Why get a log splitter? When do you need one?
Every winter many of us go outside and spend some time chopping wood so we have a nice pile stored up for winter. This can take several hours or even days of swinging an axe, depending on how many logs you’re chopping. Splitting a cord of wood with an axe is exhausting and also dangerous, especially as you get tired.
A log splitter will do the same amount of work as several people, but without all the aches and pains of swinging an axe. The most popular varieties of log splitter are the hydraulic (gas) log splitter and the electric log splitter. Gas log splitters come in vertical or horizontal models, and they do a very fast and efficient job of splitting wood for fireplaces, wood stoves, campfires, and etc. Most people who use log splitters at home purchase a horizontal log splitter, but those who are out in the woods or on uneven slopes should probably consider a vertical log splitter or a splitter that adjusts between horizontal and vertical settings.
Some log splitters are foot-powered or hand-powered, but the vast majority are powered by electric motors or gas. To split logs, one simply places the wood into a cradle on the splitter, securing the log in place. A sharp wedge is driven by a ram into the log with enough force by the electric motor or hydraulic pump to split the log into 2 pieces.
Who uses log splitters?
True to its name, a wood splitter is used for cutting or splitting wood, particularly logs. This split wood is used in many different ways within the lumber and construction industries. Homeowners and ‘do it yourself’ types also find a log splitter useful for preparing wood for a stove or fireplace or for completing home improvement projects.
Another group that uses split wood often is lumbermen. They generally use log splitters for their woodworking projects such as for making parquet and wood flooring. Additionally, forestry workers often use log splitters as an essential part of their work.
Log splitters are measured by how much energy it takes the user and how fast they can complete a job. All wood splitters have sharp blades, which are great for splitting tough logs. However, these same blades can be dangerous to the user if he or she is not very careful while using the log splitter. Good protective gear such as gloves, goggles, long pants, and a long sleeved shirt, are a good idea to wear when you work with a log splitter. Steel tipped boots are also a good idea, as well as a safety helmet. If you have long hair or loose clothing, it is a good idea to tie them back or change into something that won’t get caught in the mechanisms.
What features should I look for in a log splitter?
There are a variety of features and factors that make up the different types of log splitters. Depending on your needs such as how much wood you will split at a time, how heavy the logs are, how often you will split logs, whether it will be used for firewood or other purposes, and how far you plan on transporting the splitter to do the job, not to mention storing the wood splitter you end up purchasing. Some things you should take into consideration include horsepower, cycle time, horizontal or vertical operation.
Horsepower/Tonnage
The tonnage is the force behind the wedge necessary to split the log. The higher the horsepower, the more force is exerted which will split larger logs faster. A 20 ton log splitter has more force then an 8 ton log splitter.
Cycle Time
This is the amount of time it takes the splitter to cut the wood and reset back to the cutting position. Generally, cycle times vary at around 12 seconds for most log splitters.
Horizontal/Vertical Operation
Most vertical log splitters allow you to place the log almost on the ground, and the wedge splits them by moving downward against the log. For that reason, larger logs are easier to split with vertical splitters. Also, if you are on uneven terrain, a vertical splitter is much easier and safer to operate. Horizontal splitters require you to lift the log onto them, so they generally are good for small to medium sized logs, but not enormous heavy ones.
Towing Capability
Examine if the splitter has a ball hitch so it can be towed if you plan on towing it.
Tire size is important for towing, larger diameter tires or highway grade tires allow it to be towed on the highway.
Cylinder Size
Log splitters have different capacities. The cylinder size is a way to measure this.
Electric Versus Gas or Hydraulic – Which Should I Get?
An electric log splitter is generally smaller, more compact and lightweight, but can be lower tonnage than a gas hydraulic log splitter. Homeowners planning on splitting firewood occasionally or who are planning on splitting medium sized or small logs should consider an electric wood splitter. A 50 ton gas splitter will probably be overkill. However, if you anticipate splitting cords and cords of logs, especially big ones, a gas splitter might be for you. Usually gas powered log splitters have tires and can be transported behind a truck or ATV. Electric splitters can be wheeled as well, but many are not.
Bottom line: if you are thinking smaller, consider a manual log splitter. They’re high-powered, compact, and easy to move and store. If you’re thinking bigger, consider a very powerful hydraulic log splitter.
