Long story short I got a little too excited and bough a "log splitter" that in reality is a hack job with a rusted out piston. Given my materials would it be more economical to go with a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. In my mind I need to take the I beam, put the cylinder on it with a couple dyes, and attach that to a steel plate, which is subsequently put in the ground. However I'm definitely over my head and would appreciate any feedback I can get. My other option is to go buy a working one off of craigslist that is $250 with a cylinder that has a 14" throw. Of coarse I found this the day after I bought the log splitter.

Thanks

-Will

It would help to know what you plan to use the log splitter for.

I planned to use it for a hydraulic press but the engine and hydraulics are busted. I'm wondering whether I should go with a press or a hammer, given economics and the size of the I beam.

That would depend on what you needed it to do.  Big difference in between light ornamental work and heavy industrial work.

Since this is about presses, I will relocate it, because we actually have an entire section devoted to presses

Thanks, wasn't sure where to put it because I was talking about both power hammers and presses.

Edited October 8, 20196 yr by Mod30
remove excessive quote.

So far the only thing going for it is the large I-I beam. Unless you are well versed in mechanics and hydraulics, I would suggest scrapping the project.

I'm in the camp of the dragon above.  Sometimes it's better to cut one's losses and move on rather than chase what will be 50 expensive rabbits down that hole.  If the cylinder and pump are toast, this thing is basically a poor scrap choice to start a project from....like trying to restore a car just because you already have a partial frame in the scrap pile.

Sometimes it's better to take your licks at the beginning rather than dig that hole deeper.  

Obviously YMMV because all we have with which to judge is a photo and some comments.

Best thing might be to slow down, do a bit of research to figure out what you need a press to do and what size cylinder/motor/pump combination will do it. That press in Westport for $250 may have a 14" throw, but the cylinder diameter doesn't look like much and the motor looks small, plus to work for a forge press, it would have to be reconfigured and that's gonna take some work. Also depends on what...

2 hours ago, Willem said:

the engine and hydraulics are busted

means. What kind of engine, what's wrong with it? Is it easy to fix? Hydraulics - is just the cylinder bad, or are the hoses, valve and pump all shot? Is the I-beam rusted out or is it structurally solid? And how much money are you willing to put into this project? It's not a small project building a forge press, but it can be done.

 

It's a gas engine that is "not working" specifically i dont know whats wrong with it. I havent actually opened up the cylinder but all the ports were left open and when I took it by my local welding shop the guy said that the interior of it was most likely rusted out. When I get home I'll probably give it a go and see how bad it really is, but in all reality I think i have a nice big I beam and some junk.

Where generally you want to have a nice big hydraulic system and then go looking for a big I beam...OTOH I tend to scrounge items for projects until they build up to "critical mass" and then go into a frenzy of assembling it.

Well, that's a start anyway. And it's got you thinking in a bit more detail as to what you need. Just don't be discouraged, a lot of projects start out this way.