The combination of science and basic tools has made our life easy. One such combination is a log splitter with a hydraulic jack. Splitting wood with just a handheld ax is a tough and tiring job. While it may be a great way to take out your anger, it is not a practical way to cut hundreds of logs. You can prepare yourself a simple lop splitter with a hydraulic jack without much hassle. If you know how to deal with metal sheets, welding torch, and blade wedges, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to buy a log splitter with a hydraulic jack.
This article will walk you through all the steps you need to perform for making a DIY hydraulic jack log splitter.
How to make a Log Splitter with a Hydraulic Jack
Time Required: 4-5 Hours
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Things Needed
- Hydraulic jack
- Hydraulic hoses
- Blade wedge
- Metal sheets
- Metal beams
- Bracket clamps (steel)
- Acetylene torch
- Safety gear (Welding mask, safety goggles, and gloves)
- Wheels (for mobility)
Procedure
Let’s see how you can use the above tools and materials to make a hydraulic jack log splitter. Make sure you read all the steps before beginning to work.
Step 1: The Frame
The first step is to make the frame. Here you have to decide two things, how big you want the frame to be and do you want to add legs for additional support and stability. We suggest that you add the legs for support. The frame’s surface size depends on the size of the hydraulic jack, the size of the wood, and the wedge size. Once you have decided, purchase metallic sheets and beams. Weld the pieces together and let them cool down. Make sure you follow all the safety precautions while welding the pieces together.
Step 2: The Sliding Block
The next step is to make a sliding block. The sliding block moves the wood into the wedge. It must have excellent mobility and frictionless movement. The sliding block size depends on the measurement of the logs you will usually be cutting with the splitter. You must add shims or small rollers to get additional mobility. We suggest that you keep on checking the mobility during the entire process as any compromise on it will result in poor functioning.
Step 3: The Jack
Now, you have to place the jack on the frame. The best position, in fact, the only position to place the jack, is right above the sliding block. Check the movement after setting it up. If placed in the right place, it will move the sliding block properly without any hassles. Secure the jack onto the frame with the help of a steel collar. Don’t use tie straps for this purpose as they don’t offer the grip needed for a log splitter. Weld the steel collar with the frame.
Step 4: The Wedge
Some people make a wedge for themselves. While it may work fine but it is never the same quality as a professional wedge blade. We suggest you buy a high-quality blade for your log splitter as the quality and speed of cutting will depend on it. You will have to mount the wedge on the opposite side of the jack and the sliding block. Before welding the wedge, you must consider the type of logs you will cut; it will allow you to adjust the angle of the wedge.
Step 5: Wheels
If you want additional mobility and want to store your log splitter in a safe place when not in use, you must add wheels to add to it. The log splitter will be heavy, and it won’t be easy to move it around without wheels. We suggest that you buy heavy-duty castor wheels for this purpose. It would be best if you used 1.5-inch carriage bolts with a washer for additional stability. If your frame is big, consider adding 6 wheels to it. Just a pro tip: look for wheels with jammers on them. It will relieve you from the tension of adjusting bricks or other things to make your log splitter steady.
Step 6: Testing
The last step is to test the machine you have just made for yourself. If you have followed the guidelines and worked cautiously, you have saved yourself a handsome amount of money and added a trophy to your DIY achievement list.