- Building a log splitter
- Why it's not worth building a log splitter yourself
- The alternative: the manual log splitter in your own construction
Log splitters are expensive. The cheapest horizontal log splitters start at 160 euros, a high-quality vertical log splitter can cost up to 1000 euros or even more. Therefore, talented do-it-yourselfers often come up with the idea of building a log splitter themselves. In the following, we will explain whether it is worth it and what alternatives there are.
Log splitters without a motor are easier to build yourself
Building a log splitter
If you want to build a log splitter yourself, you should first know how it is constructed and what parts it consists of. With the log splitter, the log is pressed against a splitting wedge with the help of a piston and split in this way. This requires a petrol or electric motor, a hydraulic unit (pump, tank and cylinder), control unit and all metal struts, frame parts, iron supports, screws, etc. Modern log splitters are also designed in such a way that two levers have to be operated for it to start. This ensures that both hands are in a safe place.
Why it's not worth building a log splitter yourself
You may already have guessed from the parts of the log splitter given above. There are a number of things that speak against building a log splitter yourself:
complexity
The construction is so complex that the know-how of a do-it-yourselfer is usually not enough. Because here you don't just have to work with welding equipment and screw connections, installing the hydraulics, the control unit and the motor is not easy work and requires a lot of expertise.
cost and time
The hydraulic pump, hydraulic cylinder and tank alone cost over 500 euros - significantly more than a complete, high-quality log splitter. A self-made log splitter can cost well over 1000 euros in total, if you add the working hours, you will quickly be over 2000 euros.
safety
First of all, you should think about your own safety. If you make a mistake when building your log splitter, parts can quickly fly around your ears or hoses can burst. In addition, public regulations must also be observed: Self-made and industrially manufactured log splitters must comply with the current safety regulations. If you work yourself or others with the self-built log splitter and an accident occurs, no insurance will cover the damage if the log splitter does not comply with the work and accident prevention regulations.
The alternative: the manual log splitter in your own construction
If you enjoy working with metal and, above all, want to experience the building process, there is an alternative that is more suitable for gifted do-it-yourselfers: Build a log splitter that uses a long lever with the help of springs, without a motor or hydraulics is to operate. This is not only much cheaper but also safer. You can find instructions and suggestions in this video:
youtube