Building a 24 Ton Log-Splitter Forging Press!

I built a 24 ton log splitter press for forging! This will make squishing down big pieces of metal and railroad spikes much much easier.
I swapped in an electric motor, stuck on a table, and added some dies ... and that's about it! Definitely a powerful DIY tool for blacksmithing and a worthwhile project for anybody who can pick up a used splitter off of craigslist for cheap.

Пікірлер: 113

  • @thenakedcarpenter2502
    @thenakedcarpenter25024 жыл бұрын

    Dude, your running commentary and self-deprecating humor was the best. Also, great repurposing of a log splitter. love it. Cheers!

  • @nunyahbuidness7959
    @nunyahbuidness7959 Жыл бұрын

    I always find the best channels when they are dead! Clutter intro, "SEEN FELT AND Heard"

  • @JK-zq9vw
    @JK-zq9vw6 ай бұрын

    I need to do this so bad. I can find log splitters, both without a motor and even straight up electric log splitters. I just can’t handle the building and welding. I’ve got zero welding skill and even less welders… I live with some lower spine injuries that dictate my life. If I’m lucky I can spend 30 minutes at the forge in a week. And that’s me overdoing it to get my wife’s Christmas gift finished. A press would likely increase that by 300-400% at the absolute very least. I just don’t have spare income to forage for a cheap welder, a log splitter, the motor and all the other metal needed. Best of luck with yours.

  • @bruceprosser8332
    @bruceprosser8332 Жыл бұрын

    Well done and thank you. I will be reviewing this several times. Love your sense of humor too by the way!

  • @toddleshane
    @toddleshane5 жыл бұрын

    Heck yeah! Thanks for sharing this. +1 for the re-purposed tire hammer idea.

  • @johnmcclain3887
    @johnmcclain38872 жыл бұрын

    Hi, I bought a log splitter a couple decades ago, to feed my shop stove in the winter, so I have been looking at doing with a motor, what you have, rather than run an exhaust line out, and having just got back into forge work, planning to use it for the same purpose you show. For life of the motor, it ought be horizontal, and since I'm going to swap out dies and splitter, I will make a separate "sled" for the dies. I've had the same issue with the current "axle/tank" for years, and will probably put a separate tank that provides more volume and isn't so irksome. Thanks for sharing, you made my build all the more easier, I appreciate it!

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    2 жыл бұрын

    In the rebuild I'm planning, I intend to rotate the motor horizontal, I agree. I need to do a quick on on the footpedal I made. It's single action unlike every other one I've seen and works incredibly well. You step on the pedal for down and when you let go it retracts up to a stop you can adjust. Very simple and nice to use.

  • @tjkoker
    @tjkoker4 жыл бұрын

    Well done, Bennett. You give us old dogs hope that there are a few ingenious minds to take over the business. Great video. Cheers.

  • @whuop-wadeshumbleopinion625
    @whuop-wadeshumbleopinion6253 жыл бұрын

    An idea like yours popped in my head a few weeks ago. Now that I’ve seen your video, I know it can be done. I’m on it. Thanks for the inspiration!

  • @mrillis9259
    @mrillis9259 Жыл бұрын

    Double checking, is never a waste of time.

  • @muriellivermore2560
    @muriellivermore2560 Жыл бұрын

    Cluttery shop. I can so relate dude.

  • @ironranger1
    @ironranger14 жыл бұрын

    Nicely done.

  • @the_sharp_carpenter
    @the_sharp_carpenter5 жыл бұрын

    I love it "way easier than I thought" some times I look at projects and think seems simple, am I missing something lol

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    5 жыл бұрын

    Right? With this project all the hard parts were already done - the piston, the pump, the load bearing frame... my research said a logsplitter press would be so much easier than DIY from scratch and there's no question that that's true!

  • @lennoxtatum1742

    @lennoxtatum1742

    3 жыл бұрын

    pro trick: watch movies at KaldroStream. Been using them for watching loads of movies these days.

  • @joelgunner5405

    @joelgunner5405

    3 жыл бұрын

    @Lennox Tatum yup, have been using kaldrostream for since november myself :D

  • @Austinificationify
    @Austinificationify4 жыл бұрын

    Love the ingenuity! Keep producing content, your videos are awesome

  • @Marc-qo1gz
    @Marc-qo1gz2 жыл бұрын

    Nice work

  • @dwayneburbridge3283
    @dwayneburbridge32832 жыл бұрын

    Nicely done! I built my tire hammer last year and am designing my hydraulic press now.

  • @adamrice384
    @adamrice3844 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video man! Great job

  • @kensmapleleafretirement
    @kensmapleleafretirement4 жыл бұрын

    thank you for demo

  • @kentuckytrapper780
    @kentuckytrapper7804 жыл бұрын

    Job well done. Great info.

  • @hillwooky
    @hillwooky2 жыл бұрын

    Great job!

  • @kimcurtis9366
    @kimcurtis93664 жыл бұрын

    Good job, Bennett! I want to something similar but, as usual when you're on Social Security, I'll have to save up to have enough to complete a job like this!!! Also. I'm going to have to wire in a 220 outlet as I also have a 220 welder that will run on 110, SUPPOSEDLY! Haha! It does but, just barely and definitely NOT good enough for this kind of job! So, while I'm saving for the components of the press, I'll also have to get MUCH better at welding! Being 67 and slightly disabled won't help, either but I'm going to give it a whirl, anyway!!!! Thanks for the video AND the inspiration for doing something I need in my Smithy!

  • @anthonystrunk5360
    @anthonystrunk53604 жыл бұрын

    Great video man..

  • @zoyastorykeeper
    @zoyastorykeeper5 жыл бұрын

    I'd love to see a video covering the first couple dies you make and what they're good for. I think I'm only just beginning to understand just how useful a press would be to have around. :P

  • @hamitup01
    @hamitup013 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing!!

  • @marty01957
    @marty019574 жыл бұрын

    Very good build video, Bennett! I subscribed.

  • @forshia24
    @forshia245 жыл бұрын

    Pretty cool! :D

  • @samcoon6699
    @samcoon66994 жыл бұрын

    Very cool man! Very nice build. Been wanting to do one of these myself.

  • @samcoon6699

    @samcoon6699

    4 жыл бұрын

    I started looking for log splitters and 5hp 3phase motors. I may have to do single phase because I don't have 3 phase at the house. Maybe a single to 3 phase inverter.........hmmmmmm...... So many projects, so little time....

  • @marcbailey8242
    @marcbailey82424 жыл бұрын

    I'm in the process of building my own.... good video brother

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    Nice! Let me know if you need any help

  • @duncanjunctionsthemadman7418
    @duncanjunctionsthemadman74184 жыл бұрын

    This is awesome.

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    :D thanks!

  • @pbfirearms5388
    @pbfirearms5388 Жыл бұрын

    If you can never weld a horizontal or vertical up or down weld when you can weld it as a flat weld.

  • @dameongray6412
    @dameongray64124 жыл бұрын

    First video I watched of yours and I figured I would subscribe seeing as I don't have the money to buy a press but I think I will be able to make this thank you for the content

  • @thuss5162
    @thuss51622 жыл бұрын

    As far as the clutter…. Amateur ha ha ha. here hold this box! Nice video thanks for the idea

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    2 жыл бұрын

    Heh. You should see the place now! I’ll be making another video on the press, going to rebuild and improve the guides and a bunch of other things.

  • @ryansrandomshop
    @ryansrandomshop4 жыл бұрын

    Just found your channel, and I'm loving your videos

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    Glad you’re enjoying my work! :)

  • @dumpsterfire6351
    @dumpsterfire63516 ай бұрын

    Yes THANKS 🙏

  • @NicoProps
    @NicoProps4 жыл бұрын

    I knew about converting log splitters into forging presses and my thought was that it might be tricky, but looking at your video it does, as you say, seem easier than I thought. I'm now on the hunt for a petrol log splitter here in the UK lol

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    Definitely go for it! The only real fiddly bit is tuning the slop out of the ram so it doesn’t slip sideways under pressure.

  • @NicoProps

    @NicoProps

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@BennettTheSmith I have a deal with a guy for a hardly used Cub Cadet 25 ton splitter, costing a fair bit more than you paid mostly because its virtually new. good to know what to look out for RE the slop on the ram

  • @zacharykirby6248
    @zacharykirby62483 жыл бұрын

    Your humor got my sub 😂 you made me laugh a good amount throughout this build. And your content got my sub as well, keep at it man!

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Glad to hear I'm not the only one laughing ;)

  • @stahl5336
    @stahl53364 жыл бұрын

    LoL...looked like my shop...like a tornado went through it!

  • @brysonalden5414
    @brysonalden54143 жыл бұрын

    Oh, this is a seductive video, "So much easier than I thought it would be" indeed! I've been trying to decide between a hydraulic press and a treadle hammer for over a year, and the notion that even I could build a decently powered hydraulic press is very, very tempting. Darn you!

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    3 жыл бұрын

    I would absolutely go for the press over a treadle hammer, if you can find a cheap splitter. Heck, if you can weld, build a tire hammer, not a treadle hammer!

  • @benwills2138
    @benwills21384 жыл бұрын

    Great job!! I’ve got a 26 ton I’m planning to do something like this to! Id love to see how it goes drifting hammers and axes like you said!

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    Good luck with it, I hope this helps :)

  • @jamesball7322

    @jamesball7322

    4 жыл бұрын

    Ben Wills Here’s one drifting a hammer ,notice at the end it does come apart and was later welded stronger to accept the upward motion on the dies kzread.info/dash/bejne/potmzJKpYJSbfco.html

  • @kenevans1443
    @kenevans14434 жыл бұрын

    New to your channel. You kill me. “So much easier then you expected? Looks kinda hard to me. Lol Keep up the great work my man!

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    Back in college they’d say “if bennett says something is easy, he’s lying”. But when I say easier, I was expecting some hidden problem with converting the splitter to just appear and make the whole process way harder. Instead everything went exactly according to plan!

  • @jayc4562
    @jayc45623 ай бұрын

    Thats called a Lovejoy coupling.

  • @jacko4483
    @jacko44834 жыл бұрын

    "Look, that's an empty surface!" That's funny, because I know I've said it before! I've gotten rid of a table or two for that reason!!

  • @samcoon6699

    @samcoon6699

    4 жыл бұрын

    I think those of us who are "DIY" have all been there ha ha ha . I know I just cleaned up my garage to turn into my shop and got SO excited because I wasn't tripping over stuff.....

  • @kuysey
    @kuysey4 жыл бұрын

    Отличная работа

  • @marbles430
    @marbles4304 жыл бұрын

    There are a number of video's on the web about converting log splitter's to presses. However your's was by far the most entertaining and certainly as, informative of the approach and technique. A really good video. My only thought would be to suggest a heavier safety chain.

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I agree, that chain isn't sufficient to be completely relied on. I have actually clamped the entire frame to the I-Beam next to it as well. Both to make sure it can't tip, but also because the torque of the motor turning on and off was causing the whole machine to slowly revolve in a circle. The best thing to do would be to build a much heavier, sturdier bottom table. That would lower the center of gravity dramatically and be another horizontal surface for me to fill up with junk :P

  • @joarflesja1516
    @joarflesja15164 жыл бұрын

    Great build. I have a 5t wood clewer that i was woundring to make a smal press from. But i dont know if it will be strong enough. Im only making knifes. Thanks for sharing

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! I'm not sure if 5T would be strong enough to be worth it, but you can always try it without permanently modifying the splitter. Try making a set of dies that bolt onto the existing head. Also, the smaller the working surface of the dies, the more concentrated the force will be.

  • @tonyclark6612
    @tonyclark66124 жыл бұрын

    That's a "Love Joy" couple used to mate the 2 shafts

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    Ah, cool. Hadn’t heard that terminology before. Super simple connection though. That was the part of the process I was mentally hand waving. “I’ll figure it out when I get there”. But it so easy!

  • @jamesball7322
    @jamesball73223 жыл бұрын

    That’s why I built mine so long ago ,so much simpler to buy a cheaper machine and chop it up I’ve done my 20 ton and a 7 ton and the 7 ton is now converted to a 24 ton I’m now building a pneumatic power hammer so look out for it here in the next few weeks ,done plenty of mechanical hammers so why not one that runs off air right

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    3 жыл бұрын

    Sounds awesome, I'm looking forward to seeing it! I have a ...shoot.. grandmother's cousin... I have a relative who was a union welder till he retired and then was a blacksmith for thirty years. He made a treadle hammer and then converted it to a pneumatic hammer. Apparently it did work :)

  • @hobbitreet
    @hobbitreet4 жыл бұрын

    Duuuuuuuuuuuuuude!

  • @umbrawerewolf2089
    @umbrawerewolf20894 жыл бұрын

    Always double check the circuit breaker!!!

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    J Saxion Always! That was triple checking. I got to the top of the ladder and despite knowing for certain I had just checked twice...

  • @BlueIsMyEverything
    @BlueIsMyEverything5 жыл бұрын

    Squish!!

  • @fankcastle7169
    @fankcastle71694 жыл бұрын

    Have you considered a foot pedal for it? We welded up one with just old angle iron and bolts and a spring and we use the splitter for wood

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    Check out the video I just put up on making a hammer, it shows the foot pedal arrangement I worked out :)

  • @nrsrchd
    @nrsrchd4 жыл бұрын

    time 10:20 LOL I know that feeling all too well.

  • @shawncrocker7037
    @shawncrocker70374 жыл бұрын

    Good stuff. I keep getting the feeling your trying to fool us into believing you don't know what your doing.

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    That is the most delightful comment I think I’ve received.

  • @eastin6868
    @eastin68684 жыл бұрын

    At 48 seconds into the video i see your ANVIL!!!!!!

  • @craigmrowka2215
    @craigmrowka22154 жыл бұрын

    "Look! thats an empty serface. beautuful" 0:52

  • @JustinTopp
    @JustinTopp4 жыл бұрын

    Hi looks great I was wondering if you could give me some various specs on this like measurements of the different parts. Looking to gather research for my own I’m building thanks

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    I can grab some measurements off it, sure. Though they’re based on the specific splitter. So all the measurements I used were taken directly off the machine and may vary depending on what splitter you get. What measurements are you after?

  • @JustinTopp

    @JustinTopp

    4 жыл бұрын

    Bennett Marschner thanks. I’m looking for things like the hight of it, the base hight and the splitter part hight, the size of the cylinder please

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    Sure, I’m away from my workshop this weekend, but I’ll reply with the measurements next time I get in.

  • @JustinTopp

    @JustinTopp

    4 жыл бұрын

    Bennett Marschner no worries. Thanks

  • @ocnightflyer1359
    @ocnightflyer13592 жыл бұрын

    Can you convert it into a mullet removal device also??

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    2 жыл бұрын

    Don't have a mullet, it's long in the front too. I have heard speculation that the buzzed sides with long hair will be the mullet of the last decade. *shrug*

  • @Sratching
    @Sratching4 жыл бұрын

    You can adjust the valves and make it go up n down a little faster, well at least on mine you can adjust the speed.

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    3 жыл бұрын

    Mine doesn't have valves that allow that. The speed is good actually, it's the slop in the head assembly that gives me trouble at this point. I've built a really nice stop system to keep the head within the range I want it, so it doesn't fully retract. More on that in a future video, I think.

  • @jasonfish4065
    @jasonfish40652 жыл бұрын

    hello Rodney how's the press holding up ? its been awhile? thank ya

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    2 жыл бұрын

    Who is Rodney? The press is trucking along with only very minor maintenance. Total workhorse. But I’m about to upgrade it for better rigidity and precision - it has never been great at keeping things square and that gets annoying when you start messing with more complicated damascus patterns.

  • @jasonfish4065

    @jasonfish4065

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@BennettTheSmith sorry brother I was reading a comment just below lol oops glad to hear the press is hanging in there maybe ya can put up a video on your upgrades.. thank ya

  • @obh7762
    @obh77624 жыл бұрын

    make a tire hammer with one of the tires

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    I had that same thought :D. Dunno if the tire is large enough, but it’s definitely something I want to do.

  • @truthhurts467
    @truthhurts4674 жыл бұрын

    Its a cool project !! If it don't fit get a bigger hammer... LOL But dang BossMan U think U welded it enough???? 👍😃😄😁😅😂🙊 🙉 🙈

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    I sure hope so. 24 tons is a lot of force to potentially blow a piece out to the side. :P

  • @Zogg1281
    @Zogg12815 жыл бұрын

    You should of left the wheels on it...... just for comic reasons 😂 Could you do all of us hobiest blacksmiths a favour and grind some of those welds back a bit. God created angle grinders so we could all do beutiful welds! Cool piece of kit 👍👍👍👍

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    5 жыл бұрын

    Gotta save every bit of space in my shop I can, but I thought hard about doing that. But grinding those welds? Hellllllll no XD that’s time and effort that I need to spend elsewhere. It’s not just a hobby for me and I can’t eat metal dust three meals a day ;)

  • @akbarrezai3297
    @akbarrezai32975 ай бұрын

    درود دمت گرم من دارم یه پرس میسازم یه قیچی میلگرد بر هیدرولیک را دارم تبدیل به پرس میکنم جک من 4/5سانت پیستون داخلی و10سانت قطر و 65سانت طول داره یعنی پرس 12تنی میشه ازش ساخت با یه موتوره 2/5اسب ایا میتونم

  • @mykstreja8648
    @mykstreja86485 жыл бұрын

    Please don't kill yourself with that thing. Nicely done too.

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    5 жыл бұрын

    It's ok, if I lose a limb, I can just forge another one, right?

  • @mykstreja8648

    @mykstreja8648

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@BennettTheSmith As an amputee I can guarantee that there is nothing like the original. Stay safe.

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    5 жыл бұрын

    Ah well, I hope I didn't offend. Don't worry, I have an immense amount of respect for the machine. Anything that makes a 3 ton chainfall hesitate has got way too good of a grip on gravity.

  • @shayanthis

    @shayanthis

    5 жыл бұрын

    That came out great!

  • @mykstreja8648

    @mykstreja8648

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@BennettTheSmith Not offended just worried about the younger generation. Glad to hear you respect the beast. I just watched the Klingon weapon videos and I am concerned that you won't kill yourself building things but might get hurt by the things you build.

  • @kennethkustren9381
    @kennethkustren93814 жыл бұрын

    ENDCAPS ??? Ferrules ... ?? Marrettes ... ??

  • @MySickstring

    @MySickstring

    3 жыл бұрын

    Found the electrician

  • @kkarllwt
    @kkarllwt4 жыл бұрын

    You didn't need a 5 HP motor. A 3 hp motor would be big enough. And if you buy a pump, you can move the noise far away. Or just cut the ram away and move the pump assembly

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    4 жыл бұрын

    It’s probably overkill yeah, I read a lot of conflicting information about how to figure out the equivalent electric motor to replace a gas motor. Decided I would rather have too much than too little. *shrug* That’s a good idea, moving the pump elsewhere, hadn’t thought of that. Might look at doing that when I get around to the first major overhaul. I need to go through and reinforce the whole frame and reduce the slop in the ram+top die assembly.

  • @cholulahotsauce6166
    @cholulahotsauce61664 жыл бұрын

    Doesn’t want to die of CO poison. Doesn’t want to snip the possibly live wire. Not very cash money of you.

  • @HomeShowTV
    @HomeShowTV3 жыл бұрын

    Cool channel. It feels a little like the cadence, language, video transitions, etc, even the accent once in a while, is modeled heavily on Alex Steel. That's ok though. There are way worse guys to imitate. That's for sure.

  • @BennettTheSmith

    @BennettTheSmith

    3 жыл бұрын

    I'm glad you like my work. I'm sure there are similarities, but I can definitively say there's no attempt to imitate Alec Steele. Convergent evolution I suppose. My accent does go all over the place, can't really explain it, but its not on purpose XD

  • @zoyastorykeeper
    @zoyastorykeeper5 жыл бұрын

    first xD

  • @zoyastorykeeper

    @zoyastorykeeper

    5 жыл бұрын

    In all seriousness though, this is so cool! What an awesome tool.