Log splitter weld job

[tomstrees]

I have a log splitter we picked up at Home Depot some years ago. The engine started to sag and I hit some Belgian block last week and it became undriveable. I have it trussed up and have a local welder who said he'll work on it tomorrow. I picked up weldable iron at Lowe's today:
8x24 inch 16 gauge weldable sheet;
3/16 x1 1/4 flat sheet;
1/2 inch rod
angle iron: 1/8 x 3/4 x 3 ft
1/8 x 1 inch x 3 ft
flat 1/8 x 1 1/4 x 3 ft flat

What would you get to weld this 27 ton Champion unit?

 

[Reach]

If I had to haul my equipment to your location, and work with the material that you purchased at Lowe's? Probably about $500. However, the weld shop near me, materials included, would probably do it for less than that if you took it to them.

 

[tomstrees]

What would you ask the customer to pick up to weld that splitter? A friend who works at "Electric Boat" the submarine base, recommended: "Get 2” angle iron from Home Depot. Threaded rod. You’ll need a drill, a saws all to cut metal. Attach to bottom of axle. 2-3’ long. Then ratchet strap to tongue until motor levels. You’re clamping an angle iron to the axle. Levering back sagging motor."

 

[Jehinten]

I have found a unicorn for welding and machine work. The only issue is he's about 40 mins away out in the sticks, but half the time he drives to me and checks out my projects at my place while he's in town.

He retired from running his own machine shop and just works on the side now, and charges way too little to the point where I overpay what he ask each time.

My guess from what you have shown, he'd ask $50-$75 for time and materials to grind, weld and repaint the repair and it'd be built better than factory.

 

[Reach]

What would you ask the customer to pick up to weld that splitter? A friend who works at "Electric Boat" the submarine base, recommended: "Get 2” angle iron from Home Depot. Threaded rod. You’ll need a drill, a saws all to cut metal. Attach to bottom of axle. 2-3’ long. Then ratchet strap to tongue until motor levels. You’re clamping an angle iron to the axle. Levering back sagging motor."

Without seeing it I can't stay for certain, I would not ask someone to bring me material for a welding project like that though, I would supply the material myself. I would expect that any repair shop would do that as well.

 

[flushcut]

I’ve never heard of the customer supplying materials unless is something specific like bucket teeth or wear bar or something exotic. IMO 16ga anything on a splitter isn’t going to last very long.

 

[ATH]

Is this the only crack?


I'm trying to figure out what's going on, from poor pictures with me, honestly, not having a lot of experience with splitters.

If that's it, will that piece come off? Take it off, grind the paint off and have it welded back together. If you give the piece to them with paint off, shouldn't take 10 minutes to make the 2 pieces one again.

Or are you trying to re-enforce-re-engineer since it wasn't made strong enough?

 

[Bart_]

Simple weight support components are an easier fix than the main box/I-beam slide structure with knives/cylinder support because the loading is much smaller. I presume this is your case. If the big structure gave way you've got a more difficult proposition.

Sometimes with a bit odd fitment cracked or broken pieces have to be tacked/fit in situ to maintain alignments etc. A piece can get bent before a crack finally gives way too.