WEN Electric Log Splitter, 6.5-Ton Capacity with Portable Stand

Electric Log Splitter, 6.5-Ton Capacity with Portable Stand

Features

  • Powerful 15A motor provides over 13,000 pounds of log cracking pressure
  • Use the log splitter with or without the 34-inch stand depending on user preferences
  • Included pull handle and 5.5-inch never-flat wheels make for easy transportation between jobs
  • Electric power means no gasoline, no carbon monoxide emissions, and limited maintenance
  • Split logs up to 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches in length

This electric log splitter uses a 15 A motor to generate over 13,000 pounds (6.5 tons) of splitting force and handles logs up to 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches long. It can be used with or without the included 34-inch stand, and features a pull handle and 5.5-inch never-flat wheels for transport; electric operation requires no gasoline, produces no carbon monoxide, and reduces routine maintenance.

Model Number: 56208

WEN Electric Log Splitter, 6.5-Ton Capacity with Portable Stand Review

4.6 out of 5

Why I picked up this splitter

After years of swinging a maul and sledge, I wanted something compact, electric, and capable enough for regular fireplace and woodstove duty without the noise and upkeep of a gas unit. The WEN splitter checked the right boxes on paper: a 15-amp motor, 6.5 tons of force, a 20.5-inch log length capacity, and the option to use it on a stand or at ground level. I’ve spent several weekends running mixed hardwood and softwood through it. Here’s how it fared.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the box, the splitter itself feels stout and well put together, with a steel bed, decent welds, and tidy hose runs. The stand is a different story. It’s functional, but the hardware and tolerances are less refined than the main unit. Expect a few moments of head scratching to get the sequence right so holes line up, and plan on loosely assembling components before you tighten everything down. Mine had one hole that was slightly off; I was able to persuade it with a file rather than sending it back.

Putting the splitter on the stand brings the working height to roughly countertop level (about 34 inches), which is comfortable for longer sessions. On uneven ground, I preferred using the splitter without the stand—it sits lower and feels more planted. Assembly took under an hour with basic hand tools.

One note on the handle and wheels: the 5.5-inch never-flat wheels are a win for moving it around a yard or driveway, and the pull handle makes it manageable for one person. It’s heavy enough that you won’t want to lift it into a truck unaided, but rolling it around is straightforward.

Power and splitting performance

Rated for logs up to 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches long, the WEN splitter is honest about its lane. On straight-grained ash, pine, and aspen at or under spec, it’s a confident, repeatable splitter. Dry rounds pop apart with a clean push, and seasoned hardwoods split predictably so long as you’re not burying the wedge into knots.

I pushed the capacity here and there. With larger hardwood rounds (say, 12 to 14 inches), the trick was to work the existing checks and split from the edges rather than forcing a center split. When I aligned the wedge with a visible check in the grain, it often went through on the first attempt. If a log rotated and the wedge hit a knot, it could stall, which is normal behavior at this tonnage. Rotating the round or taking a second pass from another face usually solved it.

Cycle speed is reasonable for a homeowner unit—this isn’t a production splitter, but it doesn’t feel sluggish either. I appreciated the adjustable return-stop collar on the ram, which lets you shorten the return stroke for shorter lengths. It does need to be tightened firmly; if you leave it loose, it can creep during operation and rub the rod, scuffing paint. Once snug, it stays put and meaningfully trims cycle time.

Controls, workflow, and safety

Operation is two-handed by design: one hand engages the motor and the other actuates the hydraulic lever. This is a common safety requirement on electric log splitters, and it keeps hands off the beam and wedge. The side rails do a decent job of keeping rounds on the beam, but once a piece splits, one half may tumble off. For awkward logs, I kept a small wood block handy to brace halves without putting my fingers anywhere near the wedge.

I also tried WEN’s foot pedal accessory out of curiosity. It doesn’t replace the two-hand safety sequence—you still need a hand on the power button—so it didn’t improve my workflow. I ended up sticking with the stock controls.

Ergonomically, the stand height helps reduce back strain for repeated cycles, while working on the ground gives better stability with heavy or odd-shaped rounds. Switching between stand and ground is quick enough that I changed setups based on the pile I was tackling that day.

Noise, power, and maintenance

One of the biggest perks of the WEN splitter is electric operation. No gas, no fumes, and significantly less noise than a small engine. I could carry on a conversation while working and run it in a garage with the door open without bathing in exhaust.

At 15 amps, use a heavy-gauge outdoor extension cord if you need reach. I used a 12-gauge cord for runs up to 50 feet to avoid voltage drop. On a 15-amp household circuit shared with other loads, you might trip a breaker; on a dedicated 20-amp circuit the splitter ran flawlessly.

Hydraulic maintenance is minimal but not nonexistent. Check the fluid level per the manual and keep the unit on stable footing. The rear plate you tip the splitter onto for fluid checks is thinner than I’d like; I put a wood block under it to spread the load. Keep the ram clean, wipe down debris after sessions, and periodically inspect hoses and fittings. Aside from tightening the return-stop collar firmly and a little touch-up paint on the rod where the collar scuffed early on, I haven’t had to fuss with it.

Build quality: the good and the not-so-good

The splitter itself feels “right”: dense, rigid, and confidence-inspiring. The hydraulic system didn’t show leaks, and the wedge tracked straight. The stand, by contrast, is the weak link. It’s serviceable, but you can feel the cost savings in its hardware and finish. If you plan to use the splitter mostly at ground level, you’re getting excellent value. If you rely on the stand for every session, be prepared to ensure it’s on flat ground and fully tightened to eliminate wobble.

Shipping and packaging were typical for a tool this size. My main unit arrived in good shape; the stand box had some scuffs. I did have a small cosmetic ding on a shroud, and WEN’s support sent a replacement part promptly. That experience, plus the fact that the splitter shrugged off regular use, gives me confidence in the machine’s longevity.

Real-world productivity

With seasoned ash and mixed softwoods cut to 16–18 inches, I could work through a stack efficiently. For knotty oak and gnarlier rounds near the capacity limit, I budgeted extra time to position the log carefully and take off edges. The workflow is deliberate rather than rushed; the two-hand controls slow you down just enough to stay safe and consistent.

I wouldn’t choose this for commercial volume or green, cross-grained hardwood at diameters well over spec. But for homeowners feeding a woodstove or fireplace, trimming stormfall, and tackling a couple cords a year, the splitter hits a sweet spot: small footprint, reliable force, and predictable results.

Quirks and tips

  • Tighten the return-stop collar aggressively so it doesn’t wander on the rod.
  • Keep ends square. If you’re cutting your own rounds, a clean crosscut saves time at the splitter.
  • Use a heavy-gauge extension cord (12 AWG) for longer runs.
  • On uneven ground or with heavy rounds, ditch the stand and run at ground level for stability.
  • Let the wedge start in an existing check or the path of least resistance on large logs.

The bottom line

The WEN splitter trades gas-engine chaos for plug-and-go convenience without feeling underpowered for typical homeowner needs. Its strengths are clear: reliable splitting force within its stated limits, straightforward controls, quiet operation, and easy portability around a property. The compromises are just as clear: a so-so stand, a flimsy rear plate for fluid checks, and a two-hand control layout that, while appropriately safe, can slow handling of awkward logs.

Recommendation: I recommend this splitter for homeowners who split a modest amount of firewood and value electric convenience. If you’re routinely breaking down big, knotty hardwood rounds or want production-level speed, step up in tonnage or to a gas unit. But if your woodpile fits the spec and you appreciate a tidy, low-maintenance machine, this is a capable, budget-friendly workhorse that earns its keep.



Project Ideas

Business

Firewood Delivery & Subscription

Offer pre-bundled, seasoned firewood sold by face cord or bundle with scheduled delivery or subscription service. The electric splitter’s 6.5-ton force produces consistent, resale-ready pieces up to 10" diameter, and its portability and quiet electric motor let you split on-site at customers’ properties or in a compact home yard operation.


Mobile Log-Splitting Service

Provide an on-demand mobile splitting service for landowners clearing property, storm cleanup, or homeowners with large logs. Charge hourly or per face cord, bring the splitter on its stand and wheels to the job, and offer add-ons like stacking, drying racks, and removal of debris to increase revenue.


Custom Rustic Furniture Business

Use split log halves and slabs to build a line of rustic furniture—benches, coffee tables, butcher-block style tops, and stools. Market to local boutiques, interior designers, and online marketplaces. Offer custom branding (burning or stamped labels) and finishing packages to boost margins.


Event Decor & Rental Inventory

Create a catalog of rentable rustic decor—log pedestals, slice table risers, candle centerpieces, and wooden aisle markers—for weddings, photo shoots, and corporate events. Renting items multiplies lifetime revenue per piece; the splitter lets you produce many matching units quickly and replace worn inventory easily.


Artisanal Home Goods Line

Produce small-batch home goods such as coasters, charcuterie boards (from split and planed faces), planters, and kitchen utensils. Package them as gift sets or seasonal offerings to sell online, at farmers’ markets, or through consignment in local stores. The low-maintenance electric unit reduces operating costs and simplifies small-batch production.

Creative

Rustic Bench & Stump Seating

Use the splitter to quickly make uniform halves and flats from 8–10" logs, then pair those with metal hairpin or timber legs to build outdoor benches, stools, or porch seating. Split the logs to create a flat seating surface, dry or kiln-dry the wood, sand the faces smooth, and finish with oil or outdoor-grade sealer for a weatherproof rustic bench line.


Candle Holders & Centerpieces

Split smaller-diameter logs into rounds and half-rounds to produce natural, bark-edge candle holders, tealight trays, and long table centerpieces. Drill holes for candles or insert glass votives, sand the top faces, and apply food-safe wax or sealer to protect the wood. These make quick, low-waste gifts and wedding decor pieces.


Live-Edge Shelves & Wall Art

Create live-edge shelf units and mixed-media wall panels by splitting wide logs lengthwise to expose attractive grain and bark. Combine multiple split faces into mosaic-style panels or mount single pieces as floating shelves. The splitter makes consistent faces so pieces fit together for decorative wall installations.


Garden Timbers & Edging

Split logs into long wedges suitable for garden edging, raised bed retaining faces, or rustic fencing. The electric splitter provides repeatable cuts for straight edging pieces. Treat with preservative or stain and install with rebar or posts for a natural, low-cost landscape element.