Quad wedge tip up log splitter

A four-way log splitter for effectively splitting a log placed in a splitting zone, the four-way log splitter comprising:

• a stop positioned at one end of the splitting zone for retaining the log;
• a drive mechanism positioned adjacent the splitting zone opposite the stop, the drive mechanism further having a loci stripper attached to a side of the drive closest to the stop, the log stripper including a recess therein;
• and
• a four-way wedge attached to the drive mechanism and movable through the splitting zone in a direction toward the stop, the four way wedge having a main blade portion configured to face the stop as it is moved through the splitting zone, and a pair of cutting wings extending outwardly from the main blade in a perpendicular orientation, each cutting wing having a blade edge similarly configured to face the stop as it is moved through the splitting zone, the wedge configured to enter the stripper recess as the drive mechanism is retracted.

A log splitter for achieving multiple splits in a log, the log splitter comprising:

• a support structure;
• a framework coupled to the support structure such that the framework can be moved between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation;
• a stop attached to the framework;
• a drive system attached to the framework having a movable driven portion which moves relative to the framework;
• and
• a wedge coupled to the movable portion of the drive system and movable toward the stop by the drive system, the wedge having a main blade portion extending upwardly from the framework and having a curved leading edge facing the stop, the wedge further having a pair of cutting wings extending outwardly and also having a cutting edge facing the stop, the cutting edge of the cutting wings positioned back from the leading edge so that only a portion of the curved leading edge of the main blade encounters the log first as the wedge is moved toward the stop and the curved leading edge continues to encounter an increasing amount of the log during advancement;
• and a log stripper attached to the drive system and having a stripper surface with an opening therein configured to receive the wedge when the drive system is moved to a retracted position.