I agree!!! until you get to a 30 inch crotch. (you don't get many like that in the woods) I have a splitter and I've used it one day this winter on a bunch of elm and cottonwood. I split wood with a maul about 50-60 days this winter. Only for the exercise. I cant say a splitter is better in the long run or not. I haven't been around long enough. but for a guy who doesnt get enough physical exercise splittin by hand is a good alternative. but I dont fight the hard stuff by hand, I let the machine do the hard work.Splitter not good investment. Doesn't do anything I can't do myself... Unlike skidder. Plus I'll go up against any splitter with my maul if we're splitting ash