OT. Second time around (picture)

Not the wood pile, but the splitter. We're going to build another wood splitter,so that we will have two on hand in case one breaks down. The I- beam we bought the other day along with the base plate for the beam. We have enough small scrap steel for the incidentals, such as hinge, log stop, pump bracket, drain coupling for the tank. Whats left is going to be little expensive, but not as expensive as buying a new under built log splitter, for anywhere from 9 to 1500.00 cost. Now that I got my eyes back, my welding should be more than passable. We have our 10 cord of wood that dried over the winter at the bottom of our property ready to cut.

We have to buy a new extra blade for the bandsaw and a couple wheels for the chopsaw,plus some new welding rods.

This year, we looked up our receipts for the one pictured it was a little over 1000.00,not counting our time. we split over 330 cord of wood with the one in the photo, and it's still as strong as ever. Like anything else as it gets older it will invariably break down,and we don't want to wait for parts to arrive while winter is arriving when we split.

We also ordered our new needle scaler for our tool list for taking flux off and rust removal.
We just might be using the 706 IH for loading the wood into the truck this year.Depends on if it's cold so we can keep warm in the cab with the heater.

Our garden is coming along extremely well, but we have lost some seed and had to wire cage some plants that the chipmunks are pulling out the seed.This has been our first year using gro lux lights and starting our own plants.
Our cherry trees came in,and the supply company said to wait one year before any fertilizer is applied.There was no dirt on the root package,so my son drilled four holes on our acreage and put them in the ground with compost and Miracle grow at the bottom of the hole. Put in some soil,then the tree,and would you believe the sticks have leaves on them already. Also same with our plum tree's and new peach tree along with the old peach tree and grapes. Surprising what survives -30 weather and comes back in the spring. Fun to watch things grow. Maybe next year there will be a duplication on the Troy bilt rear tine tiller. This is some interesting times for me at 80 come July 2nd, still above the dirt, and thank the Good Lord for the time. I hope everyones garden is doing good.
Regards,
LOU

Lou I am very glad to read that your eye surgery went well. I am sure it makes things much easier/nicer for you.

For your splitter. I like the job you did on the first one and I am sure the next one will turn out well too.

Have agood week!!!

Sounds like all is well with you and yours, and you have a good project to work on. Enjoyed reading your post, all the best, Bruce

lots of good news,,glad to hear it,,,may this garden season be the best yet!,,,and ,,,next winter not as cold ... lol

Hi Lou, ditto to what Larry said, hope all goes well with what you share with us here, given similar interests, always good to see a post from you !

The splitter which you have shown us before is certainly a job well done. It stands out to me in particular as the design is like a Speeco or TSC's Huskee, built by Speeco. I really like how these are set up for this class of work, homeowner with seasonal and maybe some additional work as well. I have a 28 ton Huskee, if I was to build one, it would be very similar, probably add a log lift for both that purpose and doubling a work table as well. GX Honda motor, 16 GPM pump, reservoir, cylinder and plumbing to match, same principle of design, but with items of preference as I am sure you have done with yours. Not only is it enjoyable to design/build and use, at the cost you mention it is a savings given what they go for in the same class. Even if it was brake even, you still built it, its how you like it, even painted the color you want LOL ! You ought to inscribe your brand or logo/artwork or something on the beam !!! Like it, well done Lou !

That's a nice looking splitter. Does it lay flat for horizontal splitting also? Stan

Good for the eyes. Nice job on splitter & best wishes on keepin on keepin on, beats letting the rocking chair get you!

He said "hinge" in the second line down.

Sure want to thank you all for swell comments.A little tired today and spirit is weak, so to speak. Keeps me from thanking each in separate comments from me; Sorry to not separately respond.As always THANKS TO ALL WHO RESPONDED!
Warmest regards. LOU