splitting osage

[gman.ricky]

i have recently cut a few 12 inch osage logs. i have split them in half and was wondering if some have been able to get 3 staves out of a half log similar in size., w/out the use of a bandsaw. my grain is pretty straight but dont wanna take the chance of ruining the whole piece.still want another opinion.

[Shaun]

Splitting must be done in halves or it will run out towards the smaller piece. So, thirds is gonna be tough. You can make a kerf with a skill saw part way through and the split will tend to follow this.