TJ, lots of good advice, the only difference for me is I prefer a horizontal splitter, your splitting the wood and catching it at waist height, saves on the old back muscles, and if you can get 1 or 2 people to help , you can go thru wood like _hit thru a goose.
Also remember eye and ear protection, a good pair of tight fitting rubber gloves, and steel toed boots if you have them.
Go easy on the beer till your done, I think Tom splits his wood with dynamite anyway.
Many splitters like this one can be used horizontally or vertically.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=116418-270-24BF572B711&lpage=none
