WoodTick007:
You are right about the video.
I have never used an auto cycle valve, and would love to try one sometimes...
My first impression of auto split valves is that they would be great. No so anymore. Running average size rounds, like I do on the SS, an auto split valve would be nice and a time saver. Larger rounds on the Timberwolf occasionally catch on the front edge of the out feed table. Now I watch for that. An auto split valve would have probably tore the out feed table off by now.
A log lift: that there will spoil you very quickly...
After three years with an SSHD I do it a little different than he does in the video for the most part. Sometimes you do get a bad split and initially have to wrestle the bigger rounds it a bit.
When splitting big rounds I set one half aside on the wood pile to clear the table, and split the second half. (I do the same thing on the Timberwolf, setting half rounds out of the way on the log lift) Or, I tip the half furthest from me up on end and out of the way, and split the half closest to me. Sometimes, if there are more than four splits per half, there may not be room for that.
My biggest criticism of the video is safety.
He often has his fingers cupped over the end of the piece he is splitting when he is splitting. I think his fingers should be on top of the piece or grasping the side of the piece until the wood begins to engage the wedge. The reason being the round may not track straight into the wedge. It may cock sideways because of a knot, or a deformity or uneven cut on the push plate end. It is simply a poor, unforgiving habit to place fingers there.
I am a fan, and owner, of both types of splitter. If I can lift the rounds on the table, my choice is kinetic because it has a table for re-splitting, and the working height of that table is more comfortable for my long lean back.