Big surprise today!!

[heavyopp]

I was out today checking a few land options when I stumbled accross a horrifying sight.

A large kit builders main office and production yard. Thousands of logs- Raw and milled. I never saw a raw log over 12 feet long and they looked like mostly oak. Also 2 huge piles of sawdust. It was a sight to see.

I took a few pictures but need to figure out how to post them, that is if anyone is interested.

Jer

[kyle]

Jer,

Were you in PA when you saw this??? If you up in the middle part of the state you may have seen Kuhn Bros which is a very large kit builder. But I couldn't imagine them or anyone using oak.

Seeing all those beautiful logs cut down brings a tear to your eye huh?!

[heavyopp]

That is who it was Kyle. I knew they where in the area but didn't expect them.

It sure looked like oak. Short stubby pieces of oak. I didn't get out to investigate though.

PM me your email and I'll send you a pic of the raw logs.

Jer

[gumpond]

Don't let the short logs get to you. Thay have splines to join them. :)
Gastineau? Solid oak?

[kyle]

Don't let the short logs get to you. Thay have splines to join them. :)
Gastineau? Solid oak?

But thats still no where as strong as one continous log the length of the wall!!!

[heavyopp]

You guys got me second guessing the Oak thing.

When I saw them I was sure they where oak. I never even bothered to get out and check. Now when I look at the pictures I'm not so sure.

The bark sure looks like oak, but the end grain says differently.

What kind of softwood would have a similar looking bark as oak?

They had to be using some sort of spline. There was nothing but short, raw logs but plenty of long milled 8"dowels for building.

Jer

[kyle]

When I was looking into building a kit, I had talked with Kuhn's and from what I remember all their homes were eastern white pine.

The logs you saw may have been oak. Their original business is a lumber yard which as far as I know is still in business.

[gumpond]

[quote="gumpond"]Don't let the short logs get to you. Thay have splines to join them. :)
Gastineau? Solid oak?

But thats still no where as strong as one continous log the length of the wall!!![/quote

Sorry if I mislead. Splines were a joke and in my opinion are a joke. Just a way to use scraps? Logs light enough for my daughter to carry? Comforting thought if strength of home was you purpose. They are useful if you want to build a home that resembles a log home. The word dowel comes to mind here.

Greg

[the_dude]

if it was oak, they may be kiln drying and selling the pieces to timber frame builders. i can't imagine a cabin built of oak, but it does make for some beautiful timber frames.