While I have rented a log splitter in past years, I found a 4-ton electric log splitter on sale at Canadian tire and decided to give it a try. I was concerned that the 4-ton version wouldn't be powerful enough but was pleasantly surprised. The splitter easily split even the biggest logs over 14 inches in diameter. The biggest problem was knots but with a bit of clever planning these tough logs can be mastered.
This model is quite compact, and hence, I placed it on our picnic table to get it up to a more comfortable work height.
Safety
There are a few tips to stay safe when using the splitter- Wear safety glasses or a face shield
- Use as short an extension cord as possible and low guage wire or you will find that you will be constantly tripping a circuit breaker, and over heating the splitter.
- Be sure to open up the air release value before you start splitting - and close it just before storage.
- Keep your fingers out of the way
- Do not defeat the safety interlock system - that is having to push a button and a separate lever at the same time.
Through trial and error you will determine the the best way to load the logs to get the best splitting result. Here are a few tips to start with:
- Load the widest end of the log against the knife side of the splitter
- Load any logs not cut straight with the longest side downwards
I am kicking myself for not video tapping the operation of the splitter but I found a excellent demonstration on the model I have on YouTube:
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