Why not raise the wedge up and leave the big pieces on the bottom and toss the small pieces off the top?
Two reason off hand.
The four-way does not raise high enough to do that, to make small splits off the top, not even close on the TW-6.
It is a slip on wedge. The reason the single wedge is so wide (certainly requiring additional tonnage) is because the four-way lift cylinder is positioned behind the wedge, the rod pushing up on a small flange. It raises flush with the top of the main wedge. Four or five inches of travel at most. There is an additional adjustment by flipping the four-way over, as the wedge is not centered vertically on the triangular mount that slides up and down.
The other reason is that when splitting with the four-way in the raised position, the lower splits are trapped underneath the wedge, and can not be brought back to resplit without pushing them through the wedge entirely with another piece, putting them further out of reach, requiring additional footsteps and effort.
I think this is why Eastonmade splitters have a raised cradle on the beam, allowing the lower splits to drop, and allowing downward wedge adjustment with a split still in it, not possible on the Timberwolf. I've never used an Eastonmade splitter, so not positive on this, but that's my take.
I do know splitting large rounds in the raised position is more work res-plitting, and disrupts the flow of lowering the wedge, splitting, raising the wedge and pulling back pieces to re-split, lower the wedge, split, raise the wedge, pull back, lower the wedge, etc.
If quartering something it's great in the raised position, although the wedge floats, and can be lifted off the main wedge with up pressure from a split.
This fat main wedge, lift cylinder behind it, floating four-way, is old design stuff. New design is narrow wedge, lift cylinder underneath beam, and four-way dropping flush with beam for single splits.
Easton made also addresses the issue of working next to the log lift with a narrower axle.
Everyone works differently, and my ideas are specific to me, and may not apply to you.
I'm presently using a forklift, two log cutting benches and a four wheel SuperSplit (note avatar) in front of a conveyor.
If I can ever afford a processor, I believe it will be a three point hitch euro style, with a modified four-way wing for re-splitting if necessary, and a stand alone log deck.
