Static axe for Kindling in Palax

[Billhook]

I have a Palax Combi 600 with a removable four way splitting axe. Has anyone made a replacement axe which would split to kindling size?

Would such a device which might split a ten inch log into ten rather than four pieces need a lot more pressure from the splitting ram?

[Goaty]

1st question No

 

2nd Yes because more contact area on log equals higher pressure required to push for the same yield. Think if you stood on 3 spades at once with one foot.

 

However if you could design it so 1 knife hits then another and so on it is more efficient use of power as as it spreads the requirement. This is how some kindling machines work.

[Billhook]

Thank you for that Goaty.

Yes the Palax axe has two horizontal blades which are set back an inch ir two from the vertical blade and it looks as though I will have to try and make one myself with staggered blades.

It must take less pressure to split the smaller pieces than the initial big piece, but of course there may be more of them depending on my design.

The ram on the Palax is surprisingly powerful for its speed of operation and will crunch the occasional knotty bit of Ash with little effort.

[Billhook]

A little youtube research shows that they are out there!

 

 

This one looks simple and seems to run on little power

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvHqAJ6RzK0]kindling machine.AVI - YouTube[/ame]

 

 

 

Prototype machine with the principles discussed

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnTrCiVVHE4]kindling wedge - YouTube[/ame]

 

 

 

machine comes with optional 10 way wedge

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEs9rmlld4U]BUILT-RITE 11 HPWS SPLITS 10 WAYS (LOG LIFT) - YouTube[/ame]