Hand tools that are an absolute

[LarryParadise]

I am new to this, so hello. I would like to knew what hand tools are absolutely neccessary for building a basic log cabin. The location has its own wood, but everything must be boated to the location. I am looking at building using only basic hand tools. Thanks.

[rocklock]

The first thing you need is to attend the class offered. The second thing is get a small generator to provide 15 amps of power so you can build this thing easily. Then at least 8 triple blocks and a draft horse or two would be a good idea. I'm not kidding unless you will be building something small - like a 12 by 12. I built my well shed all by hand - there are photo's at my photobucket site...
Good Luck

[LarryParadise]

It is an experiment with a group of people, so we are choosing the hand method. The course is out of the question, unfortunately because I am in Canada on the opposite side of the country.

[rocklock]

If you have enough people, a small (15 by 15) log cabin would be very easy. Our logs are held together with rebar. I have over 900 pieces of steel in my log home along with other steel. The key is the butt and pass method that we have used.
The more that you describe what you want to do, the easier we can help.
best of luck

[Timberwolf]

I too live in Canada, on the otherside of the country. If all I was building was a small cabin, I probably wouldn't take the course (ok... I might) but don't let distance discourage you. I went, a certainly don't regret it one bit!

As for must haves... if I was to do it totally isolated and bare bones and was building B&P I would say:

Chainsaw! (unless you're a complete sadist)
Bit and brace
8 lbs and 2 lbs sledge hammers
Standard contruction tools (hammer, tape measure, ladder, shovel, hoe, string line etc).
Something to to cut rebar with. I was going to say Hacksaw (sic) but then we're back to being sadistic again.
Wheelbarrow.

[LarryParadise]

The goal is a simple 12 x 12 or a bit bigger. It is for an outdoor pursuits class which I teach. I have student (slave) labour. The issue is it is a very remote location, boat, and hike with people needing to stay there for an extended period of time. The goal is to build a shelter building for hikers with the wood in the location. It needs to be liveable in the winter, but all tools must be hiked in 8km. I am taking a chainsaw (cheating a bit). The goal is to build using preindustrial methods -- except the chainsaw to fall the logs and make window and door cuts.

[ragdump]

Ragdump
That sounds like a Ted Kaczynski cabin or storage shed

[LarryParadise]

I failed math, so no Ted.

[ragdump]

Ragdump
I had to look that one up I didn't know he had a PHD in math,I thought he just sat in his little cabin a little too long and needed something to do to keep himself busy

[loghousenut]

The goal is a simple 12 x 12 or a bit bigger. It is for an outdoor pursuits class which I teach. I have student (slave) labour. The issue is it is a very remote location, boat, and hike with people needing to stay there for an extended period of time. The goal is to build a shelter building for hikers with the wood in the location. It needs to be liveable in the winter, but all tools must be hiked in 8km. I am taking a chainsaw (cheating a bit). The goal is to build using preindustrial methods -- except the chainsaw to fall the logs and make window and door cuts.

It will ruffle a feather or two on this forum but I'd be inclined to build in a more traditional pioneer style if I were tackling your task. This forum is more about the independance that can be gained by owner-building a super strong home, that will last a lifetime, in this modern world.

If you read the link and google his name, you'll see how it was done by Dick Proenneke some 40 years ago with hiked-in tools. There are numerous videos on youtube that will tutor you. You could build everything onsite as Dick did or carry in such luxuries as nails, spikes, lag screws, aluminum roofing, window glass, etc. Once you have a chainsaw, you have lumber. 8k is not that far to carry a few luxuries if you have a ton of willing help. I am assuming it is private ground and you have free access to it.

I have built the way Dick did and would love to do it as a small project out in the back country, but I wouldn't build my house that way.

http://www.loghomebuilders.org/dick-proenneke-modern-pioneer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYJKd0rkKss

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/notching_logs_for_wall.jpg

[ragdump]

Ragdump

Could you imagine packing in all that rebar !

[loghousenut]

My point exactly. How about drilling all those holes.

[rocklock]

To get a better idea on how I built my well shed, look at my photo bucket site.
I would suggest a 15 by 15 if you have 4 or 5 large people. My son a I built a 10 by 12 but we are your basic jumbo sized people.
You need to find rocks that will lock together for your foundation. You need to aim for 6 to 8 inches of clearance.
A 20 inch chain saw and some wedges to fell trees that are about 10-14 inches in diameter.
A draw knife and axe, to make pegs to hold the logs together, a drill (ratchet drive) with a 3/4 inch by 18 inches bit to drill through the top log and into the lower log. Some kind of scraper to take the bark off. Rope to drag the logs to the site. Smaller logs for the rafters. I would make the cabin a two story structure (three girders making a second floor) much like mine with a sleeping loft. You can make a maul used to pound in the pegs. Peg everything - I would suggest pegs (oak) every two or three feet. Finally the roof can be made very water tight with some tar (or painted canvas) paper, a little soil and grass (weeds). Moss can be stuffed between the logs to insulate the home especially the roof.
The floors can be made with split logs hence you will need some kind of hand planer to get them smooth.
Finally, you will need a source of heat to make it livable in the winter. A fire place is beyond my knowledge, but I have seen mud a wattle fire places in primitive log homes.
Best of luck
keep us posted if we can help
While I'm thinking of it, a butt and pass log home in Europe has been standing for over 1000 years. So if well done, this structure will be around for a while.