I'd just worry about warpage where the coals sit in the firebox, heat does strange shit even to thick metal. But if it works it works, I'm excited for you to get your first cook in it.
It's illegal in my area (national forrest areas) to cut or collect the hardwoods even if they are already down, so the only way to get oak is when someone cuts one down on private property. We end up bringing a pile home from Chico or Sac areas every so often, and I keep an eye out for dying fruit trees on peoples property.