Hey I think you got some great experience cutting Osage and you're gonna have even more fun splitting it. I would split it in halves first, paint the ends w/ shellac IMMEDIATELY and let them sit for a year or two before splitting them any further. IF you take the wood down to stave size now it will twist as it dries, thus becoming worthless. Also up here in MO I like to cut the trees in Jan or Feb when the sap is down. It cracks more when it dries if there is more sap in it. If you see the bark twisting at all as it goes up the trunk, it won't split straight and is worthbless. You may want to get the Boyers Bible Vol. 1. Hey, it looks like a lot of fun with your family though, and that's the most important thing anyway. good luck.