Log Splitter for Press??

[basknives]

Every time I see a log splitter I wonder how hard it would be to modify it in to a working press. I looked in the archives and found a little bit about it, but has anyone ever actually done it?

 

[Plain ol Bill]

There is no reason it cannot be done. Would you be happy with it in the long run - I doubt it. Design it from scratch if you want a press that will suit you to a tee. There are commercial presses out there designed specifically for forging if you do not have the skills and/or the equipment to make your own. Ron Claiborne is building what I believe to be the Cadillac of ready made units.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Many excelent presses are made from 28 ton splitters.Give Mark Sentz a call.He does a lot with his.They teach the damascus class at the Moran hammer-in with a splitter press.

 

[Bruce Evans]

Check out this book available from the ABS
http://www.americanbladesmith.com/store/s-pages/ABS_SMainframe.htm

Also contact Bruce Bump as his press is a converted wood buster,maybe he could give you some tips
Bruce

 

[basknives]

Thanks gents. The reason I asked is that around here you usually see a lot of splitters for sale in the classifieds after winter for cheap.

 

[Bruce Bump]

Hi My press does have some wood splitter parts on it such as the pump and valve but it is about 5 times beefier in construction.