Project 5 from KSmith. Category: Custom Off-Road – Log Splitter Drop Hitch

[SeanMurphy265]

I owned that welder and used it quite a bit. I burned 3/32 rods because that was the sweet spot for that welder. I sold it and bought a Power Arc 140st. I did my first paid welding job (for myself) with this welder and an HF 3000 watt generator. I welded 4 small quarter inch plates uphill on a gate post for a guy. After that I decided to get a more powerful generator and a Power Arc 200. Their not bad welders for the guy that does a home repair every now and then.

[KSmith]

I owned that welder and used it quite a bit. I burned 3/32 rods because that was the sweet spot for that welder. I sold it and bought a Power Arc 140st. I did my first paid welding job (for myself) with this welder and an HF 3000 watt generator. I welded 4 small quarter inch plates uphill on a gate post for a guy. After that I decided to get a more powerful generator and a Power Arc 200. Their not bad welders for the guy that does a home repair every now and then.

I tried 3/32" rod with the HF welder, but it seemed a little cold to me with them. Maybe it was a technique issue, and not the welder and rod. I would rather have used 3/32 for this drop hitch project.

ken

[NRM]

Ken nice hitch and I have always wanted a log splitter even though we don't split that much wood over here. Did you think about gussets to strengthen the joints as you are pulling it with an ATV I think. I assume the ground may not be all that level or flat.

[KSmith]

Ken nice hitch and I have always wanted a log splitter even though we don't split that much wood over here. Did you think about gussets to strengthen the joints as you are pulling it with an ATV I think. I assume the ground may not be all that level or flat.

I did think about triangular gussets, gussets on the sides of each joint. But then, I thought that it might be overkill. I don't loan out my splitter, so it is me to observe it. I plan to keep a watch on the joints, look for cracking, and repair if needed. The terrain is not flat or level, so there will be some slow speed stresses. I did not buy the road-worthy package, and kept the riding mower type tires and lighter axle. So I creep from here to there. Most the time, I will be moving the splitter from the storage spot to the splitting/stacking spot, and move the wood from the forest to the splitter by pickup truck. Occasionally I will want to split where I cut the wood, but don't expect it very often.

by the way, the splitter is a northern tool product. Only 20" capability, but my stove will only take up to 18", and likes 16" best, so no need for a larger unit. Most of our wood here is ponderosa pine, douglas fir, and western larch (tamarak). No oak, maple, etc., so 13 ton is fine. The splitter wedge splits in both directions, so there is not the need to return the piston each time, which saves alot of time.

ken

[Rambozo]

The splitter wedge splits in both directions, so there is not the need to return the piston each time, which saves alot of time.

If you want to really save time.....

[undercut]

If you want to really save time.....

That's pretty cool to watch. Kinda slow to get started but when it comes to the splitting part .... wow!

[KSmith]

If you want to really save time.....

I saw that video some time ago....looked for the kit at harbor freight, but couldn't find it!

ken

[hokiefd]

Nice work. Sometimes relatively small & simple projects like this are the most gratifying.