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Dual-split Log Splitter Build Plans
Build a Durable and Efficient Log Splitter
Our plans include complete build instructions, a bill-of-materials list for all steel, hydraulics and miscellaneous hardware, schematics for hydraulics, and a list of online hydraulic suppliers where you can comparison-shop for reasonably priced parts.
My design goals were to create something I didn’t have to bend over all day to use, or waste a lot of steps picking up off the ground what I just split. The table stores quite a few logs for splitting and I can load up the log lift as well. The table height is waist-high for easy split and load operation. I also wanted to protect the engine and pump from those stray logs that end up breaking things. The controls are all below table height for the same reason, and the log-lift control is out front for access from either side.
Plans include the following features:
- 10-inch tall wedge
- log stops at each end
- split hydraulics for the main cylinder and log lift
- enlarged-volume oil reservoir
(8-by-8-inch square tubing) - large engine area
- “torsion bar suspension”
- 2000-pound trailer jack
(pipe mounted) - 3500-pound trailer hitch
(“class 2” with 2-inch ball)
You will find that the two-way horizontal wedge, moving at a safe speed, will split more wood per hour than a faster moving one-way splitter.
A first look at the prototype
The following videos shows a log splitter with a 13-GPM (Gallons Per Minute) pump. The pump has a 5-inch-bore cylinder, capable of producing a 10-second wedge speed — one way. The wood I’m using is 2-year-old seasoned maple. I have split over 10 cord of with this splitter, and it has been very reliable and easy to use.
Using the Dual-split Log Splitter
Here are some specs:
| Imperial | Metric | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall weight: | 1000 pounds | 454 kg |
| Hydraulic Cylinder size: | 4" or 5" bore × 24" stroke, 2" rod diameter, with clevis ends | 101.6 mm or 127 mm bore × 609.6 mm stroke, 50.8 mm rod diameter, with clevis end |
| Hydraulic pump: | 13 or 16 Gallon Per Minute (GPM) two-stage pump | 49.2 or 60.6 liters per minute (Lpm) two-stage pump |
| Engine power: | 6.5 mechanical horsepower (hp) | 4.85 kilowatt (kW) |
| Oil reservoir: | 14 gallons | 53 liters (L) |
| Cylinder speed options: | 5" bore cylinder @ 13 GPM = 10 seconds one-way 5" bore cylinder @ 16 GPM = 8 seconds one-way 4" bore cylinder @ 13 GPM = 6.5 seconds one-way 4" bore cylinder @ 16 GPM = 5 seconds one-way |
127 mm bore cylinder @ 49.2 Lpm = 10 seconds one-way 127 mm bore cylinder @ 60.6 Lpm = 8 seconds one-way 101.6 mm bore cylinder @ 49.2 Lpm = 6.5 seconds one-way 101.6 mm bore cylinder @ 60.6 Lpm = 5 seconds one-way |
| Work table dimensions, with log lift: | 34" wide × 72" long | 864 mm wide × 1829 mm long |
| Estimated cost to build: | $1500 (Before COVID*) |
* Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, prices for steel vary considerably from one place to another place.
Some photos of building the prototype
