Cut a cherry tree about 5 years ago - some pieces were lying around so I decided to give it a try. Everything was done by hand , no electricity involved . Big axe to split , small axe to get me a 5/8 thick piece , wood file to flatten and some sanding paper (100 to 500 grit) + drenched in wood oil. Here is the outcome (on top of the leftover pieces).Attachment 319910