Well Mike you picked the best place to learn. I have done most of my learning up in the mountains in the woods. If it falls the wrong way no biggie but you do learn something. One of the those lessons is to be prepared for the unexpected. Congrats on the wood.
Nice work! Yes, BTDT with a reverse direction felling. No harm no foul is the key, but it's a learning experience.
Didn't fall perfect but at least it's on the ground safely. I can't think of another wood that smells better than WO
Just reading through this thread again and dont know what happened with my response...dang A.D.D. Glad it turned out okay Mike and you are okay (other than the ego). Manageable sized tree...easy on the back. Oak gets heavy real fast. Made some nice looking splits. Been a while since ive cut any WO. Love the title BTW!