I like the dirt and/or sawdust idea too. yes, always stack at 90 degrees. Hard head wedges do drive damn well, but I've only borrowed them, why, who knows. Yes, exactly, why carry a spare saw when a spare saw and chain (or 2 chains- sharpen at night). 2 wedges simultaneously, alternatelty pounded, is the way to lift big wood. Wedges to support the hinge is a myth, the length of the hinge across the stump is supporting the side lean, wedges push over the back lean. Fact. Cause what's that wedge doing once you get a 1/4" of lift from the wedge you're pounding from the back? Nothing, cause its the hinge wood thats holding the side lean. False sense of security. JC Pennys look , yes. High stumps, yes. Hard core prof. cutter?, not yet. Hell, either you get killed or you get good, right?
See, in the east coast we have such different growth form- heavy crowns and heavy leaners. I've cut with some west coast guys who came east to cusome timber, some might call it carpetbagging, easier here with less laws and regs. Humboldt is way cool, very artistic, and the wide array of variations of the technique really brings out the craftsmanship in felling. But, you cannot do that on the east coast. You must directional fell (bore cut) on the east coast or you will break too much wood- sure you can humboldt/back cut some trees but not all of them, no way. Barberchair, broken wood, etc too much.
remember, hinge width is 10% of stump diameter max. If you're going to have to really push it over, use a super thin hinge, this will not affect the side lean strength (don't quote me on that) A 3/4 inch hinge on a 34" oak is way easier to push over than a 2" or god forbid 3 1/4 inch hinge.
If it sets back on you before you have a wedge in, you may be able to squeak one in behind the hinge to work a gap toward the back to put in your real pounder, but if not, like said already, just bore in below your back cut and put the wedge in there.
And yes, occasionaly theres one I thought I could push over and you have your wedges in there and you hit em and you give it the first tap and a swing and you know right then there is no way that is going to get pushed over. Maybe a hardhead wedge could do it, but thats when I may be prone to just cutting it all over again (dangerous, recut with care only where its obviously going to fall,) let er' rip, can't lay em all down perfectly- give to skidder/dozer/shovel what have you a little extra work. Love cutting timber, true craft, an honor to be amongst the crowd.
