I don't split at all any more. I cut the fuel logs in to wafers/ rounds that will fit the stove. 4 inch, 6 inch, or so thick. Too wide to fit, and I hit those with the maul to break them. Doing it this way for five years. Its a different style. But for me, Doug Fir mostly, it saves time and stacks better. Its also easier to stack and bring in the house. I found that my wood stove runs hot all the time anyway. So just layering them the right way in the stove gives all the air needed for a clean burn. The chips get reused as starters.