We started splitting wood with an axe, then with wedges and a sledgehammer, then splitting mauls and finally a hydraulic wood slitter. I can’t recall exactly the years of transition from each, but rest assured the last one was the best.
I remember old Mr Conway wanted me to make a wood splitter out of an air powered train brake.
I was like ... umm air compresses.
AT any rate I had to make the thing, but I hid behind a wall when they let it loose on the maiden flight.
Hoo boy! did it launch that wood LOL
Luckily no one sustained shrapnel injuries.
Hydraulic wood splitters are for weenies. Real men go manual.