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| UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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DIY Log Splitter
I'd like to make a log splitter myself, they are too expensive to buy. So what I need is a frame with a steel plate at one end which the log rests on, and an V shaped steel plate at the other end driven by an hydraulic ram, 4 ton or more ought to do it.
But I know little to nothing about hydraulics. I need some help... What do you suggest I get the ram off? (in a scrap yard) and how would I then set it up to be mechanically pumped by the operator. Instructions and ideas please. |
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#2
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justme wrote:
I'd like to make a log splitter myself, they are too expensive to buy. So what I need is a frame with a steel plate at one end which the log rests on, and an V shaped steel plate at the other end driven by an hydraulic ram, 4 ton or more ought to do it. But I know little to nothing about hydraulics. I need some help... What do you suggest I get the ram off? (in a scrap yard) and how would I then set it up to be mechanically pumped by the operator. Instructions and ideas please. Easiest and cheapest thing would be to use a bottle jack, like: http://www.machinemart.co.uk/product.asp?p=020110251 In fact, I have a spare one which you'd be welcome to have if you collect it (mid Devon). Make sure the frame is sturdy - 2" box section would be my choice. -- Grunff |
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#4
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In message , justme
writes I'd like to make a log splitter myself, they are too expensive to buy. So what I need is a frame with a steel plate at one end which the log rests on, and an V shaped steel plate at the other end driven by an hydraulic ram, 4 ton or more ought to do it. But I know little to nothing about hydraulics. I need some help... What do you suggest I get the ram off? (in a scrap yard) and how would I then set it up to be mechanically pumped by the operator. Instructions and ideas please. I'd use an axe - much more fun -- geoff |
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#5
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On Sat, 23 Jul 2005 16:01:14 +0100, justme
wrote: I'd like to make a log splitter myself, they are too expensive to buy. So what I need is a frame with a steel plate at one end which the log rests on, and an V shaped steel plate at the other end driven by an hydraulic ram, 4 ton or more ought to do it. But I know little to nothing about hydraulics. I need some help... What do you suggest I get the ram off? (in a scrap yard) and how would I then set it up to be mechanically pumped by the operator. Instructions and ideas please. Hi, Have you tried a maul? : http://froogle.google.co.uk/froogle?q=maul&btnG=Search+Froogle cheers, Pete. |
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#6
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"raden" wrote in message ... In message , justme writes I'd like to make a log splitter myself, they are too expensive to buy. So what I need is a frame with a steel plate at one end which the log rests on, and an V shaped steel plate at the other end driven by an hydraulic ram, 4 ton or more ought to do it. But I know little to nothing about hydraulics. I need some help... What do you suggest I get the ram off? (in a scrap yard) and how would I then set it up to be mechanically pumped by the operator. Instructions and ideas please. I'd use an axe - much more fun Or a ... oh heck, it's gone. I'll have to ask Spouse :-((( Mary -- geoff |
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#7
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justme wrote:
I'd like to make a log splitter myself, they are too expensive to buy. So what I need is a frame with a steel plate at one end which the log rests on, and an V shaped steel plate at the other end driven by an hydraulic ram, 4 ton or more ought to do it. But I know little to nothing about hydraulics. I need some help... What do you suggest I get the ram off? (in a scrap yard) and how would I then set it up to be mechanically pumped by the operator. Instructions and ideas please. Why a log splitter? Why not put whole logs in, and infill (or underfill or behindfill I spose) with scrap wood? NT |
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#8
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Hmmmmm,
The OP didn't say WHY they want a splitter, so I guess they tried to put them in whole and couldn't in/under/behindfill... wrote: Why a log splitter? Why not put whole logs in, and infill (or underfill or behindfill I spose) with scrap wood? Then I looked at the title of the thread: DIY Log Splitter All 8 messages in topic - ***view as tree*** SOLVED!!!!! g Sorry folks... |
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#9
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In message , justme
writes I'd like to make a log splitter myself, they are too expensive to buy. So what I need is a frame with a steel plate at one end which the log rests on, and an V shaped steel plate at the other end driven by an hydraulic ram, 4 ton or more ought to do it. But I know little to nothing about hydraulics. I need some help... What do you suggest I get the ram off? (in a scrap yard) and how would I then set it up to be mechanically pumped by the operator. Instructions and ideas please. Not sure about the travel you'd need but I'd look at a cheap bottle jack, if the travel isn't good enough then look out for a tail lift off the back of a truck. Be aware that hydraulic fluid is not nice stuff and if there's a possibility of a leaky joint or pipe then forcing fluid into it at hydraulic pressures is probably the best way to make it show itself and make a nasty mess. -- justme -- Clint Sharp |
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#10
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In message , Rob Morley
writes In article , "justme" says... I'd like to make a log splitter myself, they are too expensive to buy. So what I need is a frame with a steel plate at one end which the log rests on, and an V shaped steel plate at the other end driven by an hydraulic ram, 4 ton or more ought to do it. But I know little to nothing about hydraulics. I need some help... What do you suggest I get the ram off? (in a scrap yard) and how would I then set it up to be mechanically pumped by the operator. Instructions and ideas please. Why not just use a big bottle jack? That way you don't have to worry about the plumbing. The old saying about getting warm twice when burning logs is very apt. Particularly if you consider the number of *pumps* to move a bottle jack several inches. Log splitters you envisage are available commercially and intended to be run off the external hydraulic service on tractors. (around 3000psi and at least 15l/min) There is also a screw version driven by the power take off (540r/m and 2/3rds tractor horse power) You might find a redundant hydraulic power pack from some form of manufacturing industry. The last one I saw was used to supply the oscillating table motion on a grinding m/c. Bear in mind that pump losses will heat up the oil so you need a fair sized sump. You will need a double acting ram. The rod needs to be sized for bending loads. In the absence of Elm, most firewood splits easily. I have 5 tractors with suitable hydraulics and still use an axe to split logs. try www.fuelwood.co.uk regards -- Tim Lamb |
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#11
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On Sat, 23 Jul 2005 16:01:14 +0100, justme
wrote: I'd like to make a log splitter myself, Northern Tools sell them fairly cheaply. Powered-pump splitters are expensive (because the pumps are), hand-pumped splitters are cheap. Or you could make your own, with a bottle jack (Machine Mart or similar), some simple steel angle and a stick welder. If you want a powered splitter, look for a cheap or S/H pump and ram (try a farm & plant auction). Personally I prefer a good steel wedge and a maul. There are few tasks so simple, yet so satisfying, as a good bit of log splitting. Painting faces on the end may help, or even photocopied portraits of Robert Kilroy-Silk. Personally autographed Jeffrey Archers are even better. |
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#13
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justme wrote in message ... I'd like to make a log splitter myself, they are too expensive to buy. So what I need is a frame with a steel plate at one end which the log rests on, and an V shaped steel plate at the other end driven by an hydraulic ram, 4 ton or more ought to do it. But I know little to nothing about hydraulics. I need some help... What do you suggest I get the ram off? (in a scrap yard) and how would I then set it up to be mechanically pumped by the operator. Instructions and ideas please. Are you any good at welding? http://tinyurl.com/bgxan If not http://tinyurl.com/besng or http://tinyurl.com/8z48m - |
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#14
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#15
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Dave Liquorice wrote:
I use a proper splitting axe (or maul as previosly posted) on the larger processed lumps from above supllier. One whack and all but the toughest succumbs. Very statisfying and a damn site quicker and probably less effort than manually operating a hydraulic pump. I remember.... as a lad.... I think it were on "Tomorrows World" with Raymond Baxter or a later line up perhaps Judith Hann or somone.. anyway the product invented was a log-splitting axe that did the hard work for you. In the head of the axe was a pair of cams which as they entered the wood, were opened outwards by the friction of the log, thus providing a much greater outwards force than the natural wedge action of the head, and also reducing contact friction between head and log, so giving a much greater blah blah blah. Seemed to work brilliantly (on TV) anyone else remember them or am I going mad again? -- http://gymratz.co.uk - Best Gym Equipment & Bodybuilding Supplements UK. http://trade-price-supplements.co.uk - TRADE PRICED SUPPLEMENTS for ALL! http://fitness-equipment-uk.com - UK's No.1 Fitness Equipment Suppliers. http://gymratz.co.uk/hot-seat.htm - Live web-cam! (sometimes) |
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#16
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Pet @ www.gymratz.co.uk wrote:
Seemed to work brilliantly (on TV) anyone else remember them or am I going mad again? After a little delving, my sanity has survived ! The "Chopper" made now for 20 years http://www.chopperaxe.com/whatis.htm bloody brilliant ! -- http://gymratz.co.uk - Best Gym Equipment & Bodybuilding Supplements UK. http://trade-price-supplements.co.uk - TRADE PRICED SUPPLEMENTS for ALL! http://fitness-equipment-uk.com - UK's No.1 Fitness Equipment Suppliers. http://gymratz.co.uk/hot-seat.htm - Live web-cam! (sometimes) |
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#17
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In article , "Steve
Firth" says... justme wrote: I'd like to make a log splitter myself, Take a piece of steel, shape it into a wedge. Make at least two of them. Buy a sledgehammer. Hammer wedges into log. Buy a maul and a wedge - use the maul as an axe for easier logs, and to hammer the wedge for the tricky ones. |
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#18
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Steve Firth wrote:
I'd like to make a log splitter myself, Take a piece of steel, shape it into a wedge. Make at least two of them. Buy a sledgehammer. Hammer wedges into log. Or get a "grenade": http://www.toolstation.com/search.ht...rchstr=grenade -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
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#19
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On Sat, 23 Jul 2005 16:01:14 +0100, justme
wrote: I'd like to make a log splitter myself, they are too expensive to buy. So what I need is a frame with a steel plate at one end which the log rests on, and an V shaped steel plate at the other end driven by an hydraulic ram, 4 ton or more ought to do it. But I know little to nothing about hydraulics. I need some help... What do you suggest I get the ram off? (in a scrap yard) and how would I then set it up to be mechanically pumped by the operator. Instructions and ideas please. While searching the web for something the other day, I found an electric log splitter for 100 quid ish. I can't find it right now. Unless you have something to run the hydrolics off, its gonna be expensive to make one thats any more than a bottle jack. Just the cost of the hoses and connectors will run the bill up. I have some log splitting wedges, that I wack in with a sledge hammer, they are good at this type of work. You may find that you can hire in a log splitter for a weekend once a year, and do all the job with a big machine. Rick |
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#20
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"Tim Lamb" wrote in message ... The old saying about getting warm twice when burning logs is very apt. I've never heard that but it did remind me that when we cut down an aspen and used the timber (after it had dried before anyone says it) we were warmer whiile and after chopping it than we were sitting in front of the wood burning stove. Mary |
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On Sun, 24 Jul 2005 01:24:54 GMT, "Pet @ www.gymratz.co.uk"
wrote: After a little delving, my sanity has survived ! The "Chopper" made now for 20 years http://www.chopperaxe.com/whatis.htm They're of limited benefit - and they go back to the 19th century. On dry ash they're great . On most green timber, they're not. You need to have a timber that splits easily when pulled apart, and that's strong enough to be pulled apart from the top edge. On most timber you just can't sink the head deep enough and the cams ust spliter the top surface out a bit. The best thing for splitting timber is a splitting axe, not a felling axe. A big wide edged head, not a narrow one. |
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#22
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On Sun, 24 Jul 2005 01:47:52 +0100, (Steve Firth)
wrote: Take a piece of steel, shape it into a wedge. Make at least two of them. You're better off buying them (although not from Northern Tools). It's a tricky piece of smithing to make a good log splitting wedge. They take an awful pounding at the back and you don't want them splitting, nor do you want them too soft. If you have some, railway line makes good wedges (manganese steel). I've got as set here that were supposedly made of armour plate from HMS Nelson (broken in Newport) and have certainly lasted pretty well. |
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#23
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Pet @ www.gymratz.co.uk wrote:
Pet @ www.gymratz.co.uk wrote: Seemed to work brilliantly (on TV) anyone else remember them or am I going mad again? After a little delving, my sanity has survived ! The "Chopper" made now for 20 years http://www.chopperaxe.com/whatis.htm bloody brilliant ! So where can one buy one in the UK? -- Chris Green |
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#24
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#25
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Rob Morley wrote:
In article , "Tim Lamb" says... In message , Rob Morley writes In article , "justme" says... I'd like to make a log splitter myself, they are too expensive to buy. So what I need is a frame with a steel plate at one end which the log rests on, and an V shaped steel plate at the other end driven by an hydraulic ram, 4 ton or more ought to do it. Log splitters you envisage are available commercially and intended to be run off the external hydraulic service on tractors. (around 3000psi and at least 15l/min) I think he was probably referring to the electric ones rather than something that needs a PTO or external hydraulics. Naah. What set of DIY tools is complete without a tractor? /JCB/crane/shuttle transporter/... |
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#26
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wrote in message ... On Sun, 24 Jul 2005 14:26:01 +0100, Andy Dingley wrote: On Sun, 24 Jul 2005 12:56:50 +0100, wrote: I find wedges are a waste of time for splitting, if it doesn't readily split with an axe I saw it. Maybe for firewood, but I split a lot of wood for steam bending. If I'm trying to open up a split in a 6' long log, I need a bagful of wedges. OK we tend to make a distinction and call the latter cleaving or riving, for this hammer and wedge or beetle and fro are more appropriate. The axe is often used to trim fibers and finish the split. Splitting, by definition, is dividing something into two. Mary AJH |
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#27
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"Mary Fisher" wrote in message . net... wrote in message ... On Sun, 24 Jul 2005 14:26:01 +0100, Andy Dingley wrote: On Sun, 24 Jul 2005 12:56:50 +0100, wrote: I find wedges are a waste of time for splitting, if it doesn't readily split with an axe I saw it. Maybe for firewood, but I split a lot of wood for steam bending. If I'm trying to open up a split in a 6' long log, I need a bagful of wedges. OK we tend to make a distinction and call the latter cleaving or riving, for this hammer and wedge or beetle and fro are more appropriate. The axe is often used to trim fibers and finish the split. Splitting, by definition, is dividing something into two. Sorry Mary, but you started the pedant sub-thread! My dictionary has "breaking/dividing something into two *two or more parts*" (including hairs!) /nopedant Bob Mannix |
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#28
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"Bob Mannix" wrote in message ... "Mary Fisher" wrote in message . net... wrote in message ... On Sun, 24 Jul 2005 14:26:01 +0100, Andy Dingley wrote: On Sun, 24 Jul 2005 12:56:50 +0100, wrote: I find wedges are a waste of time for splitting, if it doesn't readily split with an axe I saw it. Maybe for firewood, but I split a lot of wood for steam bending. If I'm trying to open up a split in a 6' long log, I need a bagful of wedges. OK we tend to make a distinction and call the latter cleaving or riving, for this hammer and wedge or beetle and fro are more appropriate. The axe is often used to trim fibers and finish the split. Splitting, by definition, is dividing something into two. Sorry Mary, but you started the pedant sub-thread! My dictionary has "breaking/dividing something into two *two or more parts*" (including hairs!) It's wrong. More than two parts and it's dividing. Mary /nopedant Bob Mannix |
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#29
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In uk.d-i-y, Mary Fisher wrote:
"Bob Mannix" wrote in message ... "Mary Fisher" wrote in message . net... Splitting, by definition, is dividing something into two. Sorry Mary, but you started the pedant sub-thread! My dictionary has "breaking/dividing something into two *two or more parts*" (including hairs!) Which dictionary? And is that an exact quote? It's wrong. It's right when splitting is dividing something between people, e.g. splitting the proceeds. But splitting logs is different. -- Mike Barnes |
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#30
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Mary Fisher wrote:
"Bob Mannix" wrote in message ... "Mary Fisher" wrote in message t.net... wrote in message ... On Sun, 24 Jul 2005 14:26:01 +0100, Andy Dingley wrote: On Sun, 24 Jul 2005 12:56:50 +0100, wrote: I find wedges are a waste of time for splitting, if it doesn't readily split with an axe I saw it. Maybe for firewood, but I split a lot of wood for steam bending. If I'm trying to open up a split in a 6' long log, I need a bagful of wedges. OK we tend to make a distinction and call the latter cleaving or riving, for this hammer and wedge or beetle and fro are more appropriate. The axe is often used to trim fibers and finish the split. Splitting, by definition, is dividing something into two. Sorry Mary, but you started the pedant sub-thread! My dictionary has "breaking/dividing something into two *two or more parts*" (including hairs!) It's wrong. More than two parts and it's dividing. What about less than two... When my trousers split its rarely into two distinct parts! Alex. Mary /nopedant Bob Mannix |
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#31
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John Rumm wrote:
Steve Firth wrote: I'd like to make a log splitter myself, Take a piece of steel, shape it into a wedge. Make at least two of them. Buy a sledgehammer. Hammer wedges into log. Or get a "grenade": http://www.toolstation.com/search.ht...rchstr=grenade Had these things recommended to be by a tree surgeon but had not got around to tracking a supplier down ... Cheers, Alex. |
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#32
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wrote:
So where can one buy one in the UK? No idea. try dropping them a line on the contact add. from the web-site -- http://gymratz.co.uk - Best Gym Equipment & Bodybuilding Supplements UK. http://trade-price-supplements.co.uk - TRADE PRICED SUPPLEMENTS for ALL! http://fitness-equipment-uk.com - UK's No.1 Fitness Equipment Suppliers. http://gymratz.co.uk/hot-seat.htm - Live web-cam! (sometimes) |
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#33
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"Mike Barnes" wrote in message ... In uk.d-i-y, Mary Fisher wrote: "Bob Mannix" wrote in message ... "Mary Fisher" wrote in message . net... Splitting, by definition, is dividing something into two. Sorry Mary, but you started the pedant sub-thread! My dictionary has "breaking/dividing something into two *two or more parts*" (including hairs!) Which dictionary? And is that an exact quote? Some cheapo one (the only one to hand). No it was a small part of the definition. It's wrong. It's right when splitting is dividing something between people, e.g. splitting the proceeds. But splitting logs is different. Only by convention yes. If one were to build a hydraulic log splitter with a tricorn blade you, presumably, would refuse to call the output split logs even though they were indistinguishable from other split logs? Bob Mannix |
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#34
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In uk.d-i-y, Bob Mannix wrote:
"Mike Barnes" wrote in message d... In uk.d-i-y, Mary Fisher wrote: "Bob Mannix" wrote in message ... "Mary Fisher" wrote in message . net... Splitting, by definition, is dividing something into two. Sorry Mary, but you started the pedant sub-thread! My dictionary has "breaking/dividing something into two *two or more parts*" (including hairs!) Which dictionary? And is that an exact quote? Some cheapo one (the only one to hand). No it was a small part of the definition. It's wrong. It's right when splitting is dividing something between people, e.g. splitting the proceeds. But splitting logs is different. Only by convention yes. Only by convention? What else is there? If one were to build a hydraulic log splitter with a tricorn blade you, presumably, would refuse to call the output split logs even though they were indistinguishable from other split logs? You're welcome to presume what you like, but we were actually talking of the verb "split", which is not the same as the adjective "split". And ISTM quite likely that your device viewed in slow motion would separate into two twice rather than into three once. -- Mike Barnes |
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#35
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"Mike Barnes" wrote in message ... In uk.d-i-y, Bob Mannix wrote: "Mike Barnes" wrote in message id... In uk.d-i-y, Mary Fisher wrote: "Bob Mannix" wrote in message ... "Mary Fisher" wrote in message . net... Splitting, by definition, is dividing something into two. Sorry Mary, but you started the pedant sub-thread! My dictionary has "breaking/dividing something into two *two or more parts*" (including hairs!) Which dictionary? And is that an exact quote? Some cheapo one (the only one to hand). No it was a small part of the definition. It's wrong. It's right when splitting is dividing something between people, e.g. splitting the proceeds. But splitting logs is different. Only by convention yes. Only by convention? What else is there? If one were to build a hydraulic log splitter with a tricorn blade you, presumably, would refuse to call the output split logs even though they were indistinguishable from other split logs? You're welcome to presume what you like, but we were actually talking of the verb "split", which is not the same as the adjective "split". Oh poo! I would say, while in action, it was splitting them. Only an inveterate hair splitter would say otherwise And ISTM quite likely that your device viewed in slow motion would separate into two twice rather than into three once. Nah! There would be four pieces in that case  )Times up, must split. Bob Mannix -- Mike Barnes |
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