Introduce yourself

Yea, I'm envious of you Listers too. You got two of them no less!!

Going off topic, the best way I found to set up affordable auto tracking, is to use a Redrok tracker. This guy has made leaps and bound with his design over the last couple years I've been following it. (I'm glad I didn't buy one when I first came across it, as it had limitations it's since shed) You already got a motor on it, all you need is end limit switches (if you're using a satellite actuator, it probably has the limit switches built in) and the tracker. Although he's no webmaster, as his site is a nightmare to navigate, Duane does make and sell these little wonders for $39 shipped. (just don't buy the kit versions. They aren't worth the hassles of the few bucks saved) It's what I plan to use when I get my panels set up.

I hear the changfa's can be good units, but like you say noisy.
Due east of Edmonton, about a half hour east. Your Welcome any time, I am always loking for a chance to fire it up.

John

Rod, No I did not use a satellite actuator, Though mabey I should have it would have been easier.
Rather the threaded rod, and nut from a pipe stand, the chain disk from a bike, some bike chain, and a old DC motor from some where. It works ok. I had seen that rodrok tracker but it was a few years ago, and did not think of it when i built mine.

John

My wife and I (John & Theresa) have recently purchased a 5 acre lot in north east TX about 75 miles north and east of Dallas. We had decided to go with a log home kit and shell erection co. Satterwhite homes in Longview, TX. After learning they only use dead timber and after speaking with a few of there customers we had decided they would fit our needs, then I ran across your website!

Well after reading a lot of the info posted on here we are now considering making the next class in Jan if there is still room. My questions are many but here are a few.

Can we really save much of the cost of materials doing it ourselves completly verses purchasing their kit? We don't have any soft wood on our lot so we would need to purchase the logs. Satterwhite does not cut their logs to the precise measurements therfore reducing the risk of needing more material. Their kits come with windows, doors, roofing, interior wall timber etc.

Will we really be able to construct a home ourselves? (I know the answer to this one) but what about the foundation, obtaining the logs we need and paying for the expensive shipping and the logs them selves?

Will the class help us to erect THEIR kit? (I'm hoping you will talk me out of this)

We will soon be putting our current house on the market and using the procedes (God willing) to pay off the lot and to prep the lot (Road, bridge over creek and utilities) We have decided we want to live life for a change and I really don't want another 30yr mortgage and our plan was to at least start this project sometime in 2008. Am I asking too much out of this class?

I almost wish I hadn't come across your wonderful website now, thanks in advance for all your comments and input.

John & Theresa

Hi John & Theresa! Glad you're here with us. Actually, what I mean by that is;
we're all glad you're here with us on the forum, and hopefully we can have some
fun and good times talking about, and building log homes. Seems like we all have
a special kind of friendship, based on our dreams, difficulties we encounter, the
solutions we offer to each other, and sharing our (photos and albums) accomplishments.
Hope you have a good time here.

Well, I'll try and take a shot at your questions. Hopefully others will have some insight
they can offer.

"we are now considering making the next class in Jan. if there is still room."

Hurry. Register early if there is still room. I've said it before; "Triple the price of the
class and it will still be the bargain of a lifetime." The things I learned were broad
enough in spectrum that I went "outside the box" and converted principles to thing
such as: buying land (The lot I bought right after taking the class is now worth about
$70,000. I bought it for about $747). Seems like I took on a survivalist or renegade
mentality. The lessons are on building a log home, the concepts are on building a
life. You'll get some in class, some on the forums, rubbing elbows, building your model,
helping other members build so you can get hands-on experience and develope a
mind-set.

"Can we really save much of the cost of materials doing it ourselves completly verses
purchasing their kit?"

I can. Don't know what you are capable of. You may not do too well, you may exceed
everyones wildest expectations. It's more the thought patterns than the assembly
process. Don't get me wrong, you will need to know the process, but attitude, and
imagination are very important. I'm building my storage shed. The oak floor was
going to be about $3,000. Then I found the materials for less than one third that price,
now today I may have located the materials for free. We'll see if it works out. It's
important to follow the pattern taught in class, but always be thinking of easier ways
to reach the goal. Remember, it is very easy to build a beautiful log home for the
price of a car. I just decided to build a (small, 3,000' palace) for the price of a Yugo.
I can also build for the price of a Rolls Royce. The house wouldn't be any different,
just the price to build would be different.

"Their kits come with windows, doors, roofing, interior wall timber etc."

Looks like a conventional slab-on-grade home, but the walls are poles instead of
stick framed. Conventional framing is expensive. Similar to a watch. Two ounces of
steel is cheap. Two ounces that is machined and assembled into a Rolex is expensive.
The more wood is handled by different people the more it costs.

"Will we really be able to construct a home ourselves?"
Maybe. Maybe not. Ask Dorothy Ainsworth or Pinecone Pam if it's possible. They both
did a great job (for a girl) ;-) building their places. Jerry Sargeant couldn't build his, at
only 16 years old he was too young. He took the class and Skip failed to tell him he wasn't
old enough, mature enough, have credit enough, shackled with the burdens of life enough,
to take on that task, so he just went ahead and did it. Nice place. IF you do build, Have a
good time with it! Have some fun! Enjoy the process! You may be able to do it. Also, if you
do it for cash you WILL have a lot more fun. Yes, you really do have enough cash, just don't
think you have to spend it all. One member built a place for about $500. Never finished.
Someone offered him too much money for it just as it was.

"but what about the foundation"
What about the foundation?
Just do it yourself. You'll get some valuable knowledge, and satisfaction of having done
it yourself. You will also save a lot of money. It's covered in class. It's no big deal, and
your foundation will be easier than mine. I have to go 40" down to get below the frost
line. You should be able to do it using the best method...just like they teach in the class.

"Will the class help us to erect THEIR kit?"
A little. Looks more like a job for a framing carpenter. I hesitate to ask, but just how much
do they want for the kit?

"We have decided we want to live life for a change and I really don't want another 30yr
mortgage and our plan was to at least start this project sometime in 2008."
Sounds like you're already one of us!! Welcome home!!

"Am I asking too much out of this class?"
Sounds reasonable to me. It's more about the individual. Do you want a place of your
own w/o a mortgage? Are you willing to relax and have some fun meeting that goal?
Do you think outside the box? Do you want to be with a lot of friends having a BBQ
and watching your house, or their house be built? Hopefully you're not too far from a
member who is having a log raising, chinking, foundation party. They get help and
friends to keep them company, and encourage them along the way. You get valuable
hands-on instruction, and the knowledge that if they did it, then you
can do it too!

Well, I hope this helps a little.

-Rick

Great points, all. But, I've created a misunderstanding. My husband says he actually loved the class. He just didn't feel it was feasible for us. Lack of logs. We're in Cleveland, MS. We both work in this area. I was just a little more eager than him. I've always loved log cabins. I've only spent time in two and they were really small. We spent a weekend in Pigeon Forge, TN & Horse Canyon Ranch (Arkansas). But, small or large I've always been fascinated. I think a great sense of pride must come from building something with your own hands.

He says if we moved, maybe. But, I don't see that happening until we retire.

rreidnauer,

You make some really good points about moving. We seldom really give moving any thought for many of the reasons that you mention. It's something to think about.

I have been looking over many of the pictures of the log built homes. They all look great, Many different floor plans and styles of interior finish. A lot of what I see would work well for me, And I imagine for others as well. Did each person custom design, and blue print their own homes, or once you attend is there a selection of prints avaliable that can be purchased?

John

Hello Jeff and Sara,

My name is Jonathan and my fiance Kelsey and I, who recently took the course, are planning on building here in southern California as well. We have a few questions for you. We were curious how your process went and if you have any tips for fellow so cal builders? What city did you end up building in? We are attempting to build in north LA county. Sounds crazy I know, but have you seen the market lately. We have the land aquisition in the works, but we are not sure yet where or how we are going to aquire the logs. Hopefully that's not too many questions. Looking forward to your reply.

Socal Builders,

Jonathan and Kelsey

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vwebster

Great points, all. But, I've created a misunderstanding. My husband says he actually loved the class. He just didn't feel it was feasible for us. Lack of logs. We're in Cleveland, MS. We both work in this area. I was just a little more eager than him. I've always loved log cabins. I've only spent time in two and they were really small. We spent a weekend in Pigeon Forge, TN & Horse Canyon Ranch (Arkansas). But, small or large I've always been fascinated. I think a great sense of pride must come from building something with your own hands.

He says if we moved, maybe. But, I don't see that happening until we retire.

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VWebster, have you considered having the logs brought in? I imagine there are plenty of southern yellow pine around central or northern MS, or at least some cypress around where you currently live. I know other builders have sometimes had to ship their logs many miles in order to build. Have you checked in the members section? I suppose someone has already found a good source for logs in MS.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jjohn

I have been looking over many of the pictures of the log built homes. They all look great, Many different floor plans and styles of interior finish. A lot of what I see would work well for me, And I imagine for others as well. Did each person custom design, and blue print their own homes, or once you attend is there a selection of prints avaliable that can be purchased?

John

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It's goes about 50/50 John. Many do make their own, as I have. Others buy and build from the plans offered by LHBA, or work from the LHBA plans to design their own. I think most who make their own, still have professional prints made, and get an engineer's stamp. (required many places, but not everywhere)

hey vwebster , i have contact info for syp logs out of alabama , surely it wouldnt cost all too much to have them trucked into mississippi ?? email me if interested at cutlermntwoodworks@yahoo.com

Rod:

I will go on record as saying you got me. When I went to class in mid November this year Steve made the comment to the effect that we have one member whose model was so good people think it was the real home being built.

When he mentioned your name I was in shock as I was one of the ones who thought that way.....lol

Just getting up the courage to admit it now!

Great model. Can you tell me what scale and sized dowels used? Also, what materials did you use for the wood studs and floor supports?

When I first saw yours I was unsure about doing a model as yours looked so darn complex. But after going to the class, seeing the other model's at Skip's place, and then going back to look at yours again, I am convinced that this is what should be done first to get a real good understanding of where everything goes. I also feel you should try and make it as complex/real as possible as it looks to help in the long run.

Again, good job on that. I am planning on getting the 30 x 30 stock plan. Waiting for logs to be delivred to another members site downstate, and will be helping out every chance I get with peeling and construction. Hell I will even give up golf for this. Already planning on canceling out a trip to Ocean City Maryland to help out downstate. Hell I can always tape the Masters.....lol

Hey there are more important things afoot.

John

Don't feel bad, you're not the first one to be fooled, certainly not the last. Glad to see my name has made it into the course. I'm famous!! OK, maybe not, but cool anyhow.

First off, let me say to anyone who's considering building a model, that it is totally unneccessary to build to that level of detail. Just a basic superstructure is all that's required, so you get an idea how it goes together. I simply got WAY TOO carried away.

OK, with that said, on to the questions. It's 1:24 scale, making the dowels 1/2" in diameter. The whole thing is mounted upon a 24"x24" board. The "foundation" is cut from 1/2"x3/4" pine stock. The 4x12's joists are cut from 1/2" pine boards to a width of 1/8" (read: lots of waste) on a table saw. The 2x12 sleepers, door, and window frames are cut from the same boards, at 1/16". The 2x6 flooring and ceiling T&G was cut from 1/4" pine boards to a thickness of 1/16". The 2x4 studs are made from stock bought from a hobby store. It's 1/16"x1/8" spruce strips. The "logs" are held together with pneumatic nailer nails, and all the "dimensional lumber" is held together with "CA" glue, available at any hobby store that handles RC airplane kits.

Brand new to this site and pleased that I finally found what I have been looking for in the way of authentic, rustic log home design. I am ready to build a log home in Montana and need more insight into the butt and pass style. Where do I find this information and where do I find a competent builder of this style of log home?

I have no interest in building the home myself; geography and time prevent. Very impressed with the butt and pass method and want to learn more. The saddle notch style is attractive but not the look I have been seeking.

Doug

Thanks...........1:24?

Math and computations need work on my part.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ajax

Thanks...........1:24?

Math and computations need work on my part.

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1/2 inch = 1 foot, so, twenty-four half inches in one foot. ;-)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dougblack

Brand new to this site and pleased that I finally found what I have been looking for in the way of authentic, rustic log home design. I am ready to build a log home in Montana and need more insight into the butt and pass style. Where do I find this information and where do I find a competent builder of this style of log home?

I have no interest in building the home myself; geography and time prevent. Very impressed with the butt and pass method and want to learn more. The saddle notch style is attractive but not the look I have been seeking.

Doug

---

That may be a tough bill to fill Doug. Most everyone here either builds their own place, or builds to their own design, then sells it. (at a huge profit) It may be hard to find someone willing to contract a build, but maybe you'll get lucky. I just didn't want to see your question hang.

You may find a member near you, who's built their place, to get a better look at, if you let us know where you're at.

Hey Doug, just a thought..if you ain't latched on and hooked into living in Montana, Matt and Salina (LHBA members from CO)) are finishing up construction on a B&P loghome and will be listing it on the market early next year. It is located in Pine Colorado. Brand spanking new and ready fer lovin'.

disclaimer: I get no monatary kickbacks for my plug...and must warn you I have been diagnosed by several shrinkyologists with H.I.S. (Happily Insane Syndrome).

I may be the first LHBA member to have a loghome with rubber rooms. ~sigh~ home sweet home.
Kola

Hi Rod, i also was blown away by Your beautiful model! Had a great time there in nov. and am looking for land now. It will be a two story and my one acre off the coast of Texas will probably not work, (six miles from Port O' Connor) everything has to be barged over. I am looking at several areas for land and hopefully will start building before the end of next year. I like Your description of the materials used for Your model!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dougblack

New to this site. I am ready to begin building a log home in Montana, Big Sky area, and am facinated with butt and pass method. After viewing many saddle notch homes I knew there was something I was still looking for and it is the butt and pass style. How do I find a competent builder in southwest Montana area? I cannot build due to geograpical location and time. Also, is there a good publication on butt and pass style?
black@gate.net

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There's several articles here on the website that discuss the differences between butt and pass and other methods. I found this website very informative too. It shows someone building a home with the LHBA method step-by-step. http://home.mindspring.com/~kahle11/log.html I think a lot of people have been visiting it recently, because I got a "past quota" message when I tried it just now. Perhaps by the time you see this, it will be ok again?

I plan to attend the class ASAP. I have a small lot in the mountains of Colorado actually in a valley on clear mountain stream that Coors brags about using to brew their beer. I have already built a hybrid log shed partial log and partial frame construction. The blisters from peeling the logs have finally healed.

I plan to build a log cabin better than code from scratch. I am self employed so I have weeks at a time that I can devote to building. Being in my mid forties I no longer have the will or need to go it alone. Why use my back when I can buy or rent a machine for $100 etc. So I plan to do the things that I enjoy and pay someone to do the things that I don't enjoy.

From reading some of the post I'm a very concerned about the political tone of some of the member post. I thought this was a site for log home enthusiast not a political forum.

My basic beliefs are live and let live, don't "beach" vote. Extremism in my humble opinion is being totally narrow minded without any regard or respect for the beliefs of others. If you think Ted Kaczynski or Timothy McVeigh are heroes I would label you as an extremist. Was Waco wrong of course it was, but the solution is to change the law not blow up innocent men, women and children. Now allow me to adjust my cone shaped lead hat so that I can drink my beer without spilling it.

you will enjoy the class. The Forum does have rules. Just like any subject that tugs at the heart of a broad range of individuals the LHBA will include that same broad (i hesitate to use the word "diverse") and eclectic range of individuals.

The LHBA method is adaptable to your desire of involvement.

See you in the members' forum????

Quote:

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Originally Posted by huffjohndeb

From reading some of the post I'm a very concerned about the political tone of some of the member post. I thought this was a site for log home enthusiast not a political forum.

My basic beliefs are live and let live, don't "beach" vote. Extremism in my humble opinion is being totally narrow minded without any regard or respect for the beliefs of others. If you think Ted Kaczynski or Timothy McVeigh are heroes I would label you as an extremist. Was Waco wrong of course it was, but the solution is to change the law not blow up innocent men, women and children. Now allow me to adjust my cone shaped lead hat so that I can drink my beer without spilling it.

---

There is indeed a lot of members whose "do-it-yourself" attitude extends into their political views, which often expresses itself as a distrust of government, and a dislike of government "meddling" in one's personal life. In particular, you'll find people complaining about what they see as over-regulation when it comes to private property and building one's own home.

While the community might seem "conservative" in that way overall, it certainly isn't everyone's view. And I can assure you that if anyone DID show signs of real extremism (i.e. promoting violence, etc.) they would NOT be welcome here.

It's an internet forum, which means there will likely be people who spout their opinions. There's a wealth of useful information, and lots of truly helpful people in this community. I don't find it very difficult to overlook the occasional political rant.

Let me chime in and then I will step away. Maybe we can nip this in the bud before it gets ugly because I do see the potential for a train wreck.

It is evident Dave (and possibly Gamma and others) are disgruntled about the political tone of the forum in which many here (including myself) are quite vocal about our displeasure of Big Gov and the bureaucratic system.

I would like to give my sincere apologies to Dave, Gamma and anyone else who I have offended due to my political positions, thoughts and occasional rants. As for myself, I will tone down my opinions in regards to politics.

I hope this is short and to the point but most of all, I do truely apologize.
Kola

Kola, you haven't offended me with your actual positions. Actual positions rarely offend me - certainly don't expect everyone to be as jaded and cynical as me. The only thing that offends me is the guy in the left lane who drives the speed limit and never gets out of the way, because he's not persecuting me for my beliefs - he's just clueless, and that's really offensive to me.

I frequent political sites almost as much as LHBA and voice my opinions there. This forum and the subsequent access to the members section is designated for a neutral topic of log home building for the home owner (though I'm sure some would argue log home building is anything but neutral) . I happen to believe it should be dedicated to the preservation and progress of that.

If it seems like you have offended me it because I was being more antagonistic than anything. My family and wife will tell you I'm very good at that.

Apology accepted.

If I could get away with it I would build without a building/taxation permit too. I'm just happy that I do not have a HomeOwners Association AKA (Nazis with clip boards) to deal with.

In my present beige box neighborhood, I get letters from my HOA "It has been noted that you have left your trash can in the driveway for more than 23 1/2 hours... Please refer to the by-laws blah blah". Give me a break you are wasting "my money" to harras me about something that I have already corrected. I also got a letter about having weeds in my planting bed, Iwas so pissed that I almost fed-exed an 80lb box of weeds to the HOA home office, my wife stepped in a prevented me from blowing $300 to prove a point.

I'm not a violent person, but If I had a vaporizatioon Gamma ray gun I would blast that car driving 2 MPH under the speed limit in the left lane out of my way and this world. They have a law in Colorado that you must only use the left lane for passing. I have my own law if I have to pass on the right I am allowed to not exceed 105 MPH to make it around "you" in the right lane. Knock on wood I have not had to explain "my own law" to the Highway Patrol.

Happy dreaming and building. If you have a draw knife learn to love it.

Hi. I'll be attending the class in January and look forward to the opportunity to learn how to build my own log home.

I've recently been through some career counseling and my coach asked me to speak with anyone who might be building log homes as a business. My assessments seem to indicate that I should be working in nature and possibly in a construction-related capacity.

Also, I'm willing to help anyone in Colorado who is currently working on a home and would like help from a soon-to-be student.

Thanks.