I believe that if you remove too much from one side of a log then you have too do the same on the opposite side. This having to do with tension/stress within the log. Also, I've read this in one of Jack Sobon's books.
There are many ways to skin a cat but in the end we all cook with water.(whatever that means)
Thane
Perhaps another reason the old timers liked boxed heart timber:
1. no sap (rot)
2. checks and splits will not cross the heart
3. balances any inherent stress w/ in a timber
