New toy - log splitter

I have been using a sledge, wedges, splitting maul and a ax, however I am 62 and don't seem to be able to split as much wood as I did 30 years ago, Donna and I are enjoying a fire right now on this cool 45 degree Indiana night, I was thinking about an electric splitter but have never talked to anyone that has experience with them, buying a gas unit $800.00 for junk or $1400.00 for a nice one is out of the question, I love splitting wood, it is a form of therapy, but you pay for it tomorrow with a sledge.  

Interesting thread...I'm fixing to buy a log splitter.  Am in the process of having about 30 really big trees cut down in my yard.  LOTS of hickory trees (oh how I hate those hickory nuts) and a few pines.  It was cheaper to have the guys leave the trunks in firewood size pieces, but now they have to be split.  I have 2 fireplaces in my house, not to mention the firewood would come in very handy while camping.  I'm also gaining enormous amounts of mulch, an added bonus .  I figure once I get all the wood split, I can resell the splitter and still come out somewhat to the good.  Who knows, maybe I'll hire myself out on weekend to split wood for others You can see from the photo why I'm having so many trees cut.  The house is practically hidden and we get no sunlight.  Starting to do bad things to the house with all the overhanging branches and with all the shade I can't get grass to grow and dad gum it, I want a grass yard!!!  It's not a very good picture of all the wood, but it's a huge pile already and they've only taken down 5 trees.

Play before work !! Thats what I would do as well.