Close enough in theory, Matt. Fact, it can all be proven mathematically, but as we know, in the real world a lot of things can change the theory.
When it comes to threading the needle being off by just a foot or two can mean hitting a stump and turn a valuable tree into worthless chunks. The very same can be said for the ground (lay). Being off just a foot or two can make your day or break a valuable tree.
When compensating for minor side lean or limb-weight, an extra inch or two of wood on the opposite corner (tapered hinge) may be all you need to compensate for that.
As for "significant" lean or limb-weight... a faller may also have to over-gun the undercut opposite the favor of the tree. Over-gunning the undercut is another method that can be proven mathematically, but again in the real world many things can change the theory.
That's where years of experience makes a savvy faller. But then even a savvy faller can guess wrong in their calculations and end up breaking a tree from over compensation. Isn't life rich?
The good news is the longer you do this the better you get, and your success rate at threading the needle keeps going up.
Always glad to help out anyway I can, Matt.
By the way, those nice trees you mentioned sound intriguing.
