Split wood with a homemade log splitter made from items you probably already have in your home. The best part? It’s likely to work better than the store-bought ones that cost hundreds of dollars!
1. Log Splitter With A Wood Saw And Box Cutter
2. Stone Axe And Hammer As Splitting Tool
3. Wooden Tongs To Pull Off Small Pieces
4. Homemade Chainsaw For Large Pine Trees
5. Homemade Pulley System
The “diy log splitter hydraulic” is a device that can be used to split logs into smaller pieces. The device uses the power of hydraulics which makes it easy to use and efficient.
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People behave as though splitting logs is a tedious task.
But, let’s face it, let’s be honest… Nobody bothers you while you’re doing it. You have a badass appearance. And, more significantly, it’s a fantastic method to de-stress (hitting those logs hard with the axe is deeply relaxing).
Unfortunately, you don’t always have an axe on hand (or an electrical, hydraulic, or high-end mechanical log splitter hanging around to make the whole process a no-brainer).
A wood splitter made at home might come in help in this situation.
It may not seem like an elegant move to build your own machine to split logs in half, but it may save you a TON of time, a LOT of work, and A FEW DOLLARS when refilling firewood.
What’s more, guess what? Today, we’re going to show you FIVE different methods to accomplish it. So have a look at what we have to say!
So, what are we trying to accomplish with this article?
First and foremost, keep in mind that this article only covers the most basic methods for splitting logs. However, there are a few not-so-rudimentary ones as well.
Second, we’ve kept them easy because we want everyone to give them a go. If you don’t have an axe or a complicated wood-splitting equipment, you may use the tips below.
Finally, they’re all inexpensive. These are not just do-it-yourself projects, but they’re also PERFECT for anybody on a budget (or who doesn’t want to acquire more equipment).
So, with our log-splitting tools down below, you’re getting the complete deal.
Look them up on the internet:
Contents
1. Using a Sledge Hammer and a Wedge
Take out the sledgehammer.
Place the wedge in the log’s middle.
Calculate the hammer’s route now.
The downward arc into the wedge should be practiced.
Ascertain that it is straight and sturdy.
THEN GO FOR IT!
Boom!
That wood nearly immediately splits in two.
Do you enjoy the soothing sensation of splitting logs with an axe or maul? If that’s the case, you’ll like this technique.
It’s essentially the same thing, except it’s lot quieter, simpler, and less stressful on your body (it feels great to hit the wedge, not going to lie).
Not only that, but there’s more.
Axes are used to cut tiny timbers. They are usually inadequate when it comes to breaking stump-sized logs and thick trunks. It might take a dozen axe strikes to break the timber. And that isn’t always the best option.
The hammer-and-wedge approach has another big advantage: it NEVER GETS STUCK.
When splitting logs, axes and maulers may be very inconvenient because they become trapped (even with tiny logs). A sledgehammer and a wedge, on the other hand, never get stuck. That is something one is unable to perform. The other is designed to peel straight off the wood with a single pull (if it ever gets stuck).
In a nutshell, you’re getting everything.
Action, silence, efficacy, ease, and low cost.
What else do you need at home to split wood?
HINT: A maul may be used instead of a sledgehammer if a sledgehammer seems excessive. But, in that case, why would you need a wedge?
Here’s a sledgehammer and a wedge to think about:
Wilton B.A.S.H Sledge Hammer Wilton B.A.S.H Sledge Hammer Wilton B.A.S.H Sledge Hammer Wilton B.A
Check Amazon for the most recent price.
To improve your grip, the handle is vulcanized. As a result, it will never escape your control (a lanyard hole also helps with that).
The Hi-vis green head won’t let you down if you desire MAXIMUM HITTING CAPACITY. The wedge’s drop-forged 46 HRC steel structure BANGS against the log hard enough to drive it down.
Finally, the handle dampens vibrations caused by each strike. It will never shatter since it is composed of steel.
Estwing Sure Split Wedge is the wedge.
Check Amazon for the most recent price.
No matter how hard you strike it with a maul or a sledge hammer, forged steel will never shatter.
This one goes one step further: it’s weighted.
The hammer will go through the log INSTANTLY with every strike.
That’s not even taking into account the hand-sharpened edge. You won’t believe how quickly it consumes logs.
It also has little Sure Split fins, which boost wood pressure with each strike. So any log has ZERO CHANCE of surviving a collision with this wedge and your favorite sledgehammer.
2. The Knife for Splitting Wood
You’ve probably never seen a wood-splitting knife before. And that wouldn’t come as a shock.
Despite the fact that it is used in North America, the tool is European in origin.
What was the original name of this creature? You most likely won’t be able to.
The Späntkniv is its name. What is the source of this? Sweden.
The device is one of the most basic but effective methods to separate logs.
Those little chunks of wood that an axe (or perhaps a maul or sledgehammer/wedge combo) would be too big for.
In such circumstance, what do you do? This wood-splitting knife is little yet powerful.
It is made up of a double-edged metal piece in the centre. Two handles are soldered into the metal on the sides.
To utilize it, you must press down with all of your weight.
What’s the end result?
Splitting wood has never been easier. And it’s entertaining.
It’s worth noting that making one of them by hand isn’t difficult. All you have to do now is connect a second handle to the blade’s tip. The knife should be of sufficient size (the size of a machete).
If making your own wood-splitting knife seems like too much labor, you can always buy one like this:
Morakniv Wood Splitter Knife, Classic
Check Amazon for the most recent price.
Straight from the source: Morakniv, a Swedish firm, makes this wood-splitting knife. And it’s obvious.
It’s just stunning. But, more significantly, it’s very efficient.
The 4.5-inch blade is large enough to easily split small logs.
It’s constructed of carbon steel, which is a more durable substance than regular steel.
It’s also lovely because of the red ochre birch handles (AND COMFY).
With this item, you get everything. And at a reasonable price.
It will undoubtedly make your wood-splitting tasks more fun.
3. Mallet and Hacking Knife
It’s not possible to split wood by hand, particularly if you have a hacking knife and a mallet on hand.
I’m not sure how that’s feasible.
You just use the knife as a sharp edge.
The mallet is a weapon of mass destruction.
Place the knife horizontally, with the edge pointing down the log, at the region where you wish to cut the wood. With one hand, firmly grasp the handle (wear gloves if possible).
Then, using the mallet, strike the blade just hard enough to ensure that the knife penetrates the wood.
You can keep hammering the log until the blade penetrates into it and there’s nothing left to hit.
The wood should be virtually split at this time. With a little physical power with your hands and arms, you should be able to split it for good.
If not, you can continue to hold the knife in your hands. You may use the mallet to drive the knife down if a bit of the blade hangs free on the opposite side of the wood.
In no time, the log should be split in two.
KNOW THIS FIRST: Because you’ll be using a potentially sharp knife, this method is a little risky. Wear gloves and be careful of where you’re putting your hands to prevent mishaps.
You can use a hacking knife and a mallet like this:
KA-BAR 200038 BK3 Becker Tac Knife
Check Amazon for the most recent price.
This is a fixed-blade 7-inch knife (PERFECT FOR THE LOG-SPLITTING JOB).
It features a chisel blade that is serrated (EVEN BETTER FOR THE JOB).
It’s constructed with 1095 Cro-van steel (THAT WILL NEVER BREAK SPLITTING WOOD).
You also receive a black grivory handle (WHICH IS UNCONCERNED WITH BEING HIT WITH A MALLET).
The blade has a 15-degree slant to lay the cherry on top (FLAT ENOUGH TO CUT LOGS SMOOTHLY).
This knife would be ideal for the task.
Estwing Dead Blow Hammer is the mallet.
Check Amazon for the most recent price.
Mallets are simple to find.
Is there a non-slip handle on it? A vinyl grip, to be precise.
Is it an anti-vibration device? Yes, owing to the Dead Blow Technology and polyurethane construction.
Will it deteriorate quickly? No, owing to the steel core, which makes it almost indestructible.
What kinds of logs can it sever? ANY KIND OF LOG. A 53-ounce mallet will assist you in driving your knife into any timber.
With this artwork, there’s no getting away from it.
4. Using a Band Saw (or a Table Saw)
This one doesn’t need much explanation.
There should be no difficulty as long as the band saw blade is longer than the diameter of the logs you wish to cut.
I’m not sure how that’s feasible.
To begin, press the logs up against the blade (when the saw is turned on). So choose an item that you can use to move such a log, ideally one made of wood to avoid mishaps.
Then just lay the wood pieces horizontally on the benchtop. Gently press it against the blade. Allow the bandsaw to do its work.
And there you have it!
You won’t have to use much effort to split your logs in half.
Obviously, this is a solution for woodworkers or people who are fortunate enough to already own a band saw.
NOTE: This is a quick instruction for benchtop band saws. It will, however, work if you have a portable band saw. In such instance, use clamps to secure the timber before cutting it.
Consider the following portable band saw:
DCS371B DEWALT DCS371B DEWALT DCS371B DEWALT DCS371B
Check Amazon for the most recent price.
With an 18-TPI blade, cutting those logs is a breeze.
With a 20V battery-powered motor, this band saw makes it feasible.
The LED Work Light allows you to work in low-light conditions.
Operating the saw will be a breeze thanks to the soft grip back-handle.
The 2-inch diameter capacity is what convinced us to suggest it. Splitting small logs of this diameter in half will be a breeze with this little and handy gadget.
5. The Chainsaw Approach
Finally, but certainly not least, USE A CHAINSAW!
Is there a more practical method to halve logs than this?
You do not put out any effort. The logs are practically butter-like sliced in half. And you may do it whenever you want (but not at midnight, since you don’t want to wake up your neighbors).
The procedure is as simple as it appears:
- Place the log in a secure location. Use a clamp or something similar to keep it in place.
- Activate the chainsaw. Half the log should be cut in half.
THAT FAST.
It’s possible that you won’t need to cut the log all the way through. When you get halfway through the log, it will nearly instantly split in two (most likely).
Is there another option that seems as simple as this one? Most likely not.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? Using a chainsaw will almost certainly result in a huge mess. Sawdust will blanket the space around you, making it difficult to see while cutting. Aside than that, it’s excellent.
If you don’t already have one, here’s where you can obtain one:
Oregon CS1500 Corded Electric Chainsaw with Self-Sharpening
Check Amazon for the most recent price.
To chop logs, you’ll need an 18-inch blade.
ANY KIND OF LOG qualifies.
WHATEVER. Small, huge, fat, thin, soft, hard.
A 15-AMP electric motor propels the blade forward.
Because it’s an electric saw, there’s practically no noise (well, not that quiet but still quieter than a gas-powered chainsaw).
In other words, the force and size of this chainsaw blade will break all of those logs.
Put These Concepts to Work RIGHT NOW!
Sooooo…
Is there a DIY log splitter suggestion on our list that you’d like to try?
They’re all well-organized. Are reasonably secure. And they don’t need a lot of work on your side.
Are you prepared to put them to work? THEN GET TO WORK!
The “log splitter plans free pdf” is a DIY project that allows you to split logs. The project can be done with just a few materials and some time.
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