[TXnMA]

Only 'elm' I've used it on is what the locals call, "pisselm". Sometimes the splits do not separate completely, because they remain attached by very springy "splinters" -- but it works most of the time...

Of course, I split wood like I knap off 'blades' from a flint or obsidian "core": I start near an edge (to split off an 'arc'), then remove the "corners" left from the first split, etc...

IOW, I "peel off" chunks around the edges; unless the diameter is small, I never try to start across the middle...

[dangerdoc]

The only way I’ve had any luck is to let it sit for a year, cut into the end with a chainsaw about 4 inches then go after it with wedges and a sledgehammer. Needless to say much of my elm does not go into the stove.