How To Build A Log Splitter

As I get older, it gets more challenging for me to use a traditional ax and chopping block!

But my husband and I love campfires, especially during the weekends when the kids come to visit. On one such occasion, my son told me to build a DIY log splitter. 

It was a great idea, so I searched on the internet and managed to make one with a little help from my family. Soon enough, I was easily splitting logs again in my backyard!

Meanwhile, my new neighbor, Angie, noticed this beautiful contraption my husband and I had built. Full of curiosity, she wanted to know how to build a log splitter. I helped her make her own and soon realized there might be many more who don't know how to create one.

Hi! I'm Stacy Smith. And I have formulated this informative guide to tell you about the numerous ways in which you can make your DIY log splitter. Trust me; it's not as hard as it sounds. With just a few tools and a little help, you will have your working piece of machinery in no time.

So, without further ado, let’s get straight to the deets.

Different Types of Log Splitters

Before beginning, it's essential to let you know that you can make log splitters all by yourself, depending on your needs. I have listed the most relevant among them below and provided the steps for your convenience.

So, let's get cracking.

1. The Unicorn Log Splitter

It's simple enough to make, and if you need the visual input, you can look at diagrams on the internet. As for the steps involved, you need to get hold of an engine to turn the machine's head. The head or top portion works much like a corkscrew and looks like the horns of a unicorn.

The corkscrew is used to drill into the log and split it into several pieces. A significant part of the effort goes into making the head, and once that's done, the rest of the process is easy enough. The considerable advantage of the model is that it's innovative and safe at the same time. I've enjoyed the fact that it's a fast and efficient way to make a log splitter.

2. The Wheel of Debt

The Wheel of Debt model allows you to make a unit from nothing but pieces of scrap, and that too, without compromising on effectiveness. Using readily available materials helps to lower the cost while the concept in itself is fairly straightforward.

You need to use a cutting blade and mount it on a large wheel, which is, in turn, attached to the gas engine. As you fire up the machine, it turns the wheels, thereby splitting the logs that are placed on the platform. You won't have to put in a lot of effort, and it delivers fast, clean cuts, making it ideal for most people.

3. Hydraulic Jack Log Splitter

Another attractive option, rather than buying a log splitter, is to make one using a hydraulic jack. It offers exceptional power and provides both vertical and horizontal cuts. You need to start by making the frame and determine the size based on the jack, wedge, and wood size. Then, proceed to weld the different materials and watch your frame taking shape.

After building the frame, move onto the sliding block designed to hold the wood in place. Then mount the jack, which is the most vital part, by placing it at one end of the frame, right above the sliding block.

Proceed to attach the wedge and weld the blades into position. Finally, make sure you fix the wheels for added mobility.

4. Small Log Splitter

If you don't like your model to be big but still crave for power, it's possible to make a smaller unit. And the fun part is that you can use anything you set your eyes on. It ranges from the axle of your old car or even a beer keg used as the hydraulic reservoir, thereby providing an affordable option.

Moreover, you can use ordinary steel or even sturdier materials for the footplate if needed, but the lack of grippers has an advantage. It helps the sliding block move smoothly on and off the splitter. You can use chainsaws to cut in a straight line, which will keep the block in position to prevent wobbling.

5. Big Log Splitter

Similarly, after the smaller version, you can also opt to make a more prominent splitter. But there's no need to worry because it costs much less to make your unit than to buy a new one, despite having a substantial size.

First and foremost, you'll need to get hold of a steel beam measuring 13-inch by 7-inch and having a thickness of ½-inch. I also advise you to keep additional steel panels just in case. Next, you'll need an electric start engine to deliver the requisite power, which is well supported by the two-stage splitting wedge and 4-inch hydraulic cylinder.

The rest of the procedure remains the same as with other log splitters, except the pushbuttons. The buttons serve the dual purpose of controlling the loading arm and operating the control lever to use the wedge. You can also make it height adjustable, and I assure you that there won't be any logs it can't split.