Content
- Build wood splitter yourself
- The construction of a log splitter
- Why it is not worthwhile to build a wood splitter yourself
- Komplixität
- Costs and time
- security
- The alternative: The manual log splitter in self-made
Log splitters without motor are easier to build yourself
Build wood splitter yourself
Log splitters are expensive. The cheapest, horizontal wood splitters start at 160 euros, a high-quality, vertical log splitter can cost up to 1000 euros or even more. Therefore, gifted home improvement often come up with the idea to build a log splitter itself. Whether this is worthwhile and which alternatives are there, we explain below.
The construction of a log splitter
If you want to build a wood splitter yourself, you should first know how it is constructed, or what parts it consists of. At the log splitter, the log is pressed against a splitting wedge with the help of a piston and thus split. This requires a gasoline or electric motor, a hydraulic unit (pump, tank and cylinder), control unit and all metal struts, frame parts, iron supports, screws, etc. Modern wood splitters are also designed so that two levers must be operated for it to start. This ensures that both hands are in a safe place.
Why it is not worthwhile to build a wood splitter yourself
With the help of the parts of the log splitter mentioned above you may already suspect it. There is a lot that speaks against the self-construction of a log splitter:
Komplixität
The construction is so complex that the know-how of a home improvement is usually not sufficient. Because here you do not only have to work with welding equipment and screw connections, the installation of the hydraulics, the control unit and the engine are no easy tasks and require a lot of expertise.
Costs and time
The hydraulic pump, hydraulic cylinder and tank alone cost over 500 euros - much more than a complete, high-quality wood splitter. A self-made wood splitter can cost well over 1000 euros in total, count the working hours, you are fast at over 2019 euros.
security
First of all, you should think about your own safety. If you have made a mistake while building your wood splitter, parts can quickly fly around your ears or burst hoses. In addition, public specifications must also be observed: home-built and industrially produced wood splitters must comply with current safety regulations. If you or others work with the self-made log splitter and an accident happens, no insurance company will bear the damage if the log splitter does not comply with the work and accident prevention regulations.
The alternative: The manual log splitter in self-made
If you enjoy working with metal and especially want to experience the building process, there is an alternative that is more suitable for gifted DIY enthusiasts: Build a log splitter that uses a long lever with springs without any engine or hydraulics is operating. This is not only much cheaper but also safer. Instructions and suggestions can be found in this video:
Youtube