Is splitting wood taking so much of your time and you feel that the task is exhausting you? Then why not you say goodbye to your ax and use a wood splitter. The tool can be used to chop the wood into a polished wedge. You will greatly appreciate this tool as you get to experience how it can help you save time in splitting woods.
However, there is one thing that could stop you from acquiring a wood splitter – the cost. The tool can cost you hundreds or even thousands. It is a great thing though that there are other alternatives so you can have your own wood splitter. You can consider using a floor jack to split wood.
Materials You Will Need
Before you focus on the steps of splitting woods through the floor jack, there are several things that you need to prepare first. Some of these items might be available in your toolkit. However, you can always go out and check with a hardware store the availability of the required materials.
To use a floor jack in splitting wood, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:
- Floor jack
- Sheet metal
- Steel beam
- Hydraulic hoses
- Single blade wedge
- Steel bracket clamps
- Castor wheels
- Acetylene torch
- Protective gloves
- Protective gloves or welding mask
Steps in Splitting Wood Using a Floor Jack
- Assemble the Frame
The first step is to assemble the frame for the wood splitter. The frame is important as it will reinforce the floor jack so it can shove into chunks. The best way of building the frame is to form it similar to a sawhorse to secure reinforcement for the legs. Also, you should know that the size of your frame should complement the size of the floor jack.
After figuring out the dimensions of the frame, start connecting the pieces by welding them. Do not forget to wear your protective gear.
- Do the Sliding Block
At this time, you must make your sliding block. This is the part of the wood splitter where the wood is placed. This is an important part as it works to firmly hold the wood as it also assists the wood to smoothly glide onto the wedge. You get to decide on the size of the sliding block. However, it is better that it can base off the wood’s size.
Ensure the smooth function of the sliding block. You must understand that if this aspect fails, your wood splitter could experience difficulty sooner or later.
You might find it helpful to use extra shims and test the sliding movement of the sliding block continuously. If you find the movement satisfactory already, then you can go to the following step.
- Install the Floor Jack
Once you set up the sliding block, you should then install the floor jack.
To do this, install the floor jack on any of the tips of the frame. Make sure that the sliding block is positioned underneath it. It is also crucial that you properly install the floor jack to ensure that the sliding block would smoothly drive the wood going to the sharp wedge.
After figuring out where you settle the floor jack, fix it with a collar and weld it. See to it that the collar is properly welded to prevent the floor jack from shaking as you use it.
- Connect the Wedge
After welding the floor jack to the frame, your next step is to connect the wedge. Position the blade so that it faces in a similar direction to the floor jack. Fix it in the orientation your sliding block moves. You can check any nearby hardware store to purchase a wedge. However, if these stores run out of stock, you have the option to weld metals and devise your wedge.
Before you start welding your wedge, you must consider the kind of wood that is about to be cut as well as the pressure applied by the jack. By doing so, you will know the best wedge angle so you can effectively facilitate the cutting of wood.
A floor jack is manually handled. Hence, it is advised that you get the finest wedge so you can easily split your wood.
- Connect the Wheels
Next, connect the wheels. This step is not mandatory though. However, if you want to incorporate something else so that you can improve the mobility of your splitter, then consider performing this step.
Know that the finished piece is going to be bulky, making it more challenging to move. To manage it well, attaching wheels at the base part of the frame is good when moving a floor jack splitter.
You can use trolley wheels or castor wheels, depending on your preference. Simply use screws to attach these wheels.
If you are using high-density wood and large-scale jack, large-scale castor wheels are also available. While you are checking around for the best wheels, see to it that you choose ones that feature a lever to prevent the wheels from turning. This is an essential feature as you would want to make sure that the wood splitter will stay in its position when splitting wood.
Finally, you have created your own wood splitter.
- Test It
Perhaps one of the best things in devising your own tool is that you can customize it according to your preferences. This perception can still apply when you make your own wood splitter.
The ultimate step is to examine the finished item. You can only call the project successful if you can ensure its functionality. To determine the quality of your floor jack wood splitter, you need to confirm the following items:
- Make sure that it is easy to split woods using your floor jack
- Make sure that the floor jack is well fixed.
- Make sure that the sliding block brings the wood to the appropriate destination.
When testing, it would be best if you begin with smaller woods. Gradually shift to bigger woods to examine the reliability of your machine.
