TreeDimensional

I copied Therrins pictures, and zoomed in as good as I could. It appears that he may have cut the hinge wood.

I think Ekka's question may have been answered, the OLD saw/chain combinations didn't cut well diagonally cross the grain. They first guys with powered saws were probably tickled pink that they were so efficient, with the new technology.

The next tree I remove, I will set the video camera up in an attempt to show what happens once the notch faces meet. In my opinion, the hinge wood will remain intact until the notch closes, then the fibers (hinge wood) will tear until they reach the snapping point.

The face of the notch in relationship to the back cut will direct the tree to where it lays on the ground. I have a publication somewhere around here that looked at a variety of combinations of notch/backcut scenarios. Its a little to late to look for it tonight, I will find it tomorrow.