With the rising cost of domestic heating gas oil, many people are now considering to split their own logs for burning wood fuel to carry out their domestic tasks. This is fit for both ecological and economical aspects as burning wood is carbon neutral and is an appropriate alternative for ecologically pollutant modes. And this is conveniently done by an electric log splitter.
A log splitter is a part of the equipment that is used for splitting the firewood from hardwood or softwood logs that are cut into sections (rounds) with the help of a chainsaw or using a saw bench.
The log splitters are mostly constructed of an electrical or hydraulic rod and a piston assembly, which are rated on the basis of tons of force that these could generate. The higher is the force rating, the more thickness or length of the rounds that can be cut or split. For domestic purposes, the log splitter models capable of generating 10 tons are used. Whereas for professional use, log splitters capable of generating 30 tons are used.
The smaller firewood splitters are mostly used at home, however, these days these splitters are also used to be commercial. The commercial splitter units are installed under a firewood processor, which is used to saw timber logs into lengths, then split them, and then finally carry the cut woods up through an inclined conveyor into a bag, onto a pile or truck, or tailor.
Safety Concerns While Using Log Splitters
The log splitters, though save a lot of time, still are associated with safety concerns that need to be taken care of. The log splitters must only be used by trained users as these splitters subject the log to be cut at a force of 10 tons. These are constructed of all four major hydraulic components. And many hydraulic machines, have the incorporation of ‘two-handed operation’, for safety purpose. The two-handed operation actually makes the operator use both of his hands that actuate the splitter and this actuation keeps the hands out of the way of the moving blade. Besides, safety zones are also established around the splitter to provide protection against the flying splinters of wood as the movement of logs cannot be predicted. Moreover, helpers who are being assigned to collect the individual pieces of firewood should avoid standing near the log splitter.
Well, using log splitters to cut logs for burning wood is not child’s play and in fact not safe at all! Safety is an extremely important factor to take care of while using log splitters. Some most important safety tips that must be followed while using log splitters are listed below:
Must Use Protective Gear
A non-electronic log splitter creates a lot of noise and the operator has to deal with high decibel levels of sound. You might be familiar with the hearing protectors; these must be worn to prevent any damage to your hearing due to excessive noise exposure.
Besides, during the process of log splitting, the debris (small pieces of wood and wooden residue) fly as the logs break apart; this is potentially damaging to the eyes. That is why some quality eye protective equipment like glasses or goggles must be worn to protect the eyes. The flying wooden pieces and debris also fall down from the splitter and you need to protect your feet and legs. Imagine your foot being crushed by a 50+lb chunk of wood, Pretty awful! Long pants and steel-toed boots are an efficient savior. Hands are also involved in this process. Heavy-duty work gloves must be worn to protect the hands!
Do Some Adjustments For Your Convenience
The modern-day log splitters are now incorporated with functions to adjust heights and lift the splitters. These are portable too! You must opt for some safe ways and reduce the range of motion while lifting rounds. Honestly, continuous lifting of 150-pound rounds from the ground to the bed of the truck would leave you in a state of crippling pain. In fact, you must consider buying a log lifter if you want to haul the firewood back to the house repeatedly or you can buy a horizontal/vertical splitter for larger rounds.
Look Closely And Observe The Irregularities Of Wood
Each wood log is different from the other, there isn’t exactly the same pattern. Some logs might have irregularities like knots, cracks at different angles, and turns sideways. Some logs might not split straight, in such case you must be careful and keen enough to spot the flaw and readjust accordingly. You must split with the grain and be ready for the unexpected. Gnarly logs might get split in a very unusual pattern, if one is already aware of the irregularities, the probability of any problem to occur is very low.
Do Not Use Gas-Powered Splitters Indoors
Be it a wood splitter or any other gas-powered machinery, one must not use these indoors. The usage of gas-powered machinery indoors is very harmful, as the gas-powered engines produce funds that contain carbon monoxide. The same goes out for the usage of a gas-powered log splitter inside the garage or shed. The gas fumes that are being produced are odorless and deadly. Even if it’s the harsh weather conditions that are making you split logs indoors, you must consider using an electric log splitter indoors.
Make Sure There’s Adequate Lightning Where You Are Operating
It is not advised to operate the log splitter when there is an absence of adequate lighting. It is very threatening to the safety and security. While working outdoors, you must start early and must stop when the sun sets. As for workstations, you must install lamps or another light source that sufficiently illuminates the workplace. Besides, the log splitting process must be conducted with calmness and patience. If you are being in a hurry and working while dark, you are playing with your safety and any mishap could cause you damage.
Log splitters have the incorporation of sharp blades and thus these must be used carefully. Safety should be your prime concern while splitting logs. Make sure, you are following all the safety precautions, using high quality and highly efficient log splitter as from Uniforest, you can focus completely, there are no kids in the area, you are fully aware of the equipment’s using directions and you are physically fit to operate the heavy equipment. A little negligence could prove to be dangerously damaging!