A log splitter is a great way to cut a lot of wood quickly, and without too much physical effort on your part. The problem with using an ax or a maul is that it takes a massive amount of energy in order to complete. You’ll have achy muscles and an aching back after a day of chopping, and a log splitter will really help you eliminate that. But big powerful machines like this can be very expensive, and aren’t always in the budget for the average person. That’s why you should strongly consider buying a used wood splitter.
But before you go shopping, you should try and get a good idea of which type applies to you best. Each wood splitter has certain advantages and disadvantages in terms of price and user convenience. The three major types of log splitters are manual, electric, and gas operated. Manual log splitters make use of a hydraulic pump that slowly forces a metal ram through a log held at the unit’s base. These still require a good amount of effort on your part, but much less than an ax. But manual splitters also take the longest, and aren’t ideal for big jobs.
An electric used wood splitter will work much faster and easier than a manual model however. Electric splitters automatically force the metal ram through a wooden log. These are faster than manual splitters, and are ideal for almost any home job. Electric will take longer than an ax still, but is much easier on your body. However they don’t offer as much power as a gas splitter, but are much better for the environment, and that’s always a huge plus.
A gas powered used wood splitter is the most heavy duty type, and is ideal for the biggest jobs. But even the used models will be much more expensive than a new electric or manual splitter. Gas type splitters are ideal for the biggest jobs possible, and are favorites for commercial wood chopping. This type is really only recommended if you have a massive amount of wood to chop, as they are very expensive. Also gas is harsh on the environment, and much more costly than electricity to use.
To actually purchase a used wood splitter, the best place to go is the internet. That’s where you’ll find the widest variety of splitters for the cheapest price. Websites like eBay.com and Amazon.com are good places to start your search, as both have a wide variety of used wood splitters at a wide variety of prices. You can also use your local paper’s classified ads to see if there are any used models available. Sometimes a big chain like Sears or Home Depot will have a few options, but this is rare.
Always make sure that any used model you buy has some sort of trial period however. That way you can make sure your used wood splitter still works as it’s supposed to, and will stand up to your planned uses. Otherwise you can end up with a used wood splitter that doesn’t meet your standards.