Powerhouse SS-XM-380 7-ton Electric Log Splitter

The Powerhouse FX128-Z took about ten days to reach my house. Assembly was easy, although the pictures in the instruction sheet that show you how to assemble the thing are blurry to the point of not getting the point across.

Although the ads and instructions say the machine will work on a 20 amp circuit, the engine itself is 19.5 amps, and following the guidelines we have out here in Nevada (not the most stringent rules)to have 80% max load on the circuit, a 25 or 30 amp circuit is called for. That said, the power cord seems to be insufficient to carry this load with safety, and is too short. I had an electrician friend replace the cord with a much heftier and longer one. Similarly, the junction box next to the engine is made of plastic although it’s in a place where a log could easily fall on it and crush it: a stronger metal box would be much better to cover it. Although heavy, this splitter can be ported easily as long as it’s on a flat surface; the wheels are too close together to move it reliably over a rough surface (it falls over).

That said, once plugged in (with my heavier cord) the machine could cut through 18″ diameter, 18″ long pinewood rounds with ease, and is fairly quiet. It had trouble as you’d expect with the really knotty wood that an awl can’t penetrate. If you have very knotty wood you’ll probably have to purchase a stronger machine.

I’m still in the initial trail phase with this product, so I can’t say much about reliability. Judging from the somewhat underdesigned components, I’m not sure I’d buy it again, but as I said, it’s splitting my wood.
My Score: 3 / 5