Tips on splitting a curvy Osage log...Pics added

[Cloudfeather]

Trying to figure out a good way yo go about splitting this log(curvy on the left). Not sure if I should just split it in half, side to side, then half again.(the way it sits in the pic) or to go at a 45 degree angle to the curves. Any suggestions?

[DC]

You should always split wood in half. If you try to take a small piece off a big piece(if you follow me) the split will run off to one side.

[Cloudfeather]

Thinking of doing it like this...

[DC]

That's what I'd do. Just one thing, I've never seen(let alone split) any Osage so I'd also wait for a little more input.

[Cloudfeather]

In my experience, once you get the split going, it just rolls right down along the grain. I have heard of the run off if you try to split say a third off of a piece though.

[osage outlaw]

I'd split it here and see what happens.  I try to start the split on the small end.

[JW_Halverson]

Considering OO has split off hundreds of staves, I'd say this thread is pretty well answered!

[osage outlaw]

I wouldn't say that JW.  Everybody has has their own way of doing things.  That's just the way I would start that split.  You are aiming for staves from the top and bottom of the log in the picture.  Staves from the sides are going to be tough to straighten.  I would bust it in half and study the two splits to see where to go next.   

[DC]

I have heard of the run off if you try to split say a third off of a piece though.

That's what I was trying to say. I sometimes have trouble with English. Even though it's the only language I speak.

[Will H]

I'm with OO on this one. That looks like a snakey stave or two. Start there using a bunch of wedges on either side so as to keep the leapfrogging to a min. Then see that you can get after that.

[osage outlaw]

If its very straight grained stuff you can split off thirds or less with no problems.  But it has to be super straight and clean wood. 

[DavidV]

Also helps to start the split at the small end.

Edit: oh nevermind OO said that already 

[Comancheria]

Sled,

Please post pictures after each split you actually do.  I have one much smaller really gnarly log and two 18 foot or so 8-11 inchers I will be deciding how to cut laterally--then later split, so your sharing your experience after-the-fact might be very helpful.  Thanks.

Russ

[lebhuntfish]

I'd split it here and see what happens.  I try to start the split on the small end.

I'm with the outlaw! And don't be a woos! I once split a log that took me and a buddy 4 session to get it split. Patrick

[Aaron H]

Osage Outlaw-  why do you say to split it from the small end?  I know you have split much more Osage than I, and I am just curious what benefit this method has?