Abstract: A rotatable threaded cone is secured at the front of a support mounting having a bevelled end which facilitates the passage of a block of wood split by the cone such that large blocks may be split in one operation without the need to withdraw the block to reintroduce the cone into the block at a different place. A platform is pivoted by means of pivot bolt at the end of a support arm to which it is also connected by means of a ratchet assembly and bolts whereby undue pressure on the platform during a block splitting operation will result in the downward pivoting of the platform to thus relieve the pressure on the cone and the drive thereto.