Petrol log splitter

[Hereford]

I've got the rock venom 35t pro elite. It gets through anything and almost anything with the 4 way head. I've never used the 22t, but I wouldn't want it less powerful if you plan on using a 4 way head to speed things up. So far good service from rock, splitter tows fine although obviously a speed restriction. So far reliable (2 years old). Only complaints, wish the ram was quicker and single hand operation would be nice, although not rocks fault due to H&S legislation. All in all, imo it's a great bit of kit for the money. 

[s.varty]

Mine hasnt been modified but i use it 1 handed no problem , i keep my right hip on 1 handle 

[Johnsond]

24 minutes ago, Hereford said:

I've got the rock venom 35t pro elite. It gets through anything and almost anything with the 4 way head. I've never used the 22t, but I wouldn't want it less powerful if you plan on using a 4 way head to speed things up. So far good service from rock, splitter tows fine although obviously a speed restriction. So far reliable (2 years old). Only complaints, wish the ram was quicker and single hand operation would be nice, although not rocks fault due to H&S legislation. All in all, imo it's a great bit of kit for the money. 

Agreed

Had the same machine for a while now, done a few mods, welded up a couple of tables either side of the main beam to stack a few pieces on, converted to single handed operation. I’ve a 14hp B&S unit and two stage pump from an old hydraulic pack that I’m tempted to fit to try increasing ram speed but in reality that single handed spool valve I fitted saves so much time and in some respects steady is safe. 
Tows fine I’ve found as long as you don’t hit the motorway and stay sensible. 

[openspaceman]

14 hours ago, Johnsond said:

Agreed

Had the same machine for a while now, done a few mods, welded up a couple of tables either side of the main beam to stack a few pieces on, converted to single handed operation. I’ve a 14hp B&S unit and two stage pump from an old hydraulic pack that I’m tempted to fit to try increasing ram speed but in reality that single handed spool valve I fitted saves so much time and in some respects steady is safe. 
Tows fine I’ve found as long as you don’t hit the motorway and stay sensible. 

As the full force is not often needed  anyone else tempted to try a new spool could fit a regenerative one . This increases the flow by diverting the output on the rod side to the piston side. If more force is required at a knot the flow from the rod side is diverted back to tank and the full force is applied to the piston side. It does nothing for the return speed though.

 

I am doddery enough to appreciate safety features and generally in no hurry.

[Johnsond]

1 hour ago, openspaceman said:

As the full force is not often needed  anyone else tempted to try a new spool could fit a regenerative one . This increases the flow by diverting the output on the rod side to the piston side. If more force is required at a knot the flow from the rod side is diverted back to tank and the full force is applied to the piston side. It does nothing for the return speed though.

 

I am doddery enough to appreciate safety features and generally in no hurry.

I’ve never needed more force than it can give as standard but would like the unloaded speed to be more ie before the 2nd stage kicks in. Mind you I mainly process crap that can’t be milled so often have gnarly bits of elm, ash, oak etc so appreciate the power, I’ve had flyer catch me in the face before so as you say I’m in no hurry nowadays. It supplies me, family and a few friends so no commercial pressure to deal with. 
Im thinking of upgrading to the box wedge rock model in the future once it’s been around a bit and I can get some good feedback. 

[openspaceman]

26 minutes ago, Johnsond said:

I’ve never needed more force than it can give as standard but would like the unloaded speed to be more ie before the 2nd stage kicks in.

I am only commenting on what I can see in your picture; you could make yours act like a regenerative ram with a diverter, I think it would need to be a "make before break" type so as the flow from the rod side is never shut off (which would cause over pressure in the hose). Also you would need an extra short length of hose. The output from the rod side goes to the diverter, the flow from the diverter feeds to the piston side of the pump. When the  ram slows or stops the diverter manually operated dumps back to the existing spool. When the ram reaches the end of stroke the diverter  has to be connected to the existing spool, else a one way valve will be needed around the diverter.

 

The splitter I operated with a regenerative spool was a bit disconcerting as it "kicked" when the pressure in the system increased before the regeneration stopped and direct pressure was exerted, this cycled a few time as the ram jerked forward.

 

For my part, and only for my own use, my ideal firewood is a 2" to 4" round piece of hardwood ( birch in profusion on the heath is ideal) 9" long. I wish there was a small machine to cut to that.