Log splitter for a press

[Atlas Knife Company]

To keep it brief: Is there a recommended log splitter that has a good combination of speed/power? I'd like to get something around 25-tons to use as a press AND split logs with, so an ability to change the blade to a die and back would be nice.

 

[Kevin McGovern]

I think they are all pretty slow. That said, a blacksmith I know made dies for his 40 ton and it works for him forge welding billets.

 

[JG Custom Metal Works]

I’m very interested in doing the same as $3000+ is outside of my ballpark for a press. I really want one though.

As far as using it as a spitter goes, you could just weld the interlocking die piece to the bottom of the splitter head and treat it as another die.

The problems I’ve heard is that they aren’t fast enough. I don’t know how to go about speeding them up. Also, I think they run horizontally. I wonder if the hydraulics would have an issue you flipped them vertical? Lastly, you’d probably want to switch to electric from gas.

 

[A.McPherson]

As I recall there was a thread a while back about someone doing just what you are talking about... I can't remember who though. I'll try some google-fu and see if I can find it.

hmmm I couldn't find one that had any useful info. the one I did find had a bunch of pics but they weren't working... sorry!

 

[Kevin McGovern]

I’m very interested in doing the same as $3000+ is outside of my ballpark for a press. I really want one though.

As far as using it as a spitter goes, you could just weld the interlocking die piece to the bottom of the splitter head and treat it as another die.

The problems I’ve heard is that they aren’t fast enough. I don’t know how to go about speeding them up. Also, I think they run horizontally. I wonder if the hydraulics would have an issue you flipped them vertical? Lastly, you’d probably want to switch to electric from gas.

no issue with running vertically. Most log splitters can switch from horizontal to vertical.

 

[golfer1]

Seems there are two issues:
1. How fast you can pump the cylinder full.
2. How much power you need to build up that hydraulic pressure quickly.
It will require a larger hydraulic pump and larger motor, both by quite a lot.

 

[Lieblad]

I agree, think basic logsplitter is going to be slower than you might like. Typically they use simple & inexpensive fixed displacement or two stage gearpump.

If you use variable displacement piston pump, can create fast ram speed to close the dies. Then as pressure increases in smooth linear fashion it ’shifts gears’ so to speak & really puts out to maximise pressure.
Fair warning,
You might crap when you see their pricetag over a simple gearpump.

 

[Don Hanson III]

My forging press is built with a 2 stage log splitter pump, log splitter control valve, 5" cylinder & 5hp elec motor, all from Northern Hydraulics. It has worked just fine for 20+ years.

 

[JG Custom Metal Works]

So I’ve been watching a ton of log splitter press videos on YouTube and there’s a couple cool ones. It looks like you could get it done without a ton of work. The more you’re willing to compromise on high end purpose built forge press features, the easier it will be.

So, in terms of having a machine that mushes together steel, all you need to do is remove the log splitter blade and make a die system. It may not be as fast as a purpose made forge press, but it would still do the job. You’d just have to do more heats. You could even use the gas motor until you got the funds to upgrade to electric. Over time you could upgrade things as you could afford them.

That’s the conclusion I’ve drawn from the whole log splitter forge press thing. If anyone sees any flaws in my assessment, please let me know. Also, are there any types of log splitters that are more conducive to a forge press conversion? Are there any that would be less conducive to a conversion, and be strayed away from? Bigger is usually better, in my American mind. Is this the case in regards to how many tons of force the press uses? Would it be best to get a 30-40 ton press as opposed to a 20 ton press?

Here’s the cool budget forge press build video I referenced abov:

 

[Kevin McGovern]

I found a picture of the one I talked about above. He kept the wedge on and made dies that slip over it. It's shown horizontal, but like I said, it, like most splitters, can tilt to vertical by pulling a pin.

 

[stezann]

very nice logsplitter conversion video! It is interesting how he stiffened the C-frame in the end.