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Small Cabin Forum / Useful Links and Resources / Dr Rapidflyer Flywheel Logsplitter
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rockies
Member
# Posted: 11 Apr 2016 18:20
Reply 


Seems very fast and easy to use.
http://www.drpower.com/power-equipment/log-splitters/

rmak
Member
# Posted: 13 Apr 2016 21:05
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I didn't see a video on the site, so here is one from youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W66YcaJfqhI

old243
Member
# Posted: 13 Apr 2016 22:30
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I have a super split splitter. quite similar, inertia flywheel drive. works well. Just have to pay attention, how you put the block in and where your hands are.old243

itsals1
Member
# Posted: 14 Apr 2016 21:28
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Old243

Would you buy a super split again? I looked at a used 1 today but was extremely disappointed in the return of the ram, it did not return completely. The seller said that this was his 2nd 1 he has owned and that is how they both were? I've never seen one in person until today, only online. The seller would not budge on his price,but he lied about how old it was and a few other things.
I'm thinking I will just save some $ a little bit longer and order a new 1.
Thank you for your advise.
Travis

Gary O
Member
# Posted: 15 Apr 2016 08:26
Reply 


Well, I've still got the not-so-super-mostly-duper splitter.
I call it 'the intern', because everyone should at least start out with it to acquire a deeper appreciation of a mechanically driven splitter.


Truth be told, if I'm gonna heft a log up waist high, I'm not gonna rob myself of the opportunity to swing for the fences.
It actually loosens this ol' back up, helps grease the shoulders and arms, and seems to even be a bit aerobic.

But...

Nice splitter

old243
Member
# Posted: 15 Apr 2016 10:59
Reply 


itsals1, We purchased our super split used. The ram return not going back fully , could be the return spring , not having enough tension, or missing. It is a long spring that attaches to the ram and goes around and back the full length of the splitter, and attaches at the back. Ours was missing and had been replaced with a bungee cord. There are also fairly close tolerance between the splitter beam and the ram. You can get a buildup of pitch on the underside of the beam. , if necessary you can scrape it off. The company recommends lubing with WD40 , mostly I use chain saw oil, liberally. There are grease fittings on the flywheel that should be lubed, occasionally. Other than that it is fairly bullet proof. Ours did not have a splitting table, I welded one up, saves a lot of picking wood up, the second time. One disadvantage is getting big blocks up to table height. I fill my tractor bucket up, and raise it to table height. If you can buy it used , at the right price, I wouldn't be afraid of it, mine has had lots of tough sledding and still works good. I would definetly buy another. I am in Canada , they are made in the US, with our devalued looney , this puts new out of reach. It is a family owned company and you can talk to the owner, if you have questions or a problem. There is a lot of info on their website and a parts list. Hope this helps. old243

itsals1
Member
# Posted: 15 Apr 2016 22:00
Reply 


GaryO
Yeah I've used 1 of those a time or 2! My neighbor tells me, "work smarter not harder!" Respect your elders I was taught.

Old243
Thank you! I passed on the used super split. Still have a old hydraulic splitter that my Dad lets me borrow, it's just SLOW,but still works, built in 73'! Almost as experienced as me built in 71'. I'm going to save up and order a new one in a year or two I hope.
Travis

rmak
Member
# Posted: 16 Apr 2016 09:01 - Edited by: rmak
Reply 


Gary-That tool looks too clean and pristine to ever have been used. Maybe that's your display model!

old243
Member
# Posted: 16 Apr 2016 09:30
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itsals1, Regarding the used splitter , are you in Canada, in Ontario, if so and you are not interested. Could you give me a rough idea what the chap is asking for it. Also what you think might be wrong with it . My brother in law might be interested. thanks old 243

itsals1
Member
# Posted: 17 Apr 2016 22:58
Reply 


Old243
I'm from Wisconsin. Super Split in UP Michigan. Story is he's moving to Arizona. Price started at $2200.00, then lowered to $1950.00. He told me that he only used it for a half face cord, So I thought it was almost new. He finally called me (we were emailing) told me that he bought it 2 years ago from a firewood seller/processor and they only used it 1-2 years. Ok so it's 3-4 years old, very good condition. He also said he had paid $1700.00 for it and that's the least he would sell it for, I offered $1500.00. We finally came to $1650.00 provided it was as he said it was. So we set a day that I could come over, 6 hour trip 1 way for me, and day off of work. He had told me that it was always stored inside, when I arrived it was in a mini storage. I was excited to see it and try it out. It looked fairly nice, we pulled it out and it started 3-4 pulls😀. Split a couple of boards, then the rack jumped off of the sprocket? He's like well that never has happened before. I fixed it ( he did not want to get his hands dirty) every time it cycled it would not return, he keep pushing back with the board. When I asked he said that's how they all are (this was his 2nd 1) shut it off looked closer at it and found out the date code was 2008 not 2012/13 like he said. Checked the oil, over full,air filter looked like it was covered in mud, probably never cleaned or changed. So in the end I thought $1600.00 would be very fair considering. Needless to say ended up driving 6 hours back home without a splitter. A new 1 is only $600.00 more, less than a $100.00 year to upgrade. So I'm not sure if your still interested.
Travis

RichInTheUSA
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2016 08:24
Reply 


I just bought a "Dirty Hands" 22 ton log splitter from Lowes for $1000. Very happy with it.

However, it's amazing how much faster the one in this thread is (judging by the youtube video). Doesn't give a whole lot of room for mistakes... but I guess none of them do.

old243
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2016 08:41
Reply 


itsals1, Thanks for the reply. That is a lot, far away , for me . Also the exchange rate puts it out of reach. I would expect that the rack disconnecting from the flywheel would be the trip mechanism, bearings, wear, lack of lubrication. The fact that it does not retract, is not normal, in spite of what he tells you . Something as simple as a chip lodged under the ram guides could cause it to bind and not return. Sounds like it needs to visit the workshop, for a good cleanup. Just for your info, I gave 500.00 Can, Spent about 100.00 for a spring and belts. Added a splitting table, welded up my own. Also a wheel under the tongue I think I did ok, but took a bit of TLC to get it the way I wanted. Good luck in your search. old243

Gary O
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2016 09:25
Reply 


Quoting: rmak
Gary-That tool looks too clean and pristine to ever have been used. Maybe that's your display model

Oh sure, call me out...
I just didn't think anyone would recognize the one I actually use;


wut

hueyjazz
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2016 12:27
Reply 


As noted the Drpower splitter is an inertia unit. It's a good use of physics but not something I would want due to the safety aspects. But the same could be said of a table saw and I don't think twice about using that as I've learn to respect it.

Curious they compare the DR unit to a ten ton hydraulic splitter. I don't know if they even make a ten to hydraulic splitter. Most are 20 and up.

For speed nothing beats the axe method. But it's hard on the body. As with most things the right tool for the job makes the difference. I've used grandpa mauls and wedges since birth.
A couple years ago I discovered the Fiskers axe. This thing is amazing. One chop yield one split. It's light and ergonomic.
nullURL

rmak
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2016 17:19
Reply 


('Gary O');Quote
...I just didn't think anyone would recognize the one I actually use;[/quote]
That's more like it Gary. Real men don't split, they pulverize!

pash
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2016 21:47
Reply 


I wonder about the power it has to drive through narly red oak or ash? I could split the poplar in the video by hand. The real test is when it is under extreme load. I use a 22ton huskee from TSC, used it for 6 years, left outside in the rain and snow, other than replacing the carb once, it has been flawless. I loaned it out to lots of friends after a tornado, so it probably has 60-80 chords under it since i bought it. It also splits anything I can throw at it. I read reviews at the time of purchase that most of the 30-40 ton units had the same frame size and could actually bend. I have been more than happy with this. We used to have a firewood business at a state park when i was a teenager and of all the different ones i used back then, the 22 ton i have now is just great all around unit.

Gary O
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2016 21:58
Reply 


Quoting: hueyjazz
A couple years ago I discovered the Fiskers axe. This thing is amazing. One chop yield one split. It's light and ergonomic.

Saw one

...want one

Fiskars seems to be a step ahead of everone else, and quality stuff.
I have the lopper.

Back on topic (sorry);

Maybe one day I'll need a mechanical splitter.

But not today.

Gary O
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2016 22:05
Reply 


Quoting: hueyjazz
For speed nothing beats the axe method. But it's hard on the body.

Sorry again, but I gotta argue with that.
Had a bad back before we moved to the cabin.

Had

Swinging a maul seems to pull on my upper body joints to the max.

Can't remember when I felt so good.

My maul is my gym, my weight bench, my mind clearer, and

my splitter.

itsals1
Member
# Posted: 19 Apr 2016 08:07
Reply 


Yep I have the Fiskars and it is great if you have straight grain wood. I never seem to have any oak,most of my firewood is always donated to me because somebody wants to get rid of it in odd shapes and spices. You know the junk wood, Boxelder,poplar,willow,maple(soft & hard),and pine for the outdoor fire pit. I have using my fathers hydraulic wood splitter for many years. My mothers uncle built it in 1973 and has had 4 engines, lastest is a Honda 5 HP, 2 hydraulic pumps,2 hydraulic valves, countless love joys, bent cylinder and yet it still seems to keep going. I cannot even imagine how many cords of wood it has split, but it has to be in the thousands.
Travis

old243
Member
# Posted: 19 Apr 2016 10:16
Reply 


itsals 1, I have a hydraulic splitter as well as my inertia one Also seem to end up with a lot of every variety of wood as well. I always say it doesn't really matter what it is , I will burn it.. if you get into the really gnarly stuff , the hydraulic one shines. We have a lot of dying elm, does a good job on that. If a fellow is a bit handy with a wrench and a welder., you can make these machines last indefinetly. As far as the splitting maul, I have done my share as well. My back and body, just doesn't like abuse, like it used to. old243

Just
Member
# Posted: 19 Apr 2016 16:48 - Edited by: Just
Reply 


Ya 43 that Gary is "just" a kid .. LOL

old243
Member
# Posted: 21 Apr 2016 09:53
Reply 


Back when , I was just a kid. Probably about 22 years old. I was working for the local town, helping to remove large dead and dangerous maple trees. We had the tree blocked up and were splitting them up . The town hall had a furnace that had quite a big door, so they didn't have to be split too fine.
I as busy beating on one of those big blocks , with not a lot of success, a quite old gentleman, was standing watching me. finally he took pity on me. Give me your axe for a minute and I will show you how to split those big blocks. The first thing he had me do , was turn the block over. You always split a block from the top, works better that way. He then worked his way around the outside, taking chunks off. He then showed me that just before the axe hit the wood, he turned it slightly toward the outside of the block. So it hit on a slight angle and popped the chunk off.. What I was trying to do with brute force , he was doing with a lot less effort, but the right technique. Gary hope this info helps you , with your physical fitness program.
old243

Gary O
Member
# Posted: 22 Apr 2016 00:12
Reply 


Quoting: old243
Gary hope this info helps you , with your physical fitness program

it did, some

most of what the ol' man said, I've learned...by default

Thank you, old

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