OK, with all the splitter information fresh off we went to look, went to Atwoods, farm supply store, they had 10% off for everything if your 55 or older, so I got the 28 ton splitter with the 10.5 HP motor.
brought it home and played with it a little, man it split everything with not so much as a strain, It cut through the largest ones we had, 20 inches across, and it sure does save your back when you can stand it up.
we got all the birds moved today, so I guess tomorrow we'll split wood.
thanks for all the comments, made the choice a little easier.