This is true, if your looking for a compact unit then you will end up spending more time and money trying to build one. The upside though is if you do build it on your own it will be made in the USA! All these compact units 10 ton and less are all unfortunately made in China. Here are some options on the electric units, they go up to 20 tons of splitting force which are made in the USA:I'd better tell you up front, this is the first posting that I've ever made to any forum. I've been a member here for about 5 minutes.
I borrowed my son-in-law's 4 ton electric hydraulic splitter. I was impressed. Locally they can be bought for less than $300. so is it reasonable to spend all the time and money to build one?