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Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 12:49 pm
by Bob_A
I'm no expert Dave but even I can tell those Probst machines look like they'll do the biz with ease and keep on doing it for years to come. 
Just wondered if that Belle actually works!
Being long lasting is not really an issue as I doubt if I'd split anymore than 100 blocks.
Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 3:17 pm
by seanandruby
Bob_A wrote:"Being long lasting is not really an issue as I doubt if I'd split anymore than 100 blocks."
......then wouldnt it be cheaper to hire one?
Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 3:42 pm
by Bob_A
seanandruby wrote:Bob_A wrote:"Being long lasting is not really an issue as I doubt if I'd split anymore than 100 blocks."
......then wouldnt it be cheaper to hire one?
Cheapest is I've found is £28.75 inc vat a week to hire a splitter.
I have 3 small projects to do all at different times so that means 3 x £29 and 6 jouneys to/from the hire shop.
Although with a carefull bit of planing I might not need to use a splitter on every project, but it's there ready and waiting if need be.
Given the choice I prefer to buy used tools at used prices and resell them, or lend them out to friends who'll repay me in favours in return.
The Belle minipave is small and compact, just wondering whether if it works
Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 6:11 pm
by Dave_L
Well, for the small outlay Bob, it's got to be worth a shot.
Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 8:31 pm
by Bob_A
Just got one for £40.
Got to be worth a gamble at that price.
Won't know for sure until I use it in about a months time.
Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 8:51 pm
by Tony McC
The problem with those farty little splitter jobbies is the appallingly short lever. Anyone familiar with basic fizzix knows that the longer a lever, the more effective it is at exerting force, which is why so many of the professional splitters feature telescoping levers so that even greater pressure can be brought to bear on those blocks that want to put up a fight, and as anyone that has ever done a week or more on the cutting-in will attest, some blocks are virtually indestructible, requiring a fully extended lever, and a deal of bouncing and coercion from the operative.
When I've tried out these farty splitters, the only cuts that have been reliable, are 'straight across' 100mm wide square cuts on 50mm blocks. Once you start trying to cut at, say 45 degrees, there's no way of getting enough whumph into the blades because the lever is too short. If you're laying 60s or, gawd help you, 80s, I don't think these splitters stand a chance.
They are aimed at the keen DIYer, like so many other bits of nonsense kit that we've discussed in recent months. They might be slightly better than the 'hammer-and-bolster' method, but they are a tool with no residual value.
If you buy a 'professional quality' splitter from wherever for, say, 150 quid, you can use it to complete the work, then dust it off and bang it back on your favourite online auction site for 150 quid, and be reasonably sure of attracting a buyer. However, you buy a farty splitter for 40 quid, use it twice, get a bollocking from your partner for swearing at it in front of the kids, take the skin off your knuckles trying to get enough pressure onto the blades, and then consider yourself lucky to be offered a tenner for it once you've finished.
I'll be interested to hear from Bob_A how he gets on!
Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 10:21 pm
by Bob_A
I'll let you know Tony, might not be for a few weeks yet though.
To be honest I think I'll get my £40 back when you consider they are £180 from Screwfix
http://www.screwfix.com/prods....litter.
Will be using 50mm blocks, not sure if I'll need to do 45 degree cuts at the moment, probably not.
I did noticed the relatively short handle before buying it, thought I may be able to extend it with a bit of scaffolding pole or similar?
Anyway like I say I'll let you know.
Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:32 am
by Bob_A
Got the splitter now. It feels heavy for its size and very well built.
Found some council type 65mm blocks to test it with.
Seems to do right angles and 45degree cuts ok without using excessive pressure.
Tried to split a block lengthways, definately couldn't do that.
Seeing I'll only be using 50mm blocks it seems ideal for what I want it for:D
Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:27 pm
by Dave_L
Thanks for the feedback Bob, nice to hear it is OK-ish.
Splitting a block lengthways is a job for a Probst splitter.