Use Your Jack To Split Wood

Use Your Jack To Split Wood WOODLOT EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 32-3-28 A conventional hi-lift jack can be turned into a great low-cost log splitter, says Tod Stoddard, Durango, Colo., who recently came up with a steel wedge that's designed to bolt onto a jack. Stoddard's "Running Wild Stump Splitter" consists of a 5-in. long steel wedge that's welded onto a hollow metal bracket. The bracket slips down over the beam of the jack and bolts onto it using existing holes in the beam. The operator places the bottom of the log on the "foot" of the jack and ties the top of the jack to a solid object to keep the jack stable. To split the log he simply pumps the jack handle, which raises the log up against the wedge. "It's a simple, low-cost way to split logs without any engine fumes or hydraulic hoses or batteries to break down," says Stoddard. "Most handyman jacks are rated to handle three tons of pressure, so you can split logs anywhere from 12 to 30 in. long and up to about 1 1/2 ft. in diameter." Stoddard uses bucket teeth off old front-end loaders to make the wedges. "The bracket that the wedge is welded to is made from 1/4-in. wall tubing so it'll stand all the strain that your jack can put on it," says Stoddard. The wedge sells for $45 including S&H. Stoddard says he's looking for a manufacturer. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Tod Stoddard, 2217 CR 204, Durango, Colo. 81301 (ph 970 903-3389).

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