How To Choose A Log Splitter – 9 Things to Consider

A warm and cozy fire in the house comes with a lot of effort into the wood splitting job. If you’ve been getting your firewood from the shop, you may don’t know what goes into the process. Splitting your wood may help you cut down the extra price they come with. However, splitting woods will require you to have a proper tool to get the job done. The best tool to start splitting logs into pieces is a log splitter that can effortlessly cut through big logs.

Choosing the right log splitter isn’t a piece of cake, as there are many things to consider before getting one. I will get you through the things that you must know if you’re planning to chop firewoods. Stick to the article to know how to choose a log splitter and start making your own firewood easier than ever.

Types Of Log Splitter

Depending on size, operation process, power consumption, there are so many types of log splitter available in the market, such as:

• Gas splitter: You have to operate them with gas and get massive to small jobs done with it; they’re more durable than others.
• Electric splitter: They are the best option if you want high power from a smaller structure, best for portability.
• Hydraulic splitter: Hydraulic power is the driving force for these splitters; they’re highly efficient and available in both horizontal and vertical.
• Manual splitter: This type requires you to push the sharp edge of the splitter through the log, better if you have a massive body to do the job.
• Kinetic splitter: They use a flywheel to store the wind power and deliver it into the chopper, making a force to go through the log.
• Three-point splitter: They are more efficient and incredibly powerful as they can chop through the wood in three chop-ways.
• Side-Hammer splitter: These are the old-fashioned wood-splitting methods that you can go for cheap and use your muscle strength to split the wood.

How To Choose A Log Splitter?

Choosing the right splitter is a tricky job that needs you to pay attention to multiple considerations at a time. Here is how to choose a log splitter and the features and descriptions to consider having in it:

Consider the log dimensions

The dimension of the log is the very first thing you have to consider before buying a splitter. The width, length, and height of the log will require you to get different shapes and types of splitters. For the diameter, logs for firewood usually come in 6 inches to 24 inches, and they all need different levels of power into the splitter. Green Woods and seasoned woods also need different levels of force; I’ll talk about them in a bit.

How much tonnage do you need?

The tonnage amount of the splitter determines the power of the machine, so you have to choose the right tonnage. The minimum tonnage amount for the 6-inch seasoned log is 4-6 tons, where it’s 8-10 tons for greens. If the diameter of the log is up to 12 inches, you’ll have to have at least a 7-ton splitter for seasoned wood. If you’re splitting 12 inches of greed wood, you’ll need at least 16-ton force in the splitter. For a seasoned log, 24 inches in diameter, you’ll need 20 tons of force into the splitter. If it’s green-wood in 24 inches, you must get a splitter with 30 tons to 30 tons of force on the splitter.

Know the type of wood

Different types of wood will require you to have different amounts of force into the splitting job. If you’re splitting hardwoods like oak, teak, and walnut, beech, hickory, mahogany, maple, consider getting higher tonnage in the machine. The minimum requirements I’ve mentioned earlier should be just fine if you’re splitting softwoods like cedar, pine, redwood, juniper. Get a splitter with higher tonnage if you’re not going to stick to a single type of wood.

How much cycle time do you need?

The cycle time of the splitter determines how efficiently your machine will chop through the log. The higher the cycle time is, the higher amount of efficiency it will deliver. If you have a faster cycle time, it will split more wood in less time as it requires less resting period. The rule of thumb here is, never get a log splitter that has a cycle time of more than 15 seconds. For reference, check out this best log splitter under $1000 with a faster cycle time.

What power source do you need?

The power source of the log splitter is a big consideration to have in the selection process. You can go with different types of splitters, such as electric, hydraulic, diesel, or manual splitters. But you must make sure the splitter is efficient enough to serve you in the long run. Gas splitters offer more longevity and higher splitting capability as well. Hydraulic log splitters can give you clean, energy-efficient service for a long time, with almost no extra cost into the job.

Vertical or horizontal splitter?

Vertical splitters split logs in the vertical position, and they help you get split logs bigger in diameter. When you need to split logs in bulk, a vertical splitter can come more helpful. However, Horizontal splitters are the most common type that people use in general. They are more accessible than the vertical ones and come with multiple power options. You’ll find electric, hydraulic, manual splitters in the horizontal log splitters.

How many Decibels does it produce?

Log splitters make noise, and it can matter a lot if you’re planning to use it in a populated area. If you’re selecting a splitter with a 4-stroke engine in it, make sure you have the Decibels rating as low as possible. It will have a positive effect on your splitting performance as well. The rule of thumb here is, try to keep the Decibels rating less than 100 if possible, especially if it’s a hydraulic one.

Consider the Chassis strength

The strength of the chassis of the splitter is something you must not skip while selecting a log splitter. The outer chassis of the splitter and the sharp portion of the cutter has to be sturdy and robust. Only with a sturdy chassis you can rely on your splitter to handle the big logs that you’re putting on it.

How To Use A Log Splitter?

Using a log splitter has a pretty straightforward process in the usage that you’ll find fascinating once you start using it. Here is a quick starting guide to get started with your new log splitter:

• First of all, wear your safety gear and apparel to help you stay safe with the splitters or loosen firewoods. Use the splitter in daylight; don’t be so desperate to use it in the nighttime.
• Make sure the splitter has a firm grip on the ground and attached to a supporting base that keeps it on the place.
• Put on your log on the driveway of the splitter and gently press the start button to start splitting, don’t rush on that.
• While putting the log, make sure you’re putting it in its natural position. Never force it to stay otherwise, or it may kink out of the splitter.
• While putting it in the second phase, or the reverse position, make sure you’re putting it down wise in its natural position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most frequently asked questions about splitter woods and log splitters that you might have an interest in:

Final Thought

Splitting woods can be a fun job if you have the right log splitter with you and know how to use it. Knowing how to choose a log splitter will help you get the best output from the splitter with the maximum efficiency. Nevertheless, never forget to put on your protective apparel before you start splitting wood with the splitter.

Because of the higher pressure, wood splinters might tear out and go directly to your eyes or somewhere else. So, put a pair of good gloves, a pair of safety glasses, possibly steel toe boots, and a good jacket to protect your body.