New Log Splitter - Not so much

[Bill Stock]

I have a shed full of Cherry and a pile of Mountain Ash to spilt. I've read a lot of good and bad about these elextric marvels, but kinda expected the worst. So I started on the pieces of Ash about 14"+ across and about a foot long. It actually split the first one, but it was down hill from there. It would split the large diameter thin slices, but would not touch the longer logs. I'm hoping it will split the smaller diameter Ash and the Cherry OK.

I tried getting the Maul out for the Ash that would not split and soon discovered who the oldest tool is. :-) Fortunately the splitting wedge made manageable chucnks of the harder Ash.

It's a 5 ton electric Chaiwanese model. Any tips for tweaking this thing?

[crokett]

Never used an electric, only gas. Dunno if there is any tweaking you can do. Gas ones I used never had a problem. Are you trying to go through the middle of the log? Can you try spitting smaller pieces off the sides and see what happens?

[Bill Stock]

Never used an electric, only gas. Dunno if there is any tweaking you can do. Gas ones I used never had a problem. Are you trying to go through the middle of the log? Can you try spitting smaller pieces off the sides and see what happens?

Thanks,

I tried rotating the log as they suggested, but on the harder chunks the wedge would barely make an impression in the log. Once I split the harder ones manually it would split most of the halves, but not all. The Ash has been out in the wet all winter, so I'm hoping the Cherry will be easier.

There's a limiter switch that they warn not to play with, but I'm tempted.

I'd love a big gas toy, but I just don't get enough wood to justify it. This marvel was on sale.

[Uncle Cracker]

This marvel was on sale.

And worth every penny, from the sounds of it. Rent one with some balls, and be done with it...

[Bill Stock]

And worth every penny, from the sounds of it. Rent one with some balls, and be done with it...

Thanks, renting is against my religion, except for the one time use items. I'll play with this thing some more to see if it can cut it on the smaller logs; if not I'll return it.

[jackellis]

I have a 4 ton Ryobi but I only use it on pine, cedar and fir because that's what we have up here. For those woods, it works exceedingly well, especially considering the $300 price. I was able to split 28" diameter, 18" long rounds with some difficulty - they're really way too big for the carriage. Did about four cords last fall a lot faster and with a lot less effort than doing it by hand.

I've also had a little better luck with softwoods when they're green and the grain is straight. When the grain is twisted, a sledge or maul comes in handy.

[knotley]

I have a 4 ton Ryobi but I only use it on pine, cedar and fir because that's what we have up here. For those woods, it works exceedingly well, especially considering the $300 price. I was able to split 28" diameter, 18" long rounds with some difficulty - they're really way too big for the carriage. Did about four cords last fall a lot faster and with a lot less effort than doing it by hand.

I've also had a little better luck with softwoods when they're green and the grain is straight. When the grain is twisted, a sledge or maul comes in handy.

I also have the 4 ton Ryobi. I have used it for about 5 years. Very happy with it. Now it is rebranded as a Homelite. It has a bit of a cult following - videos on youtube!