Making firewood has never been easier with modern Black Diamond Log Splitter

A power Black Diamond Log Splitter is powered by gas or electric motors and they are really easy to use once you have read over the manual or had someone show you the working parts of the machine. You place the log/wood in a cradle so that it is secure. A ram with a sharp blade that has a wedge shape is then driven into the log with enough pressure from the hydraulic pump or the electric motor eventually causing the log to split into 2 pieces.

Making firewood has never been easier with modern log splitters. The best woods to burn are straight grained hardwoods like walnut, hickory, pecan, locust or oak. We researched consumer sites like Amazon.com and Epinions.com to see what customers say about their log splitter purchases and we also read countless reviews in online forums.

One of the most in depth and comparative log splitter reviews we found was at Popular Mechanics website with quite a few models tested and compared head to head. A new hydraulic log splitter will cost between $1000 and $4000. Features to look for - Firstly, you need to decide on the splitting force. Log splitters are broken into categories based on their splitting force power (in tons). You'll see some below 10 tons, but most offer 20 to 40 tons of splitting force. The splitter doesn't rely on speed to split the wood, it uses sheer power.

The higher the ton #, the more power you'll get. A good way to determine what size splitter you need to get is how big are the logs you'll be splitting. You typically go by the diameter of the log - 6 inch diameters require at least 4 tons of splitting force, 12 inch diameters should have a minimum of 16 tons, and 24 inch diameter logs need 30+ tons of splitting force. The age of the wood will also become a factor as freshly cut wood is harder to split than logs that have aged and lost some of the moisture in them. They refer to the log types as 'green' or 'seasoned'.

Cycle time is another factor to consider. Average cycle time (the time required to split the log and return the ram to it's original position) is about 12 to 20 seconds. That means you could get through 3 logs in roughly 1 minute and take on a whole cord of wood in no time. The maximum log length varies from splitter to splitter - usually from 18" to 32"+. Something else to think about is - Will you need to tow the splitter? Are you going to be taking it to another property and have to tow it on the highway? Not all splitters are towable, so keep that in mind. We found that reviews for electric log splitters were above average.

Owners like the fact the machines are quieter to run than gas powered and they work great on mid-sized logs. The drawback is the electric power cord that keeps you near a power outlet. Hard to use electric log splitters out in remote areas - you would need to take a generator. The 3 point log splitters (also called PTO wood splitters) attach to your tractor and let you take the splitter anywhere on your property to take on the wood splitting chore. Assembly on all the log splitters we reviewed was fairly easy - few complaints. The largest number of concerns are with splitters that leak hydraulic fluid.

Also, the log cradles don't always keep the Log Splitter in place after they have been split. Sometimes this results in the split log pieces falling into the battery or motor area depending on the design of the wood splitter - this can cause damage. Look for splitters that have a solid housing around the working parts so they can remain free of damage. Electric start function is a nice touch - just push a button to start instead of pulling a cord. We also like the log splitters that have a low idle setting when not splitting, reduces noise and wear and tear on the motor.

Important Safety Tips For Cnsupepower Forest King Log Splitter

Cnsupepower Guide - The Forest King Log Splitter is useful for people who need to split the wood for different purposes. However, if you ignore all the warnings, then the benefits of the shunt is impossible to achieve. Before you start using the chopper, there are some safety regulations that need to be understood.
The log splitter is mechanical, and if you operate it sloppy, it could be dangerous. Whether you are a technician or you have been engaged in this industry for years, you should always brush on safety tips. A stupid mistake may cause your personal injury or injury to anyone nearby.
When you want to cut the wood, you must comply with the safety equipment requirements. You need safety gadgets, including protective glasses for flying debris, gloves, safety steel toe boots and correct work pants. Unless you use a noise-free super friendly electric splitter, you will need earplugs to avoid damaging the eardrum.
Adults know how to operate log splitters, but the kids do not know. It is not a toy, you do not want to brave the splash of debris or logs hurt them. Even when used indoors, children should be trained to avoid dangerous machines.
There is always an instruction manual for an extension manufacturer. It is always a guide to your operation and safety precautions. For example, you should read the manual and understand the load capacity of the machine. Heavy load is equivalent to disaster.
These splitters are equipped with a height adjustment plate, and you need to make sure that the machine has been adjusted before use. If you pay no attention, you can cause serious back problems and chronic pain in use.
If you want to minimize the accident, you should make sure your work area is tidy. Do not work in crowded spaces where you will risk tripping and getting hurt. You should remove any debris and make sure that the separate wood does not hinder your movements.
The Log Splitter is best able to use it outdoors. Indoor use for a long time may lead to the accumulation of carbon monoxide and. Make sure your operating area is also good. Working in a dark or dark place may cause damage to you.

The best Log Splitter for me really depends on your needs

Before I get into all the details I need to give you some background information to put everything into context. The best Log Splitter for me really depends on your needs. But more on that later.

My log splitter has been a valuable prep item for me and has split many cords of wood (large diameter wood) without any problem at all.

The ability to ‘make heat’ during the winter without electricity could make the difference between misery and comfort, or even life and death, or at a minimum, damage to your home from freezing/bursting pipes.

Many of us have a fireplace or wood stove in our home, however they are mostly not used for our main source of winter heat.

These days of course, home heating is accomplished typically by either an oil burner, natural gas, or electricity.

What if the power goes out?

An oil burner needs electricity to ignite and to power the pumps or blowers to circulate the heat. Electric heat (baseboard units), well, need electricity to function at all. Natural Gas heaters, if of the simple variety – like a wall unit, do not need electricity to function if they have a pilot flame – although many ‘significant’ gas heaters do require electricity to circulate the heat.

What is the most basic method of making heat without electricity? Fire. Having a wood stove is a great backup for home heat.

Assuming that you have one, the next thing is procuring the wood! Here’s the thing… you can buy wood already cut and split to your required dimension, or you can save some money and do it yourself. The thing is, after the wood is cut to length, who wants to split it by hand (axe-wedge-etc.) to manageable pieces? Not me… I’ll do it the easy way with a log splitter.

Several years ago I researched log-splitters and was looking for something that wasn’t extremely expensive – knowing that I’m not doing this as a business, but just for my own use for home. I was willing to settle upon a gasoline-powered splitter, but they were all pretty expensive. While looking at electric log-splitters I settled upon one, which was highly reviewed. I must say that since I’ve bought it and used it for a few years, I’m still thrilled with it’s performance, its compact size, and quiet operation.

Yes, I know, this one requires electricity to function. The idea is to split your wood ‘before’ the power goes out! Or, if you have solar power, you’re all set…

Anyway, I just wanted to put out a recommendation for any of you who may be in the market for a good, but not terribly expensive log splitter for your personal use at home.

This is the Performance Built Log Splitter that I have. Read the reviews yourself and shop around if you’re interested. Consider the good old fashioned method of wood heat for your winter heating backup, should things go ‘bad’…