What To Look For When Buying A Log Splitter

Ready to fill that firewood rack? You could go outplans, this on site step is an important time saver -
there with the mallet and wedge and split those logswhich translates into monetary savings, of course.
by hand. After all, doesn't the old saying aboutSo other than stocking your firewood rack, a
cutting your own fire wood warming you twice ringhydraulic log splitter can become an important log
true? If you would rather be warmed by burning thefurniture tool. There is a high demand for the rustic
wood instead of the exertion of cutting it, then a loglook of "cabin" furnishings and back-to-nature
splitter is a tool that should be at the top of your list.décor.
How Many Tons?Log splitters, even a used log splitter can range in
Ton size is a question that is two fold. Log splittersprice from a few hundred dollars to several
are measured in ton capacity. A professional gradethousands of dollars. So the next determination is
splitter is at least 20 tons, and those for home andhow valuable is your time? If you can split 10 logs an
personal use generally are in the 2-5 ton range. Thishour the old fashioned way and your time at your
also determines the horsepower of the engine. A"day job" is paid at a rate of $50 per hour, you have
much stronger engine is needed in order to not burnjust "hired" yourself a very well paid log splitter! On
out after hundreds of logs.the other hand, a hydraulic log splitter in the 4 ton
The first question then to address is will your logrange is capable of splitting ten times the number of
splitter be used for personal firewood consumption orlogs per hour. Now that's what I'd call "cheap help!"
furniture making, or are you splitting logs forThen there is the issue of safety. The self lubricating
commercial building or firewood sales. That willand maintaining capabilities of these log splitters keep
determine the horsepower and ton size you need.them operating safely. An axe needs regular
What Else Can I Do With A Log Splitter?sharpening as it can get dull hitting the dirt, or get
A log splitter makes the job of splitting firewooddangerously close to hitting legs!
easier. That's quite obvious. But log splitters haveWhat it all comes down to it that safety, time, and
more uses than just getting firewood ready.convenience are all worth more than a stoic attempt
Forestry suppliers for example will use the log splitterto warm yourself the old fashioned way. Even the
as the first step into making wood planking or evenaverage homeowner who lights a fire in the fireplace
getting logs ready for paper making. This kind offor aesthetics more than heat, will benefit from
logging equipment can be used right at the forestquickly stocking the wood pile using a gas powered
site to manage trees for transport and prepare thehydraulic log splitter.
wood for specific end uses. Following log splitter