well versed in log splitting that they can take the safety guards off the machine.

Article Source : Pg. 70

About Author

Both Eric J. Slarkowski & Vince Paxton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Eric J. Slarkowski has sinced written about articles on various topics from Property Investment, Travel and Leisure and Interior Design. Focusing recent findings in hydraulic splitter, Eric Slarkowski is publishing almost entirely for http://www.insidewoodworking.com . You might find out more about his writings on. Eric J. Slarkowski's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.

Vince Paxton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Modern and Contemporary Furniture, Home Management and Home Renovation Ideas. Vince Paxton regularly produces newsletters on subjects relating to hydraulic log splitters and build your own hydraulic log splitter. You can come across his articles on. Vince Paxton's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.