I'm fixin' to build a splitter

[fearofpavement]

I did some welding repairs to my splitter's push plate today. Made a slight modification to it since it's the second time I've had a problem with it. I traded the 8hp Briggs engine for a Honda. That was an excellent improvement. That Briggs was just about as frustrating as a recoil spring. The Honda always starts on one or two pulls. Did some splitting and stacking too but it's still hot as Hades here.

 

[Deets066]

Those Honda engines are damn nice. Never had a lick of problem with mine

 

[Four Paws]

Here's the I-beam I have handy. Should be sufficient...



I also have a 10" beam, but was planning to save it for an A-frame crane.

 

[dall]

what is the web thickness ?

 

[Four Paws]

1/4"

 

[Deets066]

I've bent bigger beams than that one

 

[Four Paws]

My other choice.

 

[dall]

mine is a 8 inch and 1/4 web and i can feel mine flex when on a strain

 

[huskihl]

I'm not much help. Mine is a Roper with a 4hp Break and Scrapem. Don't build one like mine

 

[Deets066]

Mine is 1-1/16 flange with a 3/4 web

 

[Deets066]

Mine is 1-1/16 flange with a 3/4 web

It's really a metric size beam, came from Germany built into a skid for a machine we installed

 

[Mastermind]

If you think it needs more web, add some to it.

 

[bigbadbob]

You want a H beam not I beam if you can, H has a thicker web.
I used a I beam on mine and put a 10x1 plate on top.
22gpm gx390 no flex.
BBB

 

[Four Paws]

You want a H beam not I beam if you can, H has a thicker web.
I used a I beam on mine and put a 10x1 plate on top.
22gpm gx390 no flex.
BBB

View attachment 35171

What size ram?
How do you like the speed?

 

[bigbadbob]

What size ram?
How do you like the speed?

Its a 5x24 speed is great, dont know the times but it keeps you busy.
I mostly run the engine 1/2 throttle. Most of my wood is douglas fir, it slices thru the knots!!
Biggest problem is the splitter is heavy. Hard to move around by hand.
Would like to add tables to it.
BBB

 

[fearofpavement]

I agree with those indicating a heavier (stronger) beam is better. A 1/4" wall beam is inadequate in my opinion. Especially for the top of it. Any cylinder larger than 4" most definitely needs a very robust beam. For the cost of a short section of I or H beam, it may be better off in the long run to buy the piece you need than to use something less than ideal you have lying around.

 

[Canadian farm boy]

I didn't make my splitter but it I believe it uses two 3x6x1/4 C channels welded together with a 6x1/4 plate welded on top. Zero flex. I'd post pictures but I don't have any on my phone and the splitter is at my folks place.

 

[Time's Standing Stihl]

You can always add gussets or box in an I/H beam to strengthen it

 

[Deets066]

If you think it needs more web, add some to it.

If he adds web he might as well space the plates out 1-1/2" each side and make somewhat of a box beam

 

[Mastermind]

If he adds web he might as well space the plates out 1-1/2" each side and make somewhat of a box beam

I was thinking the same thing. I'd also add to the top as was suggested.