So...I'm getting wood for the first time. Picked up this wood along the road that the city is cutting down for power lines. Can't even tell you what they are. There is varying species. So I get my brand new hand splitter(like a axe but with flanges on the side) just like an Fiscar X37. I have my neighbor standing next to me so he can see what this thing will do and...whack...whack...whack....whack. It's like I'm hitting into a sponge. No splitting...just little cuts into the top of these logs. I wanted to split them where they are so I would'nt have to lug them to the back yard. Too Heavy. Most of these pieces are 12-15 inches across. Some maybe 20. Do I have to let them dry for a period or is the splitter I just bought a piece of...It's 4.4 lbs. It's called a RockForge from Home Depot with a yellow composite handle. Thanx in advance. Jeff