Which Expert?

[Meghan]

First, thank you to everyone who replied to my other message "Which is Better" I have been researching log cabins and wanting to build for 5 years now. Through my research, the more I learn the more I change my mind as how to build. I originally started out wanting a cape style D-style log, kit house. Now I think they are ugly and cheap. The latest building styles that have my attention is Skips style and the style I read about in "Building an Alaska Log Home". The book "hollows"out the log the whole length, I dont want to do that. I want to use a round log, with the saddle notch (bottom notch only, not top and bottom) and chinking like Skips method. My problem is the book says butt and pass is not the best way and Skip says it is. Is there anyone who read this book who can give me an idea which is a better method?
I dont want to let out any secrets as to Skips method, but I need to know more about it before I can decide on his class.

[rreidnauer]

I pondered for a while how I wanted to answer your question without spilling the beans of Skip's methods. So let me give it a go here.

First off, many students don't build exactly to Skip's recommendations, and make changes to their likings. (such as Skip's recommedation not to stain and seal the logs) Skip style is a very flexible design. Many alterations can be made with successful results. For example, you can do the saddle notching, and still build the rest of the house using Skip's techniques, and you'll end up with an incredible place. That's the beauty of it.

I recall three reasons why it's suggested not to do saddle notching, and a couple more why to avoid chinkless methods, (what you called "hollowing out") especially the Canadian chinkless technique.

The best I can offer is to recommend taking the class. It was worth every cent I paid for it, and then some. I can almost guarantee you won't be disappointed. Oh wait, they do!!!

[Oneshot]

I couldn't agree more with Rod. The things you will learn make since in just about any constuction. I to was undecided until the class, but it is Butt&Pass all the way!!!

[Steve Wolfe]

Hi Meghan,

For about a year before taking Skip???s class I did some real in depth research on log home building. Originally, I was set on using D shaped logs as my wife doesn???t like the idea of rounded inside walls. As a matter of fact she was dead set against it. I built a saw mill specifically for cutting the D shaped logs. The logic behind not doing so was clear after the class and it was enough for my wife as well. There is also good reason for leaving the notching to the wood chucks. The mill isn???t a waste as I can use it to cut the beams I will need for rafters as well as timber for other parts of the home.

The methods taught in class make it so apparent as to why the butt and pass system with whole logs can???t be beat. It solidified my goal to build a log home that will pass the test of time, one that we can pass down to my son and he to his son. Good luck with whichever way you go.

Steve

[adubar]

Hi Meghan,

I've only browsed through "Building an Alaska Log Home" when I happened upon it on a bookseller's shelf some time ago. I will see if I can find a copy and read it. I'll post my comments here if I am successful.

At any rate, keep up your research and post here often if you have questions.

Something to think about en regards to a simple saddle notch. Around where I live, we have the remnants all over of the logging boom 100 years ago. Old intact logs are pushed around the sound and timbers wash-up on our beaches or remain navigation threats in our channels
even after years and decades from when they first touched the water.

However, we have a large amount of submerged timber that became water logged due to the compromise of the logs themselves. When you cut into and process a log you must deal with that fact---and ultimately it will cost time and money in long-term maintenance.

Regards,

A

[Squirt_TN]

We have lived in a log cabin for @17 years. We will be relocating soon and want to build another. Before doing so, I wanted to learn as much as I could about constructing one for myself. After attending the class I learned that not all log homes are as they appear. All the mistakes that could possibly be made, were made on this house. I thought this place was "kinda" right. Every example that was given and the effects of them could be related to my place. This class was very informitive, I would suggest that anyone that "thinks" they know log homes attend. Like they say, "It's gar-en-teed"
Squirt_TN

[Logbear]

I built our house using the butt and pass method. I wouldn't do it any other way. Saddle notch involves cutting into the log. I wouldn't want to cut into a perfectly good log. If you were way out in the wilderness somewhere without rebar and a drill then saddle notch would be the way to go. The butt and pass method lets you use the full diameter of the log. Saddle notch gives you less. Does that make sense? You'd need more logs for the saddle notch method than the butt and pass method. A saddle notch house is a "compression structure" Gravity holds it together. The butt and pass method is simply logs held together with really big nails. I went through all the building permit processes without any problems. I'm not sure if a saddle notch would be suitable if you needed to get a building permit.

I remember Skip telling my class that the corners of a saddle notch house could be easily damaged with an ax. I can beat the corners of my house with a sledge hammer and nothing happens.