Good thread keep it going. To answer my own question of last year.. I finally bought one of those electric [mantis] splitters about $500 and to let you know they are worth it . No it is NOT heavy duty but to date my son and I have split 8 full cords of misc hard wood.It will handle a 12 inchwide log but we figured how to do wider ones dont try to split them in 1/2 but take slices around the edge. and as the logs become smaller then cut in 1/2.
also as to wood in this area the city will cut down dead trees and cut them to 4 foot length it is the owner who must get rid of the wood. if you have a truck they are glad to have you take the wood away some of it can be roten or hard and dry. also i have switched to an electric chain saw. Not as fast as gas but if you take the time it will get the job done.. of course you will need electricy. if that goes out forget about it all. and kiss your but good buy