11/17
EJB, I hear there are a lot of homebrew splitters out there from back in the old days (70's-80's /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif), built from plans supplied by Northern, et al. I'm not saying you have one or that it is not well built, but I would look hard for that nameplate. Not all welders are equal, so I would check it out thoroughly if it is homemade. The thought of all that force popping something unexpectedly is a little chilling.
/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif - /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif
Apparently many companies made splitters in those days as well, but most dropped out when the market dried up, a consequence of low oil prices and market saturation. Therefore they are now more scarce, though I have seen them at the box stores recently as some here have noted.
Still seeking alternatives to the most expensive (the timberwolf brand).
J