Log Building News Issue No 61

8/10/2019 Log Building News Issue No 61

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NEWSNovember | December 2006 | January 2007 Number 61

reement Number 40707514

Log Restoration Sheds Light onConstructionBy Bill Finley

The purpose of this article is to share what I have

learned through years of restoring log homes, and

how those lessons can help people who build new

log homes.

We all know that log homes require some annual

maintenance, and sometimes the maintenance is

more involved, depending upon the climate. For

instance, in Western Washington we have consider-

ably more rainfall than many other states. This

demands more attention to the maintenance of a log

homeclimate can quickly damage unprotected logs.

I restored a log home in Hawaii where the climate is

hot and humid and the logs on this particular log

home were so covered with black mold that, in some

areas, it had the appearance of having caught fire.

Roof OverhangsDeep roof overhangs are key to keeping logs in good

condition. Exposed gable ends with 16 inch, or less

overhangs are going to have problems down the

road, especially if those gables and dormers are facing

south. If there is not sufficient protection from the

elements, you will have early failure and, if this is not

taken care of, these areas can rot. I would suggest to

anyone building a log home to have at least a 3-foot

overhang around the house.

This past summer I restored a log home that was

on a bluff overlooking the water in an area with high

winds. They had 6-foot roof overhangs in some areas

and had done minimal maintenance over 10 years.

continued over

nside This Issue

g Building Code Movesowards Adoptionpage 4

here will the Bestppliers meet the Bestilders? page 5

harting Our Course inhanging Times page 6

hainsaw Carvingorkshop page 8

e You Doing Donkeyork? page 9

dvertisers in This Issuepage 9

ch Talk page 10

g Grading Setbackpage 11

d Weather? Got itovered .page 12

elcome New andnewing Memberspage 13

Plan for Transportingd Assembling Logructures page 14

ariation on the Knife-ate Theme page 15

sulated Panels for Logomes page 16

assified Ads page 18,20

art Training Now fore 2007 Log Builder

ames page 19

ection Results page 23

Log purlins extending beyond the roof edge

2007

ILBAConferen

ce

April26to29

Abbottsford,BC


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2 LogBuildingNews November | December 2006 | January 2007

LogBuildingNewsNovember | December 2006 | January 2007

Issue #61

Published four times a year

2007 International Log Builders

AssociationP.O. Box 775

Lumby, British Columbia

Canada V0E 2G0

Toll-free: 800-532-2900

Phone: 250-547-8776

Fax: 250-547-8775

www.logassociation.org

Cathy Hansen, Executive Director

[email protected]

Ann Miks, Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

Log Building NewsEditor

Robert Chambers

[email protected]

Contributors to this issue:

Ron Brodigan

[email protected]

John Boys

[email protected]

Bill Finley

[email protected]

Rob [email protected]

Patti LeFrancois

[email protected]

Mike McVay

[email protected]

Michael Stone

[email protected]

Jeff Dunham & Paul Malko

800-644-8885

The stain had failed and had to be removed (especially on the side facing the water)

but in some areas, where the logs had been protected, they looked good. I would say

that the overhangs played a big part in the protection of these logs.

Roof purlins are vulnerable if they are extended past the fascia boards or drip edge.

This problem occurs due to exposure to the elements unless, during his annual main-

tenance, the owner is willing to climb up to each purlin to check and treat. I would

suggest that all purlins be cut back behind the fascia boards and that Impel Rods be

inserted from the topbefore the soffit material is installed to hide the holes were the

Impel Rods were installed. Installed Impel Rods will remain dormant until moisture

wicks in from the unprotected butt end of the log to start the diffusion. Impel Rods,

once diffused, will help protect the purlins from rot and insects.

Joists & BalconiesExtending floor joists out for deck support is not a good idea. I have worked on several

decks where the deck supports have broken off the house, causing the deck to col-

lapse. In most cases, this is caused by the deck supports being planed flat so the deck-

ing material can be installed. The problem is that, once the deck supports are planed

flat, water is trapped between the decking material and deck supports. Another prob-

lem is checks in the joists that trap moisture in the heartwood, and yes, heartwood

does rot. By the time

you have identified the

rot, you could be intosome costly repairs.

If the rot is minimal

and has not traveled

past the log wall, and

at least 70% of the log

joist is still solid, then

the rot can be dug out

and these areas filled

with epoxies. If the rot

is extensive and has

traveled beyond the

log wall, you will have interior second-floor structural issues that are expensive to

repair. Before the new decking material is installedI would treat the top portion on

the repaired log with copper napthenate, use metal flashing, and then install the deck-

ing material.

FinishesRestoring failed finishes and stains is probably 60% of our work. This is interesting

because I have worked on log homes that have had very little maintenance, as men-

tioned above, and others that are as new as three years. I have noticed that newer log

homes experience finish failure that, in most cases, is due to improper prep work

and/or using inappropriate or inexpensive log home finishes.

Exterior finish is more critical than interior finish for the obvious reason of exposure.

Climate in your area is also important when considering a finish. I personally test thestains from many manufacturers. I use samples of different wood species, prep them

as I would in restoring a log home, and document the date, time, and weather condi-

tion for each sample. Then I apply the stain and wait up to a year to see my results. I

usually do this in the fall when the weather changes. I am currently using an oil-based

penetrating finish, and I am testing a waterborne finish that I am considering.

What you want, no matter where you live, is a penetrating finish. Stay away from

film formers. Logs have to be able to allow water vapor to go through the finish. If

there is a film-former stain on the house, the water vapor is going to get trapped. In


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Number 61 LogBuildingNews 3

time: the moisture from the trapped

vapor will pop (separate) the finish

from the log, or will cause rot, or

both. Film-formers can also blister

from ultraviolet exposure.

An old finish can be removed by:

chemical strippers, cob blasting, or

CO2 blasting. I have used cob blast-

ing for several years on both interiors

and exteriors with excellent results.

The downside to cob blasting is the

mess it makes. Even with tarps it is impossible to catch all of the

cob media. We tell customers that we can recover around 80%

of the blasting material.

Cob blasting does raise the grain; though if the operator

knows what hes doing it will be minimal. Furthermore, we care-

fully sand with electric sanders to knock down any raised grain.

How much of the grain will be raised is based on how aggressive

you need to be and what your taking off. As mentioned above it

has a lot to do with the experience of the operator. I like the

Porter-Cable, random orbital sanders, model number 7336 withhook and loop sanding padsMirka brand 60 grit paper.

If cob blasting cannot be used, chemicals do a great job. The

chemicals used are sodium hydroxide as a stripper (ph 13), with

oxalic acid (ph 0 to 3) used after the stripping process as a neu-

tralizer and brightener. Both of these chemicals are dangerous

and should be used with extreme caution. There are other strip-

pers on the market that are safer, however most of them need a

dwell time of 24 hours on the log and they must stay wet the

entire timenot always easy to do.

Several years ago in Washington State, a stain manufacture was

sued because their stain never fully dried after application, and this

caused severe mold problems. I saw this failed stain on log homes

and it got so bad there were mushrooms growing on them.

But because the stain hadnt dried it was impossible to remove

using the cob blasting method. The cob blasting would basically

just push it around instead of removing it from the log surface.

Another method of finish removal is dry ice (CO2) blasting

which is similar to cob blasting, but is an excellent way to

remove tacky finishes. This process uses dry ice pellets that

resemble grains of rice and has a temperature of 110 F. When

the dry ice hits the surface, it causes a process called thermo-

shock. As the substrate temperature decreases, it becomes brittle,

enabling the dry-ice particle to break up the failed stain. The

beauty of it all is that the CO2 dissipates into the gas carbon

dioxide so there is very little blast-residue to clean uponly the

failed finish. Dry ice works especially well inside log homes sincethe cleanup is minimal.

Bill Finley is the principal of West Coast Restoration LLC, a log

home restoration business in Bellingham Washington. Contact

information is available at www.westcoastrestoration.com


4/24


By Rob Pickett

After about 312years, the IS-LOG committee of ICC has moved a

final draft to ANSI for approval of the consensus document and

process. Upon ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

approval, ICC400 Standard for the Design & Construction of Log

Structureswill be ready for publication.

Over the course of the writing and review process, the three

drafts generated over 550 comments to which the committee

responded. It will continue to operate as an active ICC Standards

Committee, but its role will change to hearing questions and

comments as the standard becomes implemented.

A commentary document is planned, with work to begin

sometime in 2007. The commentary will include much of the

information that was submitted for consideration but was too

specific to a particular building system. Also, some information

was moved to commentary because it provided background as to

why or how the performance was created.

The ICC website (www.iccsafe.org/cs/standards/is-log/index.html) will continue to show the latest updates available of

ICC400, public comments, etc. All are encouraged to check peri-

odically to see when the complete draft is available for download.

Until 1989, none of the model building codes (ICBO, SBCCI,

BOCAI, NES) referred to log construction at all. Then, the thermal

mass provision was adopted in the Model Energy Code. No fur-

ther changes occurred until 1997 when the Urban-Wildland

Interface Code added the provision for log walls (1 hour fire

resistance rating for solid wood walls with a minimum width of

6 inches). The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development

tried to establish guidelines for acceptance in the 80s and 90s.

Prior to completing the ICC400 standard, IS-LOG Committee

Chair, Rob Pickett, filed a code change proposal to both the IBC

and IRC to reference the new log standard in both codes. With

the IS-LOG completion of the public comment process, the

approved document can now be considered by the Structural

Committee of the ICC (governing the IBC) and the Residential

Committee (IRC). With the understanding that ICC400 needed to

be published in order to be approved, the code change was pre-

sented to the Structural Committee with the recommendation to

deny the changes until it is published. However, the strategy was

revised for presentation to the Residential Committee by saying

that IS-LOG had completed the public comment process and was

submitting the standard to ANSI for approval of the consensus

process.

This was a successful approach, and the change will be listed as

approved for the 2007 Supplement to the International

Residential Code. In the coming months, Pickett will submit a

public comment to show the standard in finished form to the

Structural Committee at the ICC code hearings in Rochester, NY

in May, 2007.

Today, there are more code changes that recognize log build-

ing systems as acceptable forms of construction. Acceptability is a

result of the log home industry bringing the issues in front of the

code bodies and presenting facts based on research and consen-

sus standards. The current references in the codes consist of:

ICC400 Standard for the Design & Construction of Log

Structures Not yet released

(www.iccsafe.org/cs/standards/is-log) ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Acceptance Criteria

AC281 Log Structures

2006 International Residential Code (IRC) Sections R602.1.3

Structural log members (grading), N1102.2.3 Mass walls

(all log walls)

2006 International Building Code (IBC) Section 2303.1.10

Structural log members

2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

Sections 402.2.3 Mass walls (residential)

2006 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC)

definition and exceptions in 504.5 and 505.5 Exterior walls:

LOG WALL CONSTRUCTION A type of construction in

which exterior walls are constructed of solid wood mem-

bers and where the smallest horizontal dimension of each

solid wood member is at least 6 inches

Rob Pickett (www.robpickettandassoc.com), is a technical

consultant to the log home industry and a member of

Timber Technology Network (www.timbertechnology.net),

whose mission is to provide a complete array of techni-

cal services for log and timber construction.

Log Building Code Moves Towards Adoption


5/24


C O N F E R E N C E 2 0 0 7

Where will the BestSuppliers meet theBest Builders?

At the 2007 ILBA AGM andConference April 26 28, 2007

in Abbotsford, BC

For more info: 1-866-202-2345 or www.accutechinnovations.com

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Achieve a level of accuracy neverseen with a chainsaw

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PRECISION PORTABLE CHAINSAW MILLS

This years conference is shaping up to be better

than ever with increased opportunities for Suppliers

to showcase their products and services to the

International Log Building Industry. With increased

sponsorship opportunities, increased levels of sponsor-

ship and new ways to showcase your products, if you can

attend only one conference trade show in 2007 this is the one

to attend.Special attention has been given to ensure that our sponsor

suppliers receive increased time with delegates by locating the

trade show area right in the thick of all the conference activities;

offering value added sponsorship opportunities to Major and

Contributing Sponsors; and increased time to network with del-

egates over the three day show.

Whether you are a small or large supplier to the Log Building

Industry, this is the event to attend. If you have not received the

2007 Sponsor Guide, please contact us to have one forwarded

to you. Contact Patti LeFrancois, Conference Chair, to secure

your sponsorship now at 1-866-374-3557 or by email at

[email protected]


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7/24


Michael StoneKeynote SpeakerWe are excited to announce that well known author and con-

sultant, Michael Stone will be our keynote speaker as well as a

guest facilitator for a workshop during conference. Michael is

the author of the best seller Markup and Profit, A Contractors

Guide. If you dont already own a copy of this book, after you

hear him speak, we are sure you will want a copy, and Michael

has promised to bring a supply for members to purchase.

SessionMarkup, Margins and Cash FlowDuring this session Michael will focus on techniques to calculate

markup or margins on job costs to arrive at a sales price that will

cover the costs of operating the company. He will review job

costs, overhead, and show a way to make a reasonable profit of

at least 8% for all work. He will also review why companies have

cash flow problems and how to resolve those issues. Time per-

mitting, he will also review various math formulas relating to

cash flow, unbudgeted overhead expense calculations, and how

to set up an Operating Capital Reserve Account.

Keynote AddressMichael brings a wealth of experience in the construction indus-

try direct to the ILBA. His keynote address is being formulated to

cover such things as the marketing process, advertising in the

changing marketplace, and tips to maintain a marketable log

building operation. Check out Michaels website at

http://www.markupandprofit.com/ and see why we are excited

to have scheduled his appearance at Conference 2007.

Get Ready to BragBack by popular demand for Conference 2007, is the

Members Showcase Slide Show and Project Expo.

Showcase SlideshowThis is a great opportunity to share and showcase your work

with members. Send a CD of your photos (maximum 15) by

March 3rd, 2007 to Patti LeFrancois, 2021 High Schylea Drive,

Kamloops, BC, Canada V2E 1L4. You can also e-mail your digital

files to Patti at [email protected]. Small projects

are welcome; we want to see a variety. Come

share your creative skills. We will organize

your photos into PowerPoint presentations in

advance, all you have to do is be there. Let

Patti know your plans: 250-374-3557 or1-866-374-3557.

Project ExpoThe Project Expo is an opportunity for our geo-

graphically extensive community to see the

richness of the work being accomplished in the

log building community and to study details of

the exhibited projects. Conference attendees

are encouraged to cast votes for a favorite

project and the Peoples Choice Award will be

given to the project receiving the most votes.

Renovations are also welcomed.

Entries are usually presented through display

boards, but other forms of presentationsuch

as photo albums, models, and sculptureare

also welcome. Each entry should include the

name of your company, the name of the

project, the project date and the project loca-

tion. Additional text is at your discretion. Let us

know if you plan to enter Project Expo 2007.

Passports RequiredA passport is needed for all U.S. citizens arriving by air into

Canada, as required by the U.S. Department of Homeland

Security. U.S. citizens, please allow for 6 weeks to get a first-

time passport. If you do not have your original birth certifi-

cate, then allow a lot more time.

(No visa required for U.S. passport-holders to visit Canada.)U.S. citizens traveling by ground are not required to have a

passport to visit Canada until 2008. The rules are changing

often; you can find updates on the U.S. State Department

website which also has information on how to apply for your

passport:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_ 2225.html


8/24


Everyone knows what chainsaw carving is.

For years it was represented by scruffy rus-

tics carving splintery bears at fairs or in

vacant lots. It was a curiosity, whose

appeal was the speed with which a personwielding a powersaw could produce a

product rather than the carving itself. It

was more performance art than fine

art, more race than sculpture: noisy,

messy and the result was best left out-

doors, among the flowers and grass and

was certainly nothing you'd want to bring

into the house.

All that changed with the arrival of

small saws and special carving bars which

allowed woodcarvers to do detailed work

on a scale much larger than anything they

could accomplish with a hammer and

chisel. Affordable small electric tools like

die-grinders, angle grinders, and orbital

sanders, with a huge variety of acces-

sories, simplified the detail-carving

and finishing process. What remained was

the noise, exhaust, and hazard of

a gasoline-powered chainsaw

used for the initial carving. It was

still an outdoor activity.

Enter the new electric chain-saw, small, light-weight, fairly

quiet and easy to start. Its draw-

back was the lack of speed and a

tendency to overheat. But being

able to use it indoors was a

tradeoff to standing outside in

the rain. Also, it could be taken up on a

scaffold or ladder and used to carve a log-

end that was already in place. The rustic

has been somewhat gentrified and log

house ornamentation is becoming much

more common, returning as it were, to its

Scandinavian roots.

What I plan at the Vancouver

Conference is a workshop on figures

carved into the ends of logs. We'll cover

grain and stress in the log and follow up

with the design and layout of two popular

figuresthe bear head and the eagle

head. We'll scale them to fit the log,

make patterns, then carve and finish them

using power tools (including chainsaw, die

grinder, angle grinder, and orbital sander,

so if you have these tools, bring them

along). The allotted two days should give

everyone a carving to carry home and I

expect we'll open the heart of an artist or

two in the process.

Mike McVay has been carving since the

1950s, and can be contacted by email at

[email protected]

C O N F E R E N C E 2 0 0 7

Chainsaw Carving WorkshopBy Mike McVay


9/24


C O N F E R E N C E 2 0 0 7

Are You Doing Donkey Work?By Michael Stone

Time Management is one of the most

misunderstood and most abused elements

of our business lives.

There are three basic uses of time in

your life. The first, and by far the mostimportant should be the time with your

family. Do you want more time with your

family? Then lets look at the second use

of time donkey work.

What is donkey work? It is the time

you spend chasing your tail, doing things

that will not increase your bottom line,

and in fact might cost you money.

Not delegating is a major problem with

most contractors that Ive spoken to

across the country. Here is where my

Cardinal Rule # 4 kicks in. You must put

your ego in your pocket and trust that

someone else can do a particular task as

well or better than you can. Doesnt make

any difference what the item is, if you can

find someone else to do a given task

Delegate. Even if they cant do the task

as well as you, big deal. As long as it is

done adequately, that should be good

enough. Too many people in this business

get hung up on the idea of we build

great quality into all our jobs. That is whatwe are known for! Yes, but others can

provide quality work for you. Delegate.

Delivering materials to job sites. Oh the

pain of it all. Millions of dollars are wasted

each day by the owner of a construction

company running around delivering mate-

rials to job sites. If you are doing that, you

are wasting not only your time and

money, but it should be ample warning to

you that you have not delegated responsi-

bility for material procurement to someone

on the job site as you should have.And, now my favorite subject to rag on

some of you about, Working On The Job

With The Tools! More millions are wasted

here each day also. Put the tools away

and run your business. The best you can

ever hope for working with the tools is to

make a living. Maybe, if youre young,

have lots of smarts and know what youre

doing, you can make a good living.

Bottom line, you will never make any

money. Physically you cant work enough

hours, nor can you bill enough hours each

week. If you are over 35, you should have

all the education you need on how tobuild a given job. It is time now to put the

tools away and run your business. A good

rule of thumb for time management in a

construction company is that the owner

should spend 50% of their time on mar-

keting and advertising and 50% of their

time running the business.

Now I know Im going to get some

squawks from readers that dont believe

this, or are convinced that they must be

on the job site. So, those of you that have

been to the M&P seminar, and have put

your tools away, or have started to put the

tools away, would you send me an e-mail

and tell me what your profit picture has

done since you put the tools away and

started running your business? I would

greatly appreciate the input. I know a

bunch of you promised me in class that

you would put your tools away and you

have. We would love to put feedback in a

future newsletter to show what happens

to company profits when owners startrunning their business instead of letting

their business run them. Thanks for the

help here.

OK, so what is the third use of time? It is

staying focused onmaking a profit.Every-

thing and anything else you do in your

company is donkey work. No, you prob-

ably dont want to hear that, but it is true.

If you are not focused on making a profit,

then you are focused on donkey work.

Forget about being competitive, that

is an absolute money loser. You must beprofitable. Forget about delivering materi-

als to a job, delegate. Forget about work-

ing with the tools, hire it done.

Forget about sitting in coffee shops or

association meetings with your buddies.

That is time you could be spending on a

whole laundry list of things for your com-

pany. And last but not least, forget about

donating your time to associations or

other groups (unless it is with your family).

Donate your time to your family, they are

the most important business you have.

Do these things and watch your bottom

line grow to the minimum 8% net profit.

1999-2005 Construction Programs and Results

Michael Stone has more than three

decades of experience in the building and

remodeling industry. He wrote the book

Markup and Profit; A Contractors Guide,

published by Craftsman Book Co.

Michael offers coaching and consulting

services for construction companies

throughout the U.S., as well as audio and

CD programs for business management,

and is available for speaking engage-

ments. He can be reached by e-mail at

[email protected], by phone

at 1-888-944-0044, or on the web at

www.markupandprofit.com

Advertisers in This Issue

Accutech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BC Log & Timber Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

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Cowls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dietrichs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Emseal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Foard Insulated Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Good Shepherd Wool Insulation . . . . . . . . . . 2

GRK Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Insulspan Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

J. Rouleau & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Joe Scaffold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Log Home Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Nicola Log Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

P.A. Drafting & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Pat Wolfe Log Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Perma-Chink Systems Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1RCM Cad Design & Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

RSM Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Schroeder Log Home Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Streamline Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Summer Beam Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

The Continental Products Company . . . . . . 4/

The Sansin Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Timber Framers Guild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Timmerhus Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Wayside Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2


10/24


TechTalkM O R E T I P S A N D T O O L S

Splitting Rubber BandJohn Boys found a huge rubber band on the highway that

was put to good use for splitting stumps into kindling.

Flex Plumb RuleA bubble level screwed to a flexible ruler provides a quick

way to draw short plumb lines on a curved log. This ruler

has a factory-applied cork backing, which makes it non-

slip. Built by Peter Haney. PHOTO ROBERT CHAMBERS

AdjustableBrushFrom John Boys: Brush

on a telescoping alu-

minum handle that can

be set to various angles.

Sawmill Log RollerBy John Boys

I did not put a hydraulic log turner on my new mill because of the

damage it causes to finished surfaces.

For very large logs (2,000 lb and heavier) we use the crane and slings

to roll logsbut that involves two or three people. And for smaller logs

the peavey is the tool of choice.

But, for those in-between logs I attached a small 1,400,lb hand-

winch to the mill carriage. We move the carriage of the mill so it strad-

dles the log at a good place to grab it, choke a lifting sling around the

log, hook the winch cable to the sling, and crank. One man can gently

roll a 1,500 lb log with little effort and good control.


11/24


We have received news that the American Lumber Standards

Committee has decided to not pursue their new log grading rule

that could have been used by anyone for grading building logs.

There had been one meeting of a Task Force in August, 2006

(see LBN 60, page 13) and things were looking good. But when

the Log Homes Council pulled out of the task force in late

November, the ALSC staff decided to stop all work towards anational grading rule for logs.

LHC wrote to the ALSC that their members account for

approximately half of the log home production in this country.

But this statement ignores that the LHC members account for

perhaps less than 7% of all the businesses that use logs for

house construction. And now, 93% of all log builders will not

have access to what would have been an open and published

log grading rule and design values.

Log grading will still be required for all log homes, but log

builders will now have no new options to get their logs graded.

As a result, TPI (Timber Products Inspection) will be practically

the only log grading service available to builders of handcrafted

log homes.

It would be unfortunate if there were only one place to get

log grading servicesit is certainly in the interest of the market-

place (and to homeowners and log builders alike) to have more

than one source for log grading services.

Log Grading Setback


12/24


On a project last year that we delivered to Ontario we ran

into some bad weather. The site was the highest point of the

province, and got hit by it all. We delivered the shell in

November, and as you can see in the photos, the first big snow-

storm of the year smashed into us during the assembly and

re-erection.

The projects general contractor mentioned to me the air

bubble from the back of Fine Homebuilding #51, and I

immediately remembered that project, so we both pitched the

idea to the owner, and several good bottles of wine later, we had

the okay to proceed.

The temporary shelter

was 80-feet wide by

120-feet long, and took

us three days to set up.

How effective was it?

Because the site was

remote and exposed,

the GC had been having

trouble hiring help, but

within a week of the tent

going up, it seemed like

every skilled tradesman

in a 100km radius was

banging at the door,

hoping to be let in

and hired.With just a little bit of

wood heating, it was

warm enough inside for

most of the winter to lay

masonry, to chink, and

eventually to stain the logs. Even when we didnt heat the tent it

was 10 C (18 F) warmer than outside air temperature, and of

course, there was no wind chill.

The work environment inside the tent was also safer, and had

very even natural light. Adding a few extra lamps, we could put

in nine-hour days when needed during the winter. We stored

materials inside, out ofthe snow and weather,

and the finish carpenters

set up a sizeable work-

shop with stationary

tools, and more.

I would estimate that

the comfortable work

environment

cut about a month off

the production sched-

ule. And while renting

the shelter cost

CAD$30,000 for four

months, it may have cut

costs by more than

$140,000.

Bad Weather? Got it Covered.By John Boys


13/24


W E L C O M E !

N E W C O M P A N Y

M E M B E R S

Crown Jade Design &Engineering Inc.

Eastern Adirondack Home andDesign

Foard Panel

LOG Blockhuser Zimmerei &

Holzbau GmbHPremium Wood Works

SFS Intec Fastening Systems

Uniquelogs

R E N E W I N G

COM P A N Y

M E M B E R S

1867 Confederation LogHomes

679394 B.C. Ltd dba RamCreek Log Homes

Angels Log Homes

Art Maison

Back Country Log Homes

Baron Insurance Group

Beaver Creek Log Homes

BG Stadig Handcrafted Log

HomesChinook Log Homes

College of the Rockies, TimberFrame Program

Doubletree Logging

Easi Access IndustrialDistributors Inc.

Flynn Log Homes

Fraser River Log & Timber, Inc.

Greatland Log Homes

Husqvarna Canada Corp.,Jonsered

Integrated Pole Ltd.

Keweenaw Bay Log Homes

Logs & Timbers

Nordic Spirit Timberworks, Inc.North Region Log Homes

Pacific Lumber & Shipping LLC

Pat Wolfe Log Building School

Perma-Chink Systems Inc

Precept Group InsuranceBrokers

RSM Drafting Services

Stihl Ltd.

Surefit Log Homes Ltd.

The Finnish HandcraftersAssociation

Tolko Industries Ltd.

WARSS

West Coast Restoration LLC

N E W I N D I V I D U A L

M E M B E R S

Brogden, Keegan

Correll, Jeremy

Croker, Eric

Edwards, Linda

Graham, Greg

Laine, Peter

Lindsey, Shannon

March, Jeff

Strike, Dave

Sweeney, Stephen

R E N E W I N G

I N D I V I D U A L

M E M B E R S

Anderson, QuintenBlanchet, Jacques Yves

Buehlmann, Ivo

Bujas, Dan

Dalton, Patrick A.

DeFrancisco, John

Frei, Arnold

Furtado, Tony

Horning, Tad

Louwerse, Bill

Mickelson, Steve,SE, LEED, AP

Morrill, Matt

Murphy, Higgs

Nicoll, Randy

Shackelford, Kerry

Stockburger, Howard

Wood, Mike

R E N E W I N G

E M P L O Y E E

M E M B E R S

Anderson, Sabine

New and Renewing Members as of December 31, 2006


14/24


Professional log builders working at their

own facilities have their time-tested sys-

tems of labeling logs and moving build-

ings to the customers property. Those

putting up their own structures may have

worked in a close-to-home, convenientplace to avoid the exhaustion and time-

loss of long travel each weekend while

working on their rural, final site. For the

owner-builder, or anyone doing this for

the first time, particularly in the case of a

small building, here are some suggestions

on procedures, equipment and safety.

Assume our very basic structure has four

walls and one stub wall on each of the

long sides, a roughed-out access door on

one end, three sill logs with tenoned or

dovetailed log floor joists, loft joists, threelog kingpost trusses, two sets of purlins,

and a ridgelog. Further suppose that most

openings are not yet cut, with only head-

er logs flattened.

A labeling system for logs must be

durable, visible, and comprehensible to all

involved in the moving. Confusion is your

adversary. Some avoid compass directions

in labels or diagrams because they are

likely to be different between the tempo-

rary and permanent sites. Labels must be

instantly and equally apparent to helpers

on the ground and to the lifting equip-

ment operator.

The labels must be easy to remove later

without solvents, cutting, or sanding.

Posterboard from the office supply store is

cheap and easy to obtain. Thin colored

plastic sheeting is even better, especially if

there is much rain prior to the move.

Colors should be pastels for good contrast

with black lettering. Buy at least eight dif-

ferent colors and cut the posterboard orplastic film into four-inch squares. These

will be fastened with staple guns and sta-

ples (to keep nails from the ground of the

building yard and the final sitefor tires,

roofing nails are the worst). However, if

your logs will be floated to an island or

down a river, and thus undergo rough

handling, something stronger than staples

might be useful.

Give each of the six walls its own color,

and a letter from A-F. Although some

builders tag both ends, I have seen more

clarity by labeling only one end of each

log with the appropriate color. If you tag

both ends of the logs, you may arguablycreate unnecessary confusion during the

unloading of the trucks.

With permanent black ink marker, des-

ignate every log with its colored tag, e.g.,

the sill log to the left side of the building

will be A-1, the right sill, B-1, and up with

the numbers from there. The center sill,

under the stub walls, could be a separate

color. It is best to tag logs only on the

ends to avoid having tags scraped off dur-

ing transport, as might happen if tagged

on the sides of the logs. Main floor logjoists can be labeled on their top flats,

while loft joists or tie logs, protruding

through the wall because they are square-

notched, can be tagged on their right-

hand ends with a separate color. Ends of

truss bottom chords as well as front ends

of plates, cap plates, purlins and ridge are

similarly identified. If openings have been

cut, tags can so designate, e.g., C4LD,

which would refer to the log left of the

door, in the front wall, and 4th from bot-

tom.

Set four random but level points on

opposing walls near the corners inside of

the buildings long side, second log up.

Pound a 10d nail at each point, leaving a

uniform inch of the head exposed.

Measure diagonally, and as accurately as

possible, to the opposite nails. Write down

and save these diagonal distances. Do the

same with another set of random diago-

nals just below the loft, but above head

height. Spray the nail areas with a spot ofbright paint to indicate their importance.

These diagonals must be reproduced

exactly, by adjusting your rectangle while

you are re-erecting the building, or logs

will fit badlyand only get worse.

Take a photograph of the structure from

only one perspective, say 15-20 meters

out from the right front corner. You

should be able to see and include one end

of each log on your photo, except the

stubs on the unseen side, which can be

denoted in a separate overhead view. Your

image, however basic, must contain all of

the color, letter and numeral information.

Provide copies of the photo to everyonewho will be involved.

Unless the lifting system with which you

put up your building is sufficiently new

and roadworthy, you may be renting a

crane with competent operator or a

hydraulic knuckleboom log loader mount-

ed on a semi-trailer. The trucks must have

proper bunks or racks for log-hauling and

sometimes the trucker will possess special

permits if going through different states

or provinces. The load must be fastened

down.The crane or loader operator, riggers

and tag-line helpers must have experience

and skill in moving log buildings. If straps

have been left between each log by the

builder for lifting, a rigger should know

how to use them. Two-way radios should

be available and hand signals must be

memorized. An inappropriate signal could

cause a nasty accident Moving day is not

the time to learn how to run equipment

and handle valuable logs competently and

safely.

Having plenty of tools and gear at the

ready will save valuable time. Tools

include levels, saws, crowbars, hammers,

sledge, peaveys, staplers, generator,

extension cords, portable lights, heavy

drills with reverse and extra bits. Deep-

sockets and breaker-bars will come in

handy for bolted purlins, or even trusses if

you have to disassemble them. You may

have already done the vertical drilling for

electric wiring and perhaps for thru-bolt-ing or loose wooden dowels. If not, you

can do this while the building is going up,

but dont forget to allow extra time.

A small three-cornered metal file will

come in handy in case threaded rods get

damaged. And while the insulation and

gasket material of your choice are being

put into the lateral grooves, leave the

A Plan for Transporting and Assembling Log StructuresBy Ron Brodigan

continued page 23


15/24


In Log Building News 60, I wrote about our new knife-plate

method of attaching log posts to foundations (or rafters to con-

crete walls) by making the final connection by welding the steel

fixture that is attached to the log to a steel plate that is cast into

the concrete. This makes it much easier to get the connections,

and the structural members, in their proper X-Y (length-width)

location without requiring much accuracy from the masons.

But there can still be the problem of getting the connection at

the correct height. Some masons can embed the weld-to plate

into their concrete within 1/2-inch of correct height, but some

cant. Heres a way to overcome height problems given to you

by the masons.

By adding four bolts to the bottom of the log posts steel tube

riser pipe, as shown in these photos, you will be able to fine-

tune the height of each post. Once the post is in the correct

location (X-Y), then we adjust the bolts in or out with a wrench

to make the post plumb, and the correct height (Z-direction).

Once you are happy with position and height, then tack the

bolts to the steel plate that is embedded in the concrete, and

then use separate steel fish plates that are welded to both the

posts steel tube riser and to the plate embedded into the con-

crete. These add-on plates are necessary for a strong connection

and they span the gap between the bottom of the posts risertube and the embedded plate.

Also notice that we use 30-pound felt paper between the log

post end grain and the steel fixture. With the proper draw-bore

on the pins, this will embed into the end grain and prevent

water that condenses on the steel from getting into the log.

Variation on the Knife-Plate ThemeBy John Boys


16/24


Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) can be a faster, more affordable

and more energy efficient system for roofs and dormers if cer-

tain design techniques are acknowledged early on in the plan-

ning process.

SIPs are an insulated foam core that is bonded to two slices of

oriented strand board (OSB) in order to create a sandwichpanel. This panel performs like an I-beam where the foam is the

web and the skins are the tension and compression members.

A variety of insulation materials are available and include

either expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS)

or polyiso. Panels range in thickness and length depending on

the spans and R-value necessary to meet the local building code

requirements. They typically range in thickness from 4 to 12

inches and can be up to 24 feet long. The average roof spans

range between 12 to 16 feet.SIPs roof panels typically attach directly to the log purlins and

log ridges with long corrosion resistant panel screws. SIPs can

also be used to create large eave and gable end overhangs that

handle heavy snow loads. This can be done

without extra carpentry by cantilevering the

SIP beyond the wall of the building.

One SIP technology thats becoming

increasingly popular in the log home indus-

try is using tongue and groove clad panels.

This is been driven by many designs that

use relatively large rafter or purlin spacing

requiring the use of 2X or even 3X planking

to span between them. It can be cost effec-

tive to use structural insulated panel clad

with 1X planking. In this case, the cost of

the SIP is offset by the thinner planking and

the labor reduction of having one installa-

tion step instead of three or four.

If the desired ceiling finish is drywall, cur-

tainwall panels or drywall clad SIPs can be

used depending on the span of purlin or

rafters. Generally if the purlin or rafter span

is 48 inches or less on center, curtainwallpanels provide an extremely cost effective

solution.

On longer spans, drywall clad structural

panels must be used. In both cases its good

practice not to have drywall exposed in the

soffits. When panels are cantilevered to

make the overhangs, split skin curtainwall

panels can be used or, in the case of dry-

wall clad structural panels, the drywall

would not cover the soffits portion of the

panel.

SIPs are well suited for use as gable endwalls and self supporting dormers. As SIPs

are available in a wide variety of lengths,

the triangular upper gable end wall can be

made out of SIPs with very little waste. With

the strength inherent in SIPs little additional

structure is required to support the roof.

SIPs can also be used to make shed or

gable dormers of most any design without

Insulated Panels for Log HomesBy Jeff Dunham and Paul Malko


17/24


additional log, timber or other carpentry. For small or moderate

size dormers, it is very common to assemble the entire dormer

on the ground and places it in one piece on the roof with a

crane. This reduces labor and increases safety.

Many SIP manufacturers offer full pre-cutting services where

SIPs are delivered to the site cut and routed to the roof design.

This reduces the amount of labor on site and makes the installschedule less weather dependent. Additionally, site safety is

improved since less work is being done on the roof.

In all construction industries, SIPs are becoming most well

known for their higher R-values. Compared to a stick frame, SIPs

have very little thermal bridging which result in a much tighter

envelope and higher whole-wall R-values. In any structure, ther-

mal bridging, air infiltration and convection within the bay will

diminish a walls R-value. However, once installed, SIPs retain

96% of their R-value while conventionally framed fiberglass (or

any batt insulation) retains only 65% of their R-value.

Using SIPs can make business sense and provide a high quality

enclosure for your customers. Every SIP company offers a little

bit different product, and installation method. Speak to a fewcompanies in order to find a manufacturer that meets your

needs.

Jeff Dunham and Paul Malko are Project Engineers at Foard

Panel. For more information 800-644-8885 or visit www.foard-

panel.com

Installing SIPs on

log roof system.

PHOTO: TUCKER

MOUNTAIN LOG HOMES


18/24

F O R S A L E F O R S A L E H E L P W A N T E D

C L A S S I F I E D A D S

LOG BUILDING TOOLS STARRETT &MACKIE scribers; heavy duty drawknives up to30"; peeling spuds; chopping & finishing axes;broadaxes; adzes; GRANSFORS axes; ENGLISHslicks; ROBERT SORBY, HENRY TAYLOR, FOOT-PRINT & PHEIL chisels and gouges; JAPANESEslicks, chisels, saws, ink lines & flex squares; hand-forged Flarens, shovel gouges, flat & scarf slicks,drawknives & draw-gouges; BARR Specialty Tools;peavies; cant hooks; lifting tongs; log dogs &cleats; log horses; water stones; Diamondwhetstones; NORTHWEST calipers, tenon cutters& long auger bits; ship augers; chainsaw mills &attachments; MAKITA & MAFELL planers, saws &chain mortisers; MACKIE log building books &videos. FREE 32-page catalogue.MAGARD VENTURES LTD, 8365 Domagala Road,Prince George, BC, Canada V2K 5R1Tel: 250-962-9057 Fax: 250-962-9157Attn: Maurice [email protected]

1975 Bantam S588 18 ton RoughTerrain CraneVery good working condition.Builders that know Bantam Cranes will tell youabout their ease and simplicity to operate,maintain and repair compared with Grove,Linkbelt, P&H etc. as well as availability and lowercost to parts. Very strong, quick and fuel efficient.Rated for lifting 1610 lbs. at 85 feet or 5600 lbs.at 50 feet. 72 feet of hydraulic boom or 92 feetwith jib. Very sound value at $32,500.00Canadian plus GST. Located west of CalgaryAlberta Canada. Phone toll free: 1-877-932-3992or email to: [email protected]

1979 Bantam S688 20 ton RoughTerrain Crane Very good working condition.Builders that know Bantam Cranes will tell youabout their ease and simplicity to operate,maintain and repair compared with Grove,Linkbelt, P&H etc. as well as availability and lowercost to parts. Very strong, quick and fuel efficient.60 feet of hydraulic boom or 80 feet with jib.Priced very low at $22,500.00 US. Located inwestern Illinois USA. Phone toll free: 1-877-932-3992 or email to: [email protected]

Great yard crane: 78 Koehring ConventionalTruck Crane, 35 ton, 110 ft boom. Asking 45,000Contact: Brian Campbell 250-955-2485

Dry House Logs Available 30+ loads permonth of 10-12" top sort, 30' to 50'+ lengths.

Smaller diameter or larger top sizes than ournormal sort can be requested. Logs sorted fortaper(1"/10'), spiral, rott, bow, crook, etc. Specsheet can be provided if requested. Please feelfree to contact us with any any questions.Mark Workman, Montana Dry Log,93 5th Lane, Fort Shaw, MT 5944Tel: (406) 467-3199 www.houselogsales.com

For Sale The ILBA has a 2004 Wardhaul flatdeck trailer, approximately 24 feet in length witheither a 6000lb or 7000 lb axle. The cost of thetrailer in 2004 was between $6500.00 -$7000.00. The replacement cost of this trailer isabout $8000.00. It is in excellent condition, withabout 1500 miles on it. The asking price for thistrailer is $5000.00 Canadian. Please contact Annat the office at 1-800-532-2900 if you would likemore information.

H E L P W A N T E D

Log Crafters Wanted Mid-level (3-5 yearsexperience) to entry level (students from acourse) needed. While dual US & Canadiancitizenship or Class 1 truck drivers licensewould be a benefit, it is not necessary. Anotheroption, we will offer to subsidize training costsof non-experienced dual citizens in our nextlog building course. Applicants must have

Canadian citizenship or Landed Immigrantstatus.With Moose Mountain you will beinvolved in patented and warranted air andweather tight fully scribed joinery, excitingprojects and the possibility of travel with acompany that is almost 30 years in business.Earnings dependent on skill and experienceplease call to discuss.

Call us toll free at 1-877-932-3992 or [email protected].

Did you know Environment Canada hasdetermined Alberta enjoys Canadas overallnicest climate and we are situated in the mostmoderate area of Alberta all with the RockyMountains at our doorstep. Alberta has one ofthe lowest costs of living plus the very lowest

tax, where do you want to have your future?To see the caliber of projects Moose Mountainbuilds, visit our photo gallery at:www.moosemountain.com

Lead Timber Framer Two Dog Timberworksis looking for an experienced TFer with at least 3years full-time, professional experience. Must beable to demonstrate experience with Westernsoftwoods, layout on dimensional & organicmaterial, cutting proficiency, machinerymaintenance, job leadership, and strong raisingknow-how. We are a smaller innovative companythat strives to attract challenging projects all overthe country. See our work atwww.twodogtimberworks.com. Join us in thebeautiful NW corner of Washington State and be

a part of a great team that loves what we do! PayD.O.E., full benefit package, rewarding work.Contact Laurel or Pete Slisz at(360)-366-5350 or e-mail us [email protected].

Need Two Log Builders for Permanent FullTime Work. Required Now.Located in Quebec.$18 to $28/hr + benefits; depend on experience.Join Us and Enjoy Quality Building and ComplexRoof Structure. Call Jean or Nancy Rodrigue at819-832-2167 between 6 to 8 pm EST.

Motivated individual with constructionexperience, graduating top of the class from theUniversity of Wisconsin-Stout with a Degree inConstruction looking for a position within the logbuilding industry that will allow me to grow intoa management position. Very determined, self-motivated, and willing to relocate. Can becontacted at the following:Josh Peck, 29003 Long Lake, Danbury, Wisconsin54830, Phone 715 (259-3220) or [email protected]

Experienced full-scribe log builderwanted for year round, full-time work. Big WhitePine logs. Good working conditions, minimaltravel, good pay and benefits. Rural and beautifulNorthern Vermont near Connecticut River andWhite Mountains of New Hampshire. 3 hoursfrom Boston, Montreal and coast of Maine.Outdoors oriented person with goodwoodworking and math skills. To apply send oremail resume and references. The Wooden HouseCo., Ltd., 3714 North Rd., S. Ryegate, Vermont05069 Phone: 802-429-2490 email:[email protected]

Apprentice Timber Framer Two DogTimberworks is looking for an Apprentice TFer.Must have general woodworking experienceand a solid working knowledge of hand andpower tools. We are a smaller innovativecompany that strives to attract challengingprojects all over the country. See our work atwww.twodogtimberworks.com. Join us in thebeautiful NW corner of Washington State and bea part of a great team that loves what we do!Pay D.O.E., full benefit package, rewarding work.Contact Laurel or Pete Slisz at

(360)-366-5350 or e-mail us [email protected].

The Log Connection is currently seekingthree - four highly motivated, enthusiasticindividuals to become part of our design team.Two positions are available for drafters with aminimum of two years architectural CADDdrafting. Two positions are available foraccomplished drafters/designers with ability tocomplete highly detailed log home constructiondrawings within a specified time period is adefinite asset. Duties will include the creation ofworking drawings for custom log homes basedon preliminary designs, production design anddetailing, shop drawings as well as modifications

to existing designs. Scope of work may rangefrom medium sized residential to largecommercial projects. Preferred experience wouldinclude log home design/drafting. Provideresume and samples of past CADD work,attention to: Mr. Dave Sutton, The LogConnection, 129 Nanaimo Ave. West, Penticton,BC Canada V2A 1N2


Classifieds continue on page 20


19/24


PA DRAFTING & DESIGN

e-mail: [email protected]

WAYNE BRUNNER

RIDGWAY, PA. 15853

Tel : 814-772-9184

Custom Log Home DesignsWill travel to your job site

22 years of experience

Notching

Contestant scribes and cuts a

shrink-to-fit saddle notch on

a 12 inch log. Each contest-

ant may provide all their

own tools, including theirown gas mixtures. Safety

and protective clothing

must be worn during the competition. This shall include, and

is not limited to: eye and ear protection and chainsaw chaps.

Failure to comply with safety regulations during competition

will result in disqualification.

Notching Rules:

Logs will be set up and ready to scribe prior to start of event.

Time starts when contestant(s) begins scribing. Notches cut in

concurrence will each have their own timer.

Contestant scribes log, rolls over and cuts notch and then resets

log. When contestant is happy with log placement, he or she

signals timer and the watch is stopped. Contestant can have a

helper for moving log off for cutting and back on to set log on

scribe.

There is a no tolerance gap allowance. Logs fit with any visible

gap or nick will be disqualified. A compression gap at top of

notch, not to exceed the width of receiving head, nor in excess

of 3/4" (12mm) in height is allowed. A sledgehammer, or equiva-

lent log commander, is allowed in final placement of fitted log.

Reference centre lines on logs must also remain justified in final

placement.

Contestant with the fastest time wins. Decision of Log Builder

Games judge is final.

Log Slabbing

Using any combination of chainsaws only, contestant will mark and

slab a minimum 10-inch (25cm) face on a four-foot log. A deviation

from chalk lines will result in a time penalty. Contestant with fastest

total time wins.

Axe Throw

Each person gets three throws at bulls eye. Points awarded for best

accuracy. American Lumberjack Association rules will apply.

Full Scribe

A team of two people will full scribe and notch an 9-foot log (3m)

onto an existing log and pair of corners.Full Scribe Rules:

Open flyway as per ILBA Log Building Standards

No deep V lateral grooves as per ILBA Log Building Standards

Overall Grand Champion

Contestant with overall accumulated points in all 4 events.

C O N F E R E N C E 2 0 0 7

Start Training Now for the 2007 Log Builder Games


20/24


H E L P W A N T E D A N N O U N C E M E N T S A N N O U N C E M E N T S

C L A S S I F I E D A D S

Experienced Log Builder Wanted forpermanent full time position. Send resumes withreferences to [email protected] orfax 613-756-6186. See our work atwww.coyoteloghomes.ca

Log Builders and Timber FramersWanted We need 4 to 5 log home buildersand/or timber framers at our plant in Chilliwack,BC. We will be busy for the whole next year.Please contact us via email at [email protected] orphone 604-836-8315 and ask for Gerhard.

Legendary Logcrafters Limited is a hand-crafted log home producer in CollingwoodOntario. Due to a consistent annual growth, ourcompany is adding multiple positions fromapprenticeships to experienced log homebuilders. Legendary offers highly competitivewages and a very structured work environment.Please email resume [email protected] or fax705-444-6675 or call 705-444-0400

Handcrafted Log & Timber FrameBuilders Edgewood Log Structures, a successfulHandcraft and Timber Frame company in Coeurd'Alene, is looking for both experienced andapprentice log and timber crafters. Wages areDOE. Full time positions available immediately.Please send resum to Edgewood Log Structures,P.O. Box 1030, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816 or call(208) 683-3332

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

FREE Log Selection Calculator Go to

www.LogBuilding.org and then click on FreeInformation. From that page choose the logselection calculator and download it to yourcomputer. Requires Excel software to open anduse this file. It gives you T-1, T-2, B-1 and B-2 forany set of logs.

Free Trees! The Assistant Chief of the city ofDetroit (State of Michigan) Steven K. Leggat islooking for an individual or company who wouldbe interested in taking (for free) about 80,000trees (and about another 150,000 trees in thenext few years) within the city of Detroit. The cityhas maps of the location of the trees. Interestedparties can contact him and he will connect theparties to the appropriate city office. The contactinformation is: Steven K. Leggat, Assistant Chief,City of Detroit, Building & Safety EngineeringHousing Inspection Division, Coleman A. YoungMunicipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite412, Detroit, Michigan 48226.Phone: 313-224-3155. Fax: 313-224-2745,[email protected],www.ci.detroit.mi.us

New Timber Truss Book available fromThe Guild The Timber Framers Guild has justpublished one of its finest books and anotherinvaluable reference for timber framers, designers,preservationists, architects and engineers. HistoricAmerican Roof Trusses (2006) is a compilation ofsix articles which originally appeared in the TFGsquarterly journal, Timber Framing, plus newmaterial. Primary author Jan Lewandoski coversthe principles of building various trusses,including scissor trusses, kingpost and queenposttrusses, and compound and raised bottom chordtrusses, using historic examples. Ed Levin providesstructural analyses for each type, and Jack Sobonprovides detailed drawings. New materialincludes an introduction to trusses by notedtimber engineer Dave Fischetti, a treatise on theevolution of trusses by Jan Lewandoski, and acomprehensive glossary and bibliography. Theoriginal research for this book was partiallyfunded by a grant from the National Park Serviceand the National Center for PreservationTechnology and Training.Price: $30 US, plus postage and handling.92 pages, 9"x12", color, Smythe sewn binding,ISBN # 0-9706643-4-6Available from the Timber Framers Guild atwww.tfguild.org, or TFG, PO Box 60, Becket, MA(USA) 413-623-9926

Ole Gertz Log Building, horse logging andselect logging. Carpentry, log furniture and logstructures offered. Contract work available.All types of notches, 30 years experience.Phone 780-524-8099. Ole Gertz, Box 636,High Prairie AB T0G 1E0

Brian Lloyd Construction Consulting Industry Consulting Building Inspection Expert Witness Conflict ResolutionVernon, B.C.Tel/Fax 250-549-3545email [email protected]

The Great Lakes LogCraftersAssociationwill meet and their conference dates are 21,22,23 June 2007 in Marquette, Michigan. Thursdayis the day for pre-conference classes, andFriday/Saturday are the main GLLCA meetingdays. There might be pre-pre-conference onWednesday, 20 June. For more information:

www.GLLCA.org or 651-464-6506.

Ed Shure and Architect Paul Froncekhave teamed up to provide you and your clientswith beautiful designs that begin with a structuralsensibility. Our 23-year professional relationshipenables us to provide site specific design, as wellas coordination with timber craftsmen,contractors, engineers & building officials toinsure a seamless (and mostly painless) process.We have the experience to create log & timberdesigns that you will love to build.Full 3D drawing capability, including: walk through presentations permit & construction drawings shop drawings for hand or machine cutting steel & hardware design structural analysisFor more info contact:Ed Shure at Timmerhus Inc.303-449-1336 or [email protected]

E V E N T S & T R A I N I N G

2007The Allan Mackie and Nicola Logworkswill be hosting a 4-week comprehensive logbuilding course March 5 March 30th 2007.Cost is $2000.00 Canadian. For more informationplease contact Dai at [email protected]

ILBA 2007 Conference and AGMAbbottsford, British Columbia, CanadaApril 26th to 29th, 2007

Space Available

Advertise

TODAY!


21/24


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Ann Miks, Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

International Log Builders Association

P.O. Box 775

Lumby, British Columbia

Canada V0E 2G0

800-532-2900 toll-free250-547-8776 phone

250-547-8775 fax

www.logassociation.org

F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O NHow to get Log Building NewsLog Building News is mailed to all ILBA

members. Articles, photos and letters are

welcomed. The deadline for LBN 62 is

February 20, 2007.

If you submit articles in Microsoft Word

on CD or by email, send them directly to

the ILBA office.

Back issues of Log Building Newsare

available from the Association office.

Call 800-532-2900 to order.

Copyright noticeLog Building Newsis copyrighted in

Canada and the United States. Express

written permission is required from the

ILBA and, in some cases, from the author,

before any article or photo can be

photocopied, distributed or republished.

Contact the ILBA office for details.

DisclaimerThe views and information expressed in

articles and ads appearing in Log Building

Newsare those of the authors of those

articles and ads. The International Log

Builders Association assumes no responsi-

bility for the accuracy of the information

contained herein and does not edit or

investigate any article or ad for that pur-

pose.

Log Building Standards

The ILBA Log Building Standards, thebuilding code for handcrafted, scribe-fit &

chinked log homes are available online at

the ILBA Web site, www.logassociation.org

and can be downloaded to your computer

at no charge as an Adobe Acrobat PDF

file.

AdvertisingLog Building Newswelcomes advertisers.

Please contact the ILBA office for deadlines.

Advertisers can send completed ads as:

Press optimized PDF format with fonts

embedded

QuarkXpress format (Mac preferred, but

PC is acceptable) with screen and printer

fonts, images, and graphics included. PhotoShop (7.0 or below) or Illustrator

(10.0 and below) EPS files.

300 dpi greyscale TIFs or high resolution

JPGs

Microsoft Publisher files must be convert-

ed to PDF format with fonts embedded.

All greyscale images should be scanned at

266 or higher and be in JPG or TIF format.

Black and white line art should be sent in

TIF format scanned at 600 dpi or as

original art for scanning.Submissions can be made on Zip disk,

CD-ROM, floppy disk or via email. Com-

pressed .sit, .zip or .sea files are acceptable.

Editorial copy can be sent as Microsoft

Word, PDF or QuarkXpress documents, or

saved in text only format (.txt) from any

word processing program.

Contact the ILBA for other digital file infor-

mation by email: [email protected]

Log Building Newsis a great way to con-tact the best log home builders. The ILBA

is the largest group of builders of hand-

crafted log homes in the world our

members made well over $250 million of

logwork last year. Please contact the office

at 800-532-2900 for an advertising specifi-

cation sheet and ad rates.

Joining the ILBAMembership in the International Log Builders

Association is open to any interested person.

Members get a copy of the ILBA Log Building

Standards, one year of Log Building News, member-

ship certificate, voting privileges, discounted confer-

ence registration, a listing in the Annual Directory, a

copy of the Association Constitution and Bylaws, use

of computerized help wanted and work wanted ads,

and all ILBA mailings and notices. Company mem-

berships have additional benefits. The ILBA accepts

Visa or MasterCard. For more information on dues

and member benefits, please call the ILBA office at

800-532-2900.

PresidentEd Shure UNTIL [email protected]

Vice-PresidentPat Clark UNTIL [email protected]

Clerk/SecretaryPosition vacant

TreasurerJohn Boys (Finance*, Ethics) UNTIL [email protected]

DirectorsEgils Artmanis UNTIL 2007

[email protected] Brodigan UNTIL [email protected]

Robert W. Chambers (Log Building News*)UNTIL 2007

[email protected]

Rick Hall (Ethics*) UNTIL [email protected]

Jean Rodrigue UNTIL [email protected]

ILBA Board of Directors(Committees in parentheses; * indicates chair)

I N O U R N E X T I S S U E


Coming up in Log Building News 62 2007 Conference

More Construction Law

Spiral Grain

Review of Makita Groove Cutter

More Tech Talk(contribute your ideas and photos today)

SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES TODAY WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!


23/24


wiring holes clear. Mechanics tools, a few

lengths of extra chain and strapping with

hooks, 2x4 splints in case of a broken

notch, ample ladders, and long 2x10

boards for temporary upstairs scaffolding,

might also be included. Loading up the

pickup with tools and miscellaneous hard-

ware may save an unnecessary trip to

town. Putting very short log pieces of the

building in another pickup could prevent

losing one of them off the larger load

during the trip.

It is a good idea to have some extra

safety equipment on hand for your

helpers. With logs moving around

through the air and tools being used,

hardhats should be used, as well as ade-

quate footwear and appropriate clothing.If there will be cutting or sanding, then

chaps as well as breathing, hearing and

vision protection should be worn.

Make a rain plan. Know whose insur-

ance, if any, will be covering the different

parts of the move. Keep spectators, chil-

dren and pets at a safe distance from the

action. Moving day can be hectic, so take

breaks. To make all hands comfortable

and productive, provide plenty of water,

coffee, soda, and food throughout the

day and leave the beer for the final cele-bration when the work is done.

The unforeseen may yet lurk. One

example is the property owner who had

promised to remove trees, fences, utility

lines, or other structures that would hin-

der the crane or boom truck from doing

the reassembly. If the owner hasnt

accomplished this in a timely manner, the

moving crew might be the ones spending

valuable time performing itbefore the

main job can go forward. Another com-

mon situation is the driveway that isimpassable in bad weather, or unable to

handle the heavy, wide, and tall loads.

Have the building ready, use easy-to-

read colored labels, give the final site

another check, get the tools and equip-

ment together, and go over everything

beforehand with the employees or

helpers. Dont make moving day more of

an adventure than it needs to be.

A Plan for Transportingfrom page 14

As I leave after three years of serving you

as Secretary of the ILBA, I am encouraged

by the quality of the current board of

directors that is continuing. Ed Shure,

who has been serving as president was

re-elected. Rick Hall who was appointedby the board to serve out an unexpired

term has been elected. Ron Brodigan is

newly elected, and I think we can look

forward to significant contributions from

him.

I know I have bored many of you in

repeating my sense of wonder at where

the ILBA has gone, lo these past three

decades, since a handful of us founded the

original CLBA with about six members,

toasting our founding with Canadian Club

whiskey in Mary Mackies Old Country

Roses tea-set.

As an early President, I was flattered to

be asked to serve again a few years ago

and I have been much energized and

encouraged by these years of hanging

about at conferences with young and vig-

orous log builders. The work at executive

level has often been exhausting, but ulti-

mately worth the effort. My swan song is

to continue to chair the 2007 conferencein my neighbourhood where I look for-

ward to reconnecting with all of you.

When Dave Gardner and Dalibor

Houdek approached me at the Cherryville

rendezvous to stand for election, I couldn't

refuse. Dave had been my student at the

Mackie School, and Dalibor was my

roomie at Cherryville. Cathy Hansen had

lured me to Cherryville to do a broad-

axing demo. It has been a great three

years. Busy at times. A very stressful year

when dealing with the internal bits of rev-

olution and discontent. But I can heave a

sigh of relief as the current board, recruit-

ing capable troubleshooters, brought the

ILBA out of the black hole.

Elections and ReflectionsBy Vic Janzen

A Boys Big Book of JigsA Log Builders Reference to Jigs, Tools and Techniques

An informative book on jigs and work methods

specific to our trade. Sections include:

Scribing and Layout Stairs and Railings

Cutting and Drilling Stairs and Railings

Holding Mills and Machines

Lifting Work Methods

Accessing Heights Resources

Cool Tools New Stuff

Available to ILBA members only

Convenient binder format allows additional

information to be inserted into appropriatesections, such as the TechTalk information

clipped from Log Building News. This will allow

for unlimited expansion, creating a personalized work handbook.

Send in your TechTalk ideas for future LBNs as other members have done for you.

Price $95.00 CAN plus shipping

To order, contact the ILBA office at 1-800-532-2900 or

250-547-8776 or email [email protected]

JIG BOOK- - - -

On sale NOW!


24/24

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