It depends on what you will be using the wood splitter for, as both gas and electric wood splitters have their advantages and disadvantages. Gas wood splitters tend to be powerful and require less maintenance, making them ideal for large, tough logs.
On the other hand, electric wood splitters are quite powerful for residential use and quieter than gas wood splitters. In addition, they can be used indoors, making them great for smaller, lighter logs.
Ultimately, the kind of wood splitter you should use will be determined by what you will be using it for, as well as your individual preferences.
What should I look for in a electric log splitter?
When looking for an electric log splitter, it is important to consider several factors including power, portability, weight, and safety features. In terms of power, it is important to consider the motor size and electricity requirements, as well as the splitting power the machine offers.
Electric log splitters vary in splitting power, so it is important to make sure the model you choose is suited to the size of logs you will be splitting. In terms of portability, it is important to choose a model that is light and fits into your vehicle.
If you are splitting logs in different locations, a good-quality wheeled electric log splitter makes portability easy. Weight is also a factor to consider, as heavier models may require two people to move.
Lastly, it is important to make sure the electric log splitter has safety features such as an auto-return switch and a sturdy frame, to ensure your safety while using the machine.
Are electric log splitters loud?
No, electric log splitters are usually not loud. Most of these devices use an electric motor to generate power and these motors tend to be quieter than other models. Electric log splitters also come in sizes and styles that range from small, handheld devices designed for light-duty work to large, powerful, and efficient splitters designed for heavy-duty work.
The louder ones are usually larger models, but even those can still be a lot quieter than some other types of log splitters, like gas-powered ones. Typically, electric log splitters will have a decibel rating printed on them and will usually be in the range of 60 decibels or less.
To get an idea of how loud that is, 60 decibels is the same level of noise that a conversation at home produces.
How much does it cost to run an electric log splitter?
The cost of running an electric log splitter can vary greatly depending on the type of splitter and the power source used. Electric splitters are more expensive upfront but can be considerably cheaper to run over the long term.
If using an electric log splitter that runs off your home’s electricity, the cost to run the splitter will be determined by the wattage of the motor, the rate per kilowatt-hour (kwh) of electricity in your area, and the amount of time you use it.
Generally, the more powerful the log splitter, the more expensive it will be to run because more electricity is required to power the motor. For example, a 2-ton electric log splitter may have a motor that requires 2,000 watts or more of power, and if you use that splitter for one hour of continuous work, it will likely cost you between $0.20 to $0.
25 in electricity. If you use an electric splitter that runs off a gas generator, the primary cost will be the cost of the fuel used to run the generator. Generally, a small portable 2,000-watt gasoline generator will cost approximately $0.
10 per kWh to use, while a larger unit may cost $0.25 per kWh or more.
How do you split logs with a log splitter?
Splitting logs with a log splitter is a relatively simple task once you understand the proper technique. Before starting, make sure that you and your work area are safe – secure any loose clothing, ties, or jewelry, and make sure all bystanders are a safe distance away.
Position the log up against the splitting wedge. The splitting wedge should be aimed at the center of the log – if the log is off-center, use the adjustable angle to center the log in the splitter.
Once the position is correct, the log can be slowly slid onto the splitting wedge. Make sure to hold the log firmly against the splitting wedge. An easy way to do this is to put your feet on either side of the log and press down gently as the log is placed onto the splitting wedge.
Now turn on the log splitter and push the handle forward to move the splitting ram forward. As the splitting ram moves, the pressure it puts on the log increases and the log should eventually split. Once the log has split, move the splitting ram back to its original position, turn off the splitter, and the log is ready to be moved.
By following these steps, a log can be split safely and easily with a log splitter.
What is a kinetic wood splitter?
A kinetic wood splitter is a device used to split logs into small pieces of wood or firewood. This device uses a chain mechanism to power a two-sided blade that cuts through logs of various sizes. The chain spins in a circular motion, generating high kinetic energy, which is then transferred to the wood splitter’s blade.
The kinetic energy of the chain causes the blade to cut through the logs in an efficient and precise manner. A kinetic wood splitter is an incredibly effective and efficient way to break up logs for use as firewood.
It can be used to quickly and easily cut multiple logs of various sizes in a short amount of time. Additionally, it can be used to split logs into smaller pieces for use in smaller fireplace stoves. This device is incredibly useful for people who need to split large amounts of logs for use in their fireplace.
Will a log splitter split green wood?
Yes, a log splitter will split green wood. Green wood is any wood that has recently been cut down, and has not yet had a chance to fully dry out. Since log splitters rely on mechanical force, rather than the wood being dried out and brittle, they are capable of splitting green wood.
Doing so may require setting the log splitter at a lower force as green wood can often be much tougher than dry wood. Additionally, it can be beneficial to cut green wood down into smaller pieces so that the log splitter can easily manage it.
For wide logs, it is generally easiest to make two or three cuts with a chainsaw before splitting them with the log splitter. Doing so will reduce the force required and create logs of a more manageable size.
What’s the hardest wood to split?
The hardest woods to split are generally very dense hardwoods such as Hickory, Osage Orange, and Mesquite. These woods all have high densities and are generally very hard to work with. In particular, Osage Orange is known to be one of the most difficult woods to split due to its high density, tannin content, and notoriouisly stringy grain structure.
It is so difficult to split that many seasoned woodworkers have given up trying! Other hard to split woods include Persimmon, Ironwood, and Lignum Vitae.
Should you dry wood before splitting?
Yes, it is important to dry wood before splitting. Splitting green or wet wood is significantly more difficult, and it is also dangerous as the wedges used to split the wood can easily get stuck. Additionally, wet wood can often contain moisture that can cause warping, which can make it more difficult to split as the wood may move unpredictably when force is applied.
Drying the wood naturally allows the moisture to evaporate, making splitting easier and more precise.
How long should logs sit before splitting?
The amount of time logs should sit before splitting depends on the type of wood and whether or not the log has been debarked. Softwoods such as pine and hemlock should sit for about 6 months. Hardwoods including walnut, oak, and hickory should sit for 12 to 18 months.
De-barked logs should sit for a minimum of six months, although it is recommended to let them sit for up to a year. If the logs are not de-barked, it is recommended to wait for them to dry out for at least 6 months before splitting.
It is also important to store the logs in a dry, shaded area to protect them from sun and rain. Splitting wet logs can cause the wood to split unevenly, warp, or crack. Since the drying process can take some time, it is best to plan ahead and collect the logs well in advance before splitting.
Is a 22 ton log splitter big enough?
A 22 ton log splitter is generally considered to be a mid-sized log splitter. It should have enough power to split the largest logs with dense wood, as long as you keep pushing the logs into the splitter evenly.
It can handle large logs with straight or split grain, or denser woods like oak, but it may struggle with larger and longer logs or logs with extra knots and other imperfections. It should be able to handle typical home splitting needs, however if you plan on splitting logs regularly and/or need to split larger logs with more challenging grain patterns, you may want to consider a log splitter with higher tonnage ratings.
What is a good cycle time for a log splitter?
A good cycle time for a log splitter will vary depending on the type and size of log splitter you are using, as well as the type and size of logs that you are trying to split. Generally, a two-stage log splitter will have a cycle time of about 10 to 15 seconds, and a three-stage log splitter will have a cycle time of about 20 to 30 seconds.
Some larger log splitters will have even longer cycle times, with times ranging from 40 to 80 seconds. The best way to gauge the cycle time for your log splitter is to consult your product manual or ask the manufacturer for specifics.
It’s also important to take into consideration that splitting hardwood logs can take longer than splitting softwood logs, so keep this in mind when gauging cycle time.