Saddle notches

[FishingAddict]

I know this is kinda open ended question that will bring many opinions .... here goes anyway.
On a saddle notch the only cutting being made is for the notch (?) as I understand all and they locked in and also pinned/lagged. So the main issue with this manner of building is just that notched area - correct? I have no doubt a fair amount of chinking is also required.

Curious if anyone knows of any negatives besides the cuts? Assuming of course one has enough roof overhang - is that a serious issue or not if properly sealed up?

Been doing so much reading online and the opinions vary so much it is overwhelming.
Have at it if you have an opinion

[FishingAddict]

btw- I have read the recent thread on this. More seemed to be said about the energy/time saving aspect than any possible cons of doing it. If one notches and then pins (less than a true BnP of course) would that not address any possible shifting if that is indeed a fear? Thinking aloud and anticipating this being said/

[jrdavis]

Addict--
a couple of things come to mind.
One is --Skip actually showed this method as a option, but still went with the B&P as the strongest, fastest and easiest for someone (beginner or experienced) to build.
In class, we went outside (try that in Vegas) :) hahah and Skip cranked up the chainsaw made the cuts on one end to START the "each log process", and then we went and lifted two logs on a B&P method in the same time frame.
also, keep in mind -- ALL WOOD rots where wood touches wood on a continual basis.
Here in tornado country, we have rain that goes sideways throughout the year. that would never be good for wood on wood.
you will use more wood as well.
You've been on here for a year now... why haven't you taken the class? :) hint hint.

Keep reading. Knowledge is power.....if used correctly.
soemtime even if used incoorectly, as in washington dc.
<<sorry, this was a paid political announcement... we return now to the regularly scheduled programming>> Butt and pass.
go for it.

JD

[FishingAddict]

LOL - well, like others it seems by recent posts, it's about timing. I need 4-5 months lead time for class - family matter ruled out last one. A Wedding prevails as they say;)
My contracts have me committed thru end of June. I'd be unemployed and sued if I breach them. Hands are tied.
Now as far as last years classes - frankly I was sitting on the fence somewhat. You and I know there are crazy differences in opinions of "the best" and I had some hands on doing a family members cope build....loads of work but nice. That said - I find I like the more old school rustic look, it holds extra appeal for me. The single issue for me - the class and getting in one.
I could take a chance and clear out my calendar for Labor Day weekend but if the class doesn't happen and instead pops up a month later - I am SOL again as I'd be booked up.
Life's all about timing and sometimes it fights ya tooth and nail it seems.

btw- as Timber and others know there be some nasty folks out "there" on a couple of forums that take some cheap shots at LHBA. And Timber and the boys here did a decent and respectible way of handling themselves and that I appreciated and respected. This forum does have some quality folk who pretty much "sold" me with their thoughts, help. posts, etc
I'm of the school there are many ways to scale a carp __ and all will have some imperfections. Not sure of all the history with that forum but OMG - they got a few over yonder who need to visit a church once in awhile. 'nuff said

[rocklock]

On a saddle notch the only cutting being made is for the notch (?) as I understand all and they locked in and also pinned/lagged. So the main issue with this manner of building is just that notched area - correct? I have no doubt a fair amount of chinking is also required.

I guess I should just be quiet but I have a big mouth and am slightly bored. I don't understand the entire idea of notches when we have shown that they are unnecessary... I tried once and it was really bad... I presume that most would be just like me. So notches require some amount of skill, which I don't have and neither do you or anyone else that is just starting to build...

I built my home with one notch and over 900 pieces of steel and a bunch of all thread holding the thing together. Notches are a waste of my time as well as yours until you have some amount of skill. When I started to build my home, I couldn't even cut a straight line with a chain saw... I now have some skill.

Just an irrelevant aside, I have a relation that was infamously killed in one of the last Indian attacks in Texas in 1870. I found their log home in a pile - about 2 feet tall about 10 years ago. It was a notched log home. In 140 years, some one will still be living in my home and will still be wondering why I built it where I did. That makes me Happy.

[panderson03]

Mr Addict, for us it was the whole package. took less time, was less complicated so even I could do it and was built with concepts that will allow it to weather time. I agree with Rocklock. the thought that these structures will provide shelter for my grand children AND their grand children is very appealing to me.
and as for the folks on the other forum, they definitely have strong opinions. one wonders why they're so closed minded sometimes. anyway our choice is SKIP's LHBA and its tightly pinned butt and pass for many reasons that truly speak to me. everyone needs to make up there own minds:) welcome to LHBA!

[jrdavis]

Addict --
now its my turn to LOL.
Not having built yet, I've stayed out of those word fights, Though I've wanted to jump in.
they are in capable hands.
Skip said it best..... by saying nothing.
He didn't HAVE TO walk away from anyone, but he did.
A good testament to his Character. The forum you speak of has very little of that.
and as yo said.... 'nuf said.

I understand the contact work. I get paid for every hour i work and NONE for the hours I don't.
JD

[FishingAddict]

I guess I should just be quiet but I have a big mouth and am slightly bored. .

Aha - I forget to say you done real well "o'er there" too - so you must have been busy that day then, no.... lol
You have and showed much more patience than I would have I am humbly afraid to admit:)

All these types of replies, sensible and without the condescending tone used elsewhere is what I meant by "sold" me.
Silence ... and observing ... and answering in a civil tone, is golden. And often not understood

[loghousenut]

Fisher,

I've only built one notched house so I'm no expert. It was round notched but not full scribed. We did it that way to appear period correct for a movie. It was a fun project and turned out fine. It is currently 20 years old and holding up well.

My Son and I are currently building the home that the Wife and I will die in and my Son will inherit. I suppose I coulda saddle notched this home but I'm glad I didn't. We are using fairly large, twisty, nasty, gnarly, ugly, full of character, free Ponderosa Pines logs that are simple to build with using the LHBA method. These logs would have been miserable to notch and would probably ended up a spongy mass of bug food in 50 years using most "conventional" methods of log construction.

Skip Ellsworth was right. This is the best way for a family to build a log home with their own hands. Sure, there are folks out there that think we're a bunch of kooks. They are a devoted lot. They don't seem to like us. I don't fully understand why. There's plenty of room for all of us.

I have touched dozens of 20-30 year old LHBA homes that were built by their owners and I can't think of one that I would not be happy to own. Every one of them is a solid, comfortable home that has a certain "WOW" factor. I have touched numerous kit houses and professionally constructed notched log houses that are only 10-30 years old and already have their maintenance nightmares in progress. I have replaced logs in improperly built notched log homes. It'll never be an issue for my Son or his Grandkids. We are building a LHBA style log home with our own hands and no mortgage. It is ours and we are proud of it.

You've read enough on this forum to know what we're all about. After reading the competition, you may wonder if we're all lying to you but I can assure you that we're not. We are just as we seem... We are a bunch of folks who are building our own log homes with our own hands. We have learned the basics of a style of building that is VERY user freindly and we are talking each other over the few hurdles that come along. They are low hurdles and surmountable.

Want some advice form a guy who has no financial stake in any of this? Take the class.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/Wow/Rafters9-2010281.jpg

[edkemper]

Hey addict,

Come on over to the other side. I have a reason, can't make a penny off you but I might get a fishing lesson. That's about all I have to gain by encouraging you to join the family.

Just keep in mind, the price of the class is all the "profit motive" you'll find. We don't really sell anything else. Oops, we also sell stock plans that are cheap. Now for the others that seem to hate us? Are they standing any chance of making some money off you?

We don't sell the logs. Or the rebar or the concrete. We do sell you on free labor as an education and bonding experience. Also you find about every single trick and recommendation from the other members on the other side at no cost.

But to heck with all the above, grab your stick and let's go fishin.

[Blondie]

Hey Addict,

The only thing that "we" can possibly gain from you coming to the other side is your friendship, should you care to share it. What can you gain from us? You can ake the class and then join us in supporting each other building. Do we have ALL the answers, Gosh, certainly hope not. But we do support each other and act as cheering sections and every once in a while act as shoulders to cry on.

Blonde

[edkemper]

Just bring your Ugly Stick.

[Blondie]

Ed,

Does he have an ugly stick?

Blondie

[jrdavis]

maybe Ed has enough for 2?????
<duckin N runnin>
Just kiddn' Ed

[FishingAddict]

:D;) Blondie - It's a lovely stick ... :o

Yep - when I get over I'll assist anyone who is w/i 30 miles of a decent lake. I'll trailer my boat, bunch of rod n reels and a dozen bozes loaded with goodies for the lil' fishies.
Something came up with a client/contract of mine ..... maybe he will give me an out and May may become possible. Slim sliver of hope but a few days back there was "no way-no how". Will now in next week or so for sure. Be bittersweet thing - very profitable contract and loss would be painful. Positive is getting over the fence to the playground where ya'll playing at. :cool:

[FishingAddict]

I got sticky fingers and bad mind and worse spelling ..... pardon the typos above.

[Blondie]

Addict,

Ed and I tease each other continuosly.
lol

Blondie

[edkemper]

Blondie,

Come on, I'd never kid with you. :o

By the way everyone, an Ugly Stick is a brand of fishing pole. You guys are crazy. Guess that's why it's so comfortable here.

Unless you're Blond. (hehehehehehe) I never kid!

[Pugsleeplikelog]

So did Fishing Addict go the Memorial Day class? Is he on the "other side" like I wish I was?

[WornOut]

So did Fishing Addict go the Memorial Day class? Is he on the "other side" like I wish I was?

don't think so .... I remember he posted something pretty recent and sounded like a no-no iirc

[dvb]

Wornout - What is iirc?

[dgc]

Hey, Dean... Not to hijack the thread, but your profile photo lured me over to look at your photobucket. I'm very impressed with your cabin. The photo with your wife sitting on the front porch really shows how "big" a log home can look, even when it's only 24x24. Great job on the house! Where do things stand in finishing it up? I think I saw one of your posts from late 2011 that said you were still working on finishing details.

dgc

[rreidnauer]

Wornout - What is iirc?
If I Remember Correctly

FishingAddict's last post was on May 31 in the May 2012 Log Home Class--Last of Season thread.

[dvb]

dgc - Thanks for the comments. We are still trying to get it all done. We spent 6 of the last 8 months working on the road. We are currently in Dallas finishing up a short job and expect to get back on the cabin late this month. I told my clients that I will only be available for "emergencies" until I get the house done. We really want to have a home this winter!
Rod - Thanks, I could not figure that one out!