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Winter 2012 Number 74
Agreement Number 40707514
Scribers in Norway
By Jon Pris Rustand
I WANT TO INTRODUCE YOU TO SCRIBING TOOLS
IN NORWAY with a translation of an article written
by Ole-Karl Pris. Scratch scribers have not been in
common use in Norway perhaps the last one or two
hundred years. It has been quite a mystery, and
Ole-Karl was the major force to solve it. His article,
written almost twenty years ago, was his frst
published theories about these tools.
As you will see, Ole-Karls experience at the
International Log Building Conference in Yellowstone,
USA in 1993 played a big part in it.
In a future article I will make a more detailed
discussion of the scratch scribers use and compare
this old tool with the modern North American scriber.
First let me explain some words used in the article
(see also Figure 1).
continued next page
Inside This Issue
Scribers in Norway
page 1
Using Scrap Wood
page 6
2012 Conference
page 8
Replica of Synagogue - Poland
page 10
Shipping Container Dangers
page 15
Short Takes on 3 Small Tools
page 16
Dietrichs Celebrates 10 Years
page 17
Effective Practices/Measures
page 18
Revised Log Building Code
page 19
Classifiedspage 22,23
Advertisers in This Issue
page 24
Figure 1 Parts of Norwegian corner notches. Courtesy Arne Berg, architect at NIKU (Norwegian
Institute for Cultural Heritage Research).
skrapen a small scriber for the notch, with tips pointing forward
meddrag larger scriber for the groove, tips mostly pointing backwards more towards the handle
kinn cheek; part of the log axed fat near to the notch (saddle, blaze, or scarf in North America)
fals small piece inside the notch
vage-nov simple notch
garpe-laft throat-notch; notch with a stair on both sides, the remaining part facing down (mostly),
resembling the throat part of the human neck/throat
www.logassociation.org
ILBA website

Winter 2012
2
LogBuildingNews
Winter 2012
Issue #74
Published four times a year
2011 International Log Builders Association
P.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
Ann Miks, Administrator
ann@logassociation.org
Log Building News Editor
Robert Chambers
robert@logbuilding.org
Contributors to this issue:
Robert W. Chambers
robert@LogBuilding.org
Chris Dancey
c.dancey@dietrichs.com
Ed Levin
edward.m.levin@gmail.com
Higgs Murphy
logdoggies@yahoo.com
John Nininger
john@woodenhousecompany.com
Rob Pickett
robpickettandassoc@gmail.com
Jon Pris Rustand
jon.prois@gmail.com
Dan Wait
dan@fbiloghomes.com
MISSION STATEMENT
This association is a non-profit
organization comprised of log crafters and
affiliated members from many countries.
We are dedicated to the education of
both our members and the public.
Our association has a mandate to
research, develop and share techniques
relevant to the construction of superior
handcrafted log buildings.
Skrapen
On track of a long forgotten tool for scribing
Written by Ole-Karl Pris in 1993, translated by Jon Pris Rustand in 2012
Figure 2 Ole-Karl demonstrating the
use of a skrapen (notch scriber)
Figure 4 Scribing a very simple notch with a skrapen. Courtesy of Kristian Strmshaug
MAJOR BOOKS HAVE BEEN WRITTEN
about old log buildings, and the ways
of log construction, and about detailed
historical techniques. Old methods have
been also been treated in leafets and
magazines with photos and drawings
of log building and notches. Plenty of
excellent old logwork has been shown in
photos. But no material I have seen has
answered the question of how the old
logworkers marked the logs for making
their fne old notches.
I specially have in mind, that we know
little about scribing in the log buildings
between 1200 and 1700 AD.
These buildings are known to have very
tightly-ftted notches. We know little
about scribing of corner notches that had
visible kinn (scarfs) in the lower notch
or in the upper notch, and also on the
notches having invisible kinn and fals in
the upper notch. There are notches that
have invisible kinn that are so tight that
they look as if they are glued together,
for instance the Stave loft from l, now
in the folk museum of Hallingdal in
Nesbyen, or Jutulstuggu from Uv in
Rennebu, now in the collection of the
Scientifc Company in Trondheim
(Figure 3)
Figure 3 Notch with invisible kinn
(scarfs). Courtesy of Kristian Strmshaug
continued on page 4
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Number 74
3
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Winter 2012
4
I can hardly imagine how it is possible to axe-cut such notches
without a method of precisely marking the area where one log
is ftted together with the crossing log. In the fgure above you
can see the principle of scribing a vagenov (simple notch, Figure
4). Even for the simple vagenov, a scriber would be necessary,
whether the notch was axe-cut in the lower or in the upper log
(rightside-up, or upside-down notch).
When I was a boy I worked with my uncles Ekholdt in 1938
pulling the oks-planer (a two man plane), and I saw the skrapen
(notch scriber) and the meddrag (groove scriber) being used.
Some years later as I was logbuilding together with my elder
brother Gunnar, who also had been learning from the Ekholdts, it
was therefore natural to use a skrapen, and I still use it.
The word kinn (cheek, or scarf) means the fat area that
normally is axed from the side of the log towards the notch. This
is common in Norway today and it makes it easier to scribe. For
newer notches with cheeks both in the lower and upper part of
the log, you can very well mark the notches without a skrapen.
For example, many builders use a ruler layed on the cheek of the
upper part of the notch in the lower log, and mark a line on the
cheek of the lower part of the notch in the upper log. [Editors
note, Ole-Karl demonstrated this layout at the 1993 Yellowstone
conference.] This, I think, is a newer method of marking that
people have started to use after visible cheeks (kinn, scarfs)
became more common in modern garpe-laft (throat corner
notches, see Figure 1).
To make the logs come together in the crossing point with
the precision that we can see in the log building from Uv in
Rennebu, the log builder must have marked the profle of the
underlaying log onto the upper log very accurately. This could
easily have been done with skrapen by holding the points of the
scriber plumb. It is fully possible to use a thin piece of wood cut
in angle to do this. The principle is the same, but the procedure
is a little unpractical. In the notches of the building from Uv, the
throat is facing upwards. This was uncommon in Norway, but is
more frequent in the Swedish buildings.
In 1993, I know of only six log builders who use a notch
scriber. It was interesting though, that Kristian Strmshaug from
Rde, who himself is a log builder, has been drawing and making
models of numerous old notches, has found out this procedure
without ever having heard about the notch-scratch-scriber. He
constructed also a kind of compass for pencil, but it had straight
legs, with the tips pointing like an ordinary compass for drafting,
this tool was not very practical to use.
A Russian meddrag (groove scriber) that was shown at an
exhibition at the Oslo Architect Society in 1992, also had
this kind of straight shape. At the International Log Building
Conference in the USA in the autumn of 1993, I demonstrated
notches from the Middle Ages. There I saw several variants of the
notch scriber, some had two bubble levels to make it easier to
hold vertically. Skrapen as shown in this article, I did not see.
I am convinced that skrapen, or whatever name it may have
been known, is the marking tool that had been used in scribing
corner notches of log building in earlier days. Newer types of
corner notches that have visible kinn (scarfs) do not require
scribing (as I have mentioned above), and so the notch-scriber
(skrapen) went out of use in Norway, and was almost forgotten.
At a log building class we held in Lier during the winter
1990-91, some old log building tools turned up. Often skrapen
have been found together with meddrag (groove scribers) and
band knives.
In the collections in museums I have found some scribers.
There are two skrapen in Drammen Museum, one in the
Lgendal Museum, two in the county museum of Telemark
and Grenland and one in the local museum in Sigdal and
Eggedal. The last one was actually used when the museum
was built.
Figure 5 Skrapen
that belonged to
Olaf Ekholt
(1898-1976)
Figure 6 Close-up
of the tips, pointing
slightly away from
the hinge, and
slightly away from
each other
Figure 7 Skrapen
made by Ole-Karl
(2000) notice tips
bent forward
Figure 8 Meddrag
(groove scriber)
belonging to Olaf
Ekholt (1898-1976),
Ole-Karls uncle
Figure 9 Meddrag
seen from the side,
note tips angled
away for easy
scratching
Figure 10 Meddrag
from its end, showing
concave shapes. Note
location of bevels to
sharpen the tips
LogBuildingNews
Number 74
5
What is common for all these objects is that no one has known
anything about the actual use of them. In the museums, the
tools themselves have been described, but nothing was written
down about the way the tools were used. And only in the Dr
ammen Museum and the local museum in Sigdal end Eggedal,
have the skrapen been placed together with other log building
tools. Some museums may not understand that a skrapen is a log
construction tool. Everyone knows the meddrag is a log building
tool because it never went out of use in Norway.
At an auction in l I found a skrapen that was not possible to
adjust, and the distance between the tips on the skrapen was
equal to that of a meddrag also for
sale. It was obvious to me that these
two tools had something to do with
each other because in most regions
of Norway the notch and groove of a
log got the same scribe setting.
In the cases where I have found
skrapen and meddrag together (as
one mans pair of tools), the meddrag
has been shaped with the tips
pointing backwards. Such meddrag
are easier to pull, and will not catch
easily in any cracks in a log. But,
those builders who did not have a
skrapen, they m ay have shaped the
tips of the meddrag pointing forward
(away from the handle) surely
because they then were able to use
their groove scriber to also scribe
corner notches. A meddrag that has
its tips pointing backwards (Figure 9)
cannot be used to scribe notches.
A tool similar to the skrapen has been, and may well still be in
use, among boat carpenters and builders. This tool is often
bigger and the tips are bent 90 degrees, and were used to ft
inner parts in wooden boats. Because of the angle of the tips, this
tool only could be used in log building where there were no kinn
(scarfs) on the notch.
I think that trying and experimenting with the craftmanship of
log building and using the old tools, can reveal old methods that
otherwise can be hard to understand.
Photo of Ole-Karl studying barn
Please accept my apologies for missing these auction donators to the
2011 Niagara on the Lake Conference. Your donations were well received and greatly appreciated.
Dietrichs North America
WhiteHaven Wood Products
Color photos courtesy of Jon Pris Rustand.

Winter 2012
6
UNTIL RECENTLY I DIDNT THINK MUCH ABOUT SCRAP WOOD
and slow times, but I had always been thinking about the nice
pieces of pine scrap that are generated when we build a new log
home. We always try to minimize waste, but it seems that there
are always nice pieces left lying around our yard.
Unfortunately, I dont have some hot new fad to share with
you about what to do with scraps, but I am going to tell you
some of the ways we use ours. I have seen many log yards during
my years in this business, and must say for the most part, that
they are usually cluttered with shorts and some piles of bark, or
maybe even some left over lumber from a job done long ago.
Im not alone when I say that I believe that nothing should
be wasted, and it is also a little better for business when a
prospective client can drive in your yard and see that it is well
organized and orderly. As I walk our prospective clients around
and point these things out to them, I take pride that I can tell
them that we have a true green building philosophy, and that we
dont waste a thing.
A client told me a few years ago, that they almost scratched
us off their list of potential log homebuilders, because of our
disorderly-looking yard. That comment really had a lasting effect
on me. Keeping our yard clean and tidy has been a challenge,
but we have made big improvements by having a plan to handle
our scrap wood. Using scraps, instead of burning or dumping, is
an important part of our plan.
Because of a recent increase in spare time, we have become
creative in using our scraps and peelings. We sell some of our
bark and peelings, and there are landscapers who use these. All
the cedar shavings are given to chicken farms in the area. I dont
charge for the cedar shavings, but I never have to pay to dump a
semi trailer of them, either.
My little rule of thumb is 2-feet and shorter goes into one of
our two wood boilers, to either heat the shop, or help run our
wood dryer/kiln. So, when I have a 4-foot to 6-foot log (1.2 to
1.8m) left over (and these are the challenging lengths) here are
some of our uses:
Half-log stair treads
Interior newel posts for stairs
Milled for small furniture projects (bookcases)
Cut into pavers for walkways (we have them pressure-
treated)
Flared-butt scraps can be suitable for unique furniture
(Figure 3)
Bat houses (we have only built a
few, but they work great: cut the log
piece in half, hollow it both halves out
with a chainsaw, but leave the top &
bottom round ends s uncut, screw it back
together, cut a small slot in the bottom,
hang it up.)
I have sold to a few pieces to chainsaw
carvers, (its a bonus if you can dry the
pieces for them)
We do save some good scraps for the
next house
Cut them into 4x or 6x for stickers, or
to use for an outbuilding (I built my hunting camp this way)
Log and slab benches and tables (Figures 1 and 2)
We just built a router table so we can create some unique
pieces (Figure 4). And we have converted our show-home
building at the entrance to the yard into a retail store to market
our shorts products, and other furnishings. Please contact
me with your uses for scraps Im always looking for
new products!

Using Scrap Wood (and Keeping Your Yard Tidy)
By Dan Wait
A client told me a few years
ago, that they almost scratched
us off their list of potential log
homebuilders, because of our
disorderly-looking yard. That
comment really had a lasting
effect on me.
1
3
2
4
LogBuildingNews
Number 74
7

Winter 2012
8
THIS IS AN EXCITING OCCURRENCE, which has long been
discussed by both the ILBA and the TFG. We are in the process of
building the pre-conference and conference schedules, and well
update you with the fnal result as soon as possible. Rest assured,
there will be plenty of neat things to see and do, with a lot of
know-how to be shared amongst our members. If you have a
presentation or workshop event, please contact either me or Dan
Wait through the ILBA offce. Wed like to include you.
There will be plenty of outdoor space for
demonstrations. All events will be open to members of
both organizations. Maybe a new level of competitive
spirit will emerge as we go head to head with the Timber
Framers in the axe throwing competition! Lets build on
this competitive atmosphere as you plan donations to
our annual auction. Imagine the great goods that will be
knocked down. Im sure that person for person (or mano
a mano) we can outdo those Timber Framers, fne group
that they are!
Asilomar (pronounced ah-SILL-oh-marr) is Spanish
for refuge by the sea. A short walk across the road is the
famous Pebble Beach. Many of the buildings at Asilomar
are Craftsman Style built around 1913, and many are
on the list of National Historic Landmarks.
Meals and accommodation will be available on site. Costs
will be forthcoming with the application form and conference
package to be sent out in the New Year. But pencil in those dates
now: April 24 to 29.
A few words about the fantastic Monterey area. I frst
encountered the Monterey Peninsula as a young man in 1966
when I was a mechanic working on Can Am racing cars that
raced at the nearby Laguna Seca Raceway. Aside from the beauty
of the Pacifc Coast, the
Peninsula enjoys one
of the most moderate
climates in the USA, never
too hot or cold. It has
remained to be one of my
favourite places on the
planet and I greatly look
forward to revisiting it.
If you happened to
read the novel Cannery
Row by American author John Steinbeck, or you saw the flm
version released in 1982, your curiosity for the area may already
be piqued and perhaps you are intrigued by the mystique of
Monterey.
Maybe you are a lover of fne wines: no better place to enjoy a
dgustation, and go home with a case or two.
Maybe you were a teen in the 60s and always wanted to go to
Big Sur: not too late! Wear some fowers in your hair.
The Big Sur coast has been called the greatest meeting of
land and sea on the planet the Santa Lucia mountains
plunge right into the ocean here, and Californias famous PCH
(Pacifc Coast Highway #1) provides views to remember.
And then theres Pebble Beach Golf Links, Carmel-By-The-Sea
(and its mayor, Clint Eastwood), the world-famous Monterey
Aquarium, Hearst Castle, Point Lobos with its sea otters, orcas,
migrating gray and humpback whales, and sea lions.
Ill see you at Asilomar this Spring. Expect twice the number of
sessions, twice the learning, twice the activity, twice the auction
. . . and twice the fun.
2012 Conference in California
By Higgs Murphy
Pre-Conference Workshop:
LOFTING, SCRIBING AND LAYOUT TRANSFERRING
METHODS IN USE IN LOG AND TIMBER FRAME
CONSTRUCTION
There will be a workshop before our Asilomar
Conference this April to share the many ways we
have for Marking Big Wood. The timber framers
will show plumb bobs, lofting, French scribe, and
more, and the log builders will demonstrate scribers,
lasers, lofting jigs, and more.
If you are interested in joining the ILBA team, and being
a presenter for this workshop, please contact Ann at the
ILBA offce.
This spring, the ILBA will partner with the Timber Framers Guild to present our frst-ever joint Big
Wood Conference, April 24-29 at the beautiful Asilomar Conference grounds in Monterey, California.
LogBuildingNews
Number 72
9
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Winter 2012
10
I TRAVELED TO THE VILLAGE OF SANOK, POLAND in the
spring of 2011 to help rebuild a partial replica of a 17th
century handcrafted log and timber framed Polish Synagogue.
The Gwozdziec Synagogue was one of hundreds of Jewish
wooden synagogues burned by the Germans prior to World
War 2.
It was a partial replica because webuilt the top four feet
of the log walls (originally 20-feet, 6-meter, tall) and the entire
timber roof structure which formed the multi-faceted dome
shaped cupola above the worship space.
Meanwhile, in Warsaw, the Museum for the History of Polish
Jews is under construction, and it will house the synagogue
replica that we built. It will be suspended above a central area
in the museum where visitors will be able to see it from below.
Students will re-create the detailed and elaborate polychrome
paintings directly on the wood ceiling that we built.
Thirty four members of the Timber Framers Guild (TFG) from
around the globe were selected from at least twice as many who
submitted applications. Four paid project leaders worked with
the 30 timber framers who were volunteers. Everyones travel
and living expenses were covered. This high-caliber crew was
selected for their experience in hand-hewing timbers from round
logs, and for their knowledge, willingness and enthusiasm to
perform and teach the skills of log and timber joinery using only
hand tools.
The root organizers of this project, Rick & Laura Brown of
Handshouse Studios, provided crews of students from the US
and Poland (totaling close to 70) at intervals during the project
to do the hands-on work. The teaching added to the work load
of the TFG members, but proved rewarding and successful
because one goal was to raise awareness about the skills and
heritage of the Polish Jews.
My frst order of business was to get acquainted with the
skansen or outdoor museum where we did our work. This was
the largest skansen in Poland, and had a wonderful variety of
old wooden houses, as log houses have been referred to for
centuries in this part of the world. Many of the wall logs were
half logs, axe-hewn fat inside and out (the original builders got
two logs from each tree). Outside, the remaining round, live,
edge of the logs accentuated the lateral joint which was often
flled with a hemp type chinking.
The inside of the same wall however would be completely fat
hewn with nearly imperceptible lateral joints and no chinking.
We visited one old log church that had 20-foot tall log walls
which at a distance looked like one massive log even though it
was probably 15 or more individual logs ftted ever so tightly
together (Figure 1). Very inspiring!
Typically, log corners were either dovetailed or half-lapped.
We saw an impressive number of century-old Carpathian style
wooden houses as we traveled. Sometimes they were painted
a nice pastel color or sided-over with planking which wrapped
around the half-lap corner extensions (fyways) hinting at the
log wall construction beneath.Very few of these homes were
naturally stained and there were only a handful of new log
Replica of Synagogue
Built in Poland
By John Nininger
Figure 1
Log walls of an old
church ft so tightly that
they appear fat
Figure 2
All logs were hand
hewn, many of them by
students, like Jacob Bach
Hensen
s
s
continued on page 12
3D model of reconstruction by Ed Levin, Paradigm Builders.
Quicktime video of Levins SketchUp model.
All rights reserved. No commercial use.
LogBuildingNews
Number 74
11
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Winter 2012
12
homes in the area. I saw only one new large-log, full-scribe
building.
We arrived in Poland to fnd a pile of over 200 40-foot (12m)
silver fr logs, and we soon began sorting and organizing them,
and preparing to convert them into hewn timbers using only
axes and hand saws. It took a couple of weeks to get into full
production as hewers and pit-sawyers wrestled feverishly with
the tough wood fbers and hard knots (Figure 2).
The honing of tool edges, many from the forges of Gransfors
Bruks, was just one step in the process of the total psyche - and
attitude - transformation needed to pull off this task. Students
were then taught the methods by Guild members. They learned
the true meaning of blood, sweat & tears. But for young wood-
loving sculptors and creative artists who had come as students
to take part in making history in a form true to the period, the
experience was all consuming. The chips kept on fying and the
pile of hand-hewn timbers grew.
Fitting the hand-hewn timbers together as walls required
a new mind-set. Think axes, think old world craftsmanship,
think effciency, think goals and purpose: teaching and learning
simultaneously. The clock was ticking and skill levels varied
widely. There was little turning back.
Fabrication of each section progressed at a rapid rate. Modern
CAD drawings (Figure 3 by Ed Levin, and video) were developed
from early and accurate drawings, and black and white photos,
taken prior to the destruction of the synagogue.We used the
imperial system, for historical accuracy. Metric had not been
invented when the original synagogue was built!
The roof truss system was ft atop the box frame (30-foot, 9.1m,
square) which was supported indirectly by the box frame sills
which were positioned 2-feet inside the log walls (32-foot, 9.7m,
square). The box frame sills consisted of 2 layers of logs (hewn
timbers) extended through the log walls and hung midway from
connected hammer beams that also protruded through the log
walls to join to the 36-foot (11m) fying plates on the outside of
the frame which doubled as an eave molding.
This in turn supported the hipped shed-roof that wrapped
around the whole building. An engineering feat of its time and a
head-scratcher for the engineers on this project today. To build
this part of the frame quickly and correctly, leaving ample wood
at mid-span locations for structure and achieving critical heights
of tops of timbers, I offered the upside-down option as the
simplest solution [Editors note, see Niningers article about building
upside down in LBN 65].
Building the log walls upside down meant we could scribe
the tapered, hand-hewn wall logs, with all their inconsistencies,
after the perfectly level tops of walls and beams
was achieved. Any overage at the bottom of the
walls (top of the log stack as built in the upside-
down position) could be hewn off to achieve a
level bottom surface or starting point for when the
log stack is fipped over and re-stacked. The project
manager, Alicia Spence, was greatly relieved when
the log walls re-erected in the upright position.
The corner and lateral notches we used for the log
walls turned out to be the greatest bit of new (old)
knowledge and inspiration for me. The fnal choice
of design, methods and techniques for the log
joinery was inspired by close inspection and analysis
of the old wooden churches and old wooden houses
in the skansen and in the surrounding villages We
also got advice from Arek Kryda, the Polish historical
log expert/architect/craftsman at the skansen who made so
much of this project a success (Figure 4).
We built the log walls as follows:
After each round log was hewn to a 6-inch (15cm) thick
plank with one edge hewn square and parallel to the
original log edge, the fnal edge (or fourth side) was laid out
to maximize the wood available and keep the overall taper
between 2 and 4-inches (5 to 10cm) over the 32-foot (9.7m)
length. As each log was chosen from the inventory for the
next course, the top surface of the log was then hollowed and
hand-planed to make the hewn surface more uniform, and
achieve reasonably straight edges. These fat edges with the
hollow in between provided the perfect surface for scribing
the next log.
Figure 3
3D model of
reconstruction by
Ed Levin, Paradigm
Builders. Quicktime
video of Levins
SketchUp model.
All rights reserved.
No commercial use.
CLICK ON PHOTO
TO WATCH VIDEO.
Video requires QuickTime Player, if you dont have QuickTime installed you
will be directed to the Apple website to download the software.
continued on page 14
Figure 4
Arek Kryda
explains
the old
construction
method of
walls built
of half-logs
each tree
was riven
and hewn to
produce two
wall logs
LogBuildingNews
Number 74
13
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Your source for quality tools and service
Timber Tool Forge Hand forged: chisels, scarf slicks,
spuds, draw knives, Lassiter tools and more
Belgian garnet sharpening stones
SwissPro/HEMA Mortisers, slotters, guide tracks, drill
guides, circular saws, skew notchers & tenon cutters,
portable planers, chain beam saws, portable band saws
Serra Saw Mills wide blade technology, electric drive,
perfect production saw for logs up to 3' - 5'-4
REX / Mida 4-sided planers, moulders for reliable
continuous operation
CNC joinery and log milling machines Essetre/Krusi
Land Ark All natural wood finish, also exterior, soft wax
for end grain or polish. Reduces checking.
Double-cut auger bits Cleanest cut, easily powered:
18 or 24 long. 3/8 to 1-1/2 wide
Zentra Drilling system with centering points, from 5/16
to 8, most materials: man-made or timber
Tel: 1-800-350-8176

Winter 2012
14
The scribe lines on the next log were fairly straight, and the
hewers had to work accurately to this line using axes, slicks
and the non-antique hewing knife (a drawknife with an adze
blade attached to it) to again achieve a hollowed surface. The
resulting lateral seam between the wall logs was tight and an
accurate facsimile of its historical counterparts. Then we drove
in two or three 1-inch (25mm) hand-riven wooden pegs along
the logs to help keep the logs aligned.
The dovetail corner notch was a full Norwegian (compound)
dovetail with about 1 of rise in 6 (slope of 2.5cm in 15cm).
Attempting to keep the dovetails pin heights consistent and
centered was the main goal. Variations in slope angles and pin
heights were acceptable, and also historically accurate.
Our most exciting discovery was the use of a cog or stub-
tenon on the inside corner of every dovetail joint (Figure 5).
I had seen this detail illustrated in books about log building
in Eastern Europe. The cog served two purposes. First it
positioned the next log and held it in place tightly up against
the shoulder of the mating log. Second, it is said that in the
old days it served as an air block, and reduced seeing daylight
in the joint as logs shrunk. We modifed this cog by giving it a
tapered shape to make it easier to assemble and disassemble.
Although it did require additional time to layout and cut, it
was worth it, and added to the Handshouse goal of
making history.
The timber-frame joinery above the log walls was mostly in
the traditional local Carpathian style with some modifcations
to satisfy engineering concerns. We were able to get inside
some of the local church steeples and towers to witness the
intricate and massive examples of heavily cross-braced, over-
built timber structures. The most commonly used timber-
frame joint was a half-lapped, half-dovetail. We used this
simple joint throughout the frame and this had the beneft of
being easy to cut with only an axe. We learned the axe
technique for joinery from master hewerPetr Ruzicka,who spent
two days working with us (Figure 6).
The sound of axes chopping, handsaws singing, and mallets
popping flled the air with a resonance from a historical time that
until now we could only imagine. It was truly a magical time.

Figure 6 Petr Ruzicka demonstrating the half-lap timber-

frame joinery for the trusses, broadaxe and broad hatchet
close at hand
Figure 7 Nininger reviews student work as the structure goes
up. Log walls visible at bottom.
Figure 5 Ourcompound-slope, full-dovetail notch, with
tapered cog
Result of 2012 Elections
We want to thank everyone who put their names forward to run in
the 2012 Board of Directors elections.
The following members have been elected to the Board:
Ron Brodigan
Konrad Gallei
Noah Hedges
Martin Slager
Dan Wait
A full list of current Board members is on page 23 of this issue.
LogBuildingNews
Number 74
15
ShIppIng ConTaInERS havE
ExploSIon DangER
Be aware of the following risks:
Ocean-cargo shipping containers are designed and intended
to provide water-resistant storage for cargo.
When they are put to other uses (like equipment storage)
there can be specifc risks to health and safety because of their
high structural integrity and lack of venting.
Storing combustible material, or potentially harmful vapour
can bring risks to personal safety.
Ensure that shipping containers are adequately vented for the
materials you have stored in them.
Evaluate how and where materials are stored inside the
container; and where the container is placed in your yard.
Facts you should know:
1 cup of gasoline has the explosive equivalent of 5-sticks of
dynamite when it changes to vapour form.
Combustible materials like gasoline pyrolize: they change from
a liquid to a gas/vapour typically at temperatures between
200-300 degrees Celsius (400-600 F).
1 gallon (3.8 litres) of gasoline can equal 80 sticks of dynamite.
Solid combustible materials (like wood, plastics, rags) can
pyrolize.
The vapour produced by these materials is explosively
combustible.
An unvented or inadequately-vented shipping container can
explode.
ATLANTIC WHITE
CEDAR LOGS
High quality, rare Atlantic white cedar
logs are now available in the mid-Atlantic
region. This species resists decay better
than more common cedar and is of the
highest rank of termite resistance. Straight
and naturally durable.
We are seeking a long term relationship
with a log home builder or log buyer.
NOTE: This is not northern white cedar.
ACW is in the same family as Alaska
yellow cedar.
Contact: Forester, Bob Williams
TEL 856-307-7800, ext 111
CELL 609-221-0211
EMAIL bob@landdimensions.com

Winter 2012
16
Sharp Pocket Level
Measure up from the sill log and make a mark on the wall at a
certain height.
Tools required:
tape measure,
pencil, short level.
Hands required:
three.
One problem that
no log builder can
overcome is that we have only two hands. So, I appreciate any
tool that eliminates the all-to-common-need for a third.
I bought a cheap plastic torpedo level (99 cents at Harbor
Freight), put it into the chop saw, and cut one end at 45. The
cut end is sharp enough to make a good, sharp dent in the log.
Measure up, hold the level at desired height, and push it into the
wall. No pencil required until after the dent is made. Two hands.
Short Takes on 3 Small Tools
By Robert W Chambers
Click here to see Small Tool Pouch
Click here to see Bahco Chisel
Bahco Chisel
I always have a 1 chisel on
my belt. Its my preferred
tool for scoring corner
notches (because it goes
nice and deep into the log).
I also use it for removing
errant scribe lines and
wrong marks.
My favorite is the Bahco
Ergo 1 (Model 434-25
mm). Never heard of it?
Not surprised. Its available
widely in Europe, New
Zealand and Australia, but
is not imported to North America (though many other Bahco
tools are imported to North America by Snap-on Inc.).
Sandvik bought Bahco some years ago, and the Swedish
steel of this chisel is excellent. The handle is attached by socket,
not tanganother point in its favor. But what really sets this
chisel apart is the super holster that comes with it: form-ft.
one-piece polyester with belt loop. Its slim, keeps a frm grip
on the chisel, and seems bombproof, even when scrambling
up and down log walls and clambering through scaffold. Sheds
sawdust. The holster is slim, slick, and does not catch on stuff.
Every builder at Natural Log Homes
wears one.
It has a split-proof handle with a superior antislip grip. I
havent seen a handle break yet.
I bought mine from www.ToolWorld247.com, a UK webshop
that has an EBay presence (but prices are higher at their EBay
store). I paid 11 (USD$17). But before you purchase, contact
them by email and ask them to reduce the price, because their
11 includes the 20% UK Value Added Tax, and VAT should
not be collected on exports. The price should be more like 9,
which will help pay for shipping. I did fnd one online shop in
the USA that sells thesebut for $47. A rip-off.
This same chisel is available in a full range of metric widths,
and each them (except the 50mm, 2) comes with the great
holster.
www.toolworld247.com/product/BAH43425/Bahco+434+Bevel
+Edge+Chisel+25mm
Small Tool Pouch
This is a good, small (8 high x 5 wide -- 20cm x 13 cm) pouch
that will carry a knife, felt tip markers, screwdriver, leatherman,
and has a metal clip for a tape measure. The volume inside is
surprisingly good in fact, my mini-level (below) fts inside
easily.
But it is the zipper cover
that really makes it work for
me. Sawdust is always flling
up my tool belt. This pouch
at least gives me a change
to keep sawdust out. A snap
holds the top open if
thats what you want. It can
be slipped onto a belt that
is less than 3 (7.5cm) wide.
I bought mine at Seven
Corners Ace Hardware
(a great old hardware store in
downtown St. Paul, Minnesota),
but it is widely available, including
at Amazon.com. I paid
USD $12.50.
Product Details: Model CLC #1523
www.gocic.com/ProductDetail.aspx?sku=1523
LogBuildingNews
Number 74
17
BRODA nishes were developed by a loghome builder
from Whistler, to deliver mountain- tough durability with
easy maintenance. Visit our web site. Download
our free spec guide for loghome builders and nd
out more about our water- borne natural oil nish,
water- based acrylic clear- coats and urethanes.
While youre there, check our gallery to see how
other builders have used BRODA. Because
longer- lasting nishes are
more fun for everyone.
cbrproducts. com/rather be playing
FREE Spec Guide: www.cbrproducts.com/ratherbeclimbing For samples, call toll- free: 1 888311 5339
As part of their ten-year anniversary
Dietrichs NA has launched a new website:
www.DietrichsNA.com
ILBA members Nicola LogWorks, Sperlich
Log Construction and Home Field
Advantage are featured on their new Case
Study pages, while many more clients can
be seen in videos on Dietrichs upcoming
YouTube channel.
The drawings for Dalibor Houdeks
book, The Illustrated Guide to Log Home
Construction, were created with Dietrichs
software.
Chris Dancey says that Dietrichs has
clients that love the feel of working wood
with hand tools, as well as clients that
run CNC machines for high production
output. Each is unique, and with their
support we have been able to not only
survive for ten years, but thrive.
Dietrichs was the frst company to
make production software specifcally for
Dietrichs Celebrates Ten Years in north america
the wood construction industry. In 1982, Josef Dietrich, a master of carpentry,
developed the frst programs for German carpenters to calculate roof shapes,
compound angles and cuts.
Click here to go to DietrichsNA.com
Architect Don Breimhurst of Home Field Advantage met with the B & D
Builders production manager, Sam Ebersol, and their CAD/CAM designer,
Tyler Maerz, at their Dietrichs training with Wil Dancey.

Winter 2012
18
ALL ILBA MEMBERS CAN BE PROUD OF OUR NEW PUBLICATION,
Effective Practices & Methods For Handcrafted Log Home
Construction. This document replaces our decades-old Log
Building Standards. There are improvements on every page,
and the book now stretches to 72 pages, all of them
in color.
Thank you to all those who worked on this project. The
Committee had many conference calls spanning countless hours
to hash out the details John Boys, Ron Brodigan, Robert
Chambers, Earl Laverty, Brian Lloyd, Kevin Maynard, David Rogers,
Robrt Savignac, Martin Slager, and Dan Wait. ILBA members then
reviewed the draft versions, and provided revisions.
Kevin Simoes and Jonathan Gillott at Streamline Design were
hired to produce the great 3-D drawings (all of the drawings are
new), and they tweaked them until they looked just right. After
this, they worked on page layout with me. Most of the work on
the project was by volunteers, but Streamline Design was hired
at a reduced hourly rate (thanks, Kevin).
A big thank you to Uli Walther of GRK Fasteners who
provided a generous $2,500 donation to the ILBA for this project,
just when we needed it most.
There are two ways to buy the EP&M. You can pay by credit
card and immediately download your copy from the ILBA web-
site http://www.logassociation.org/resources/publications.php.
You get a 50 Mb PDF fle that you can print and view. You can
use it on your desktop, laptop, tablet (iPad) or smartphone.
The digital-fle version has hotlinks that open your browser and
take you to places like FPInnovations (Forintek), ASTM, ICC, and
more. Very convenient.
Your second option is to order the bound, glossy, full-color,
paper copy either from Ann at the ILBA website, or online at
Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Effective-Practices-
Methods-Handcrafted-Construction/dp/0987839527.
We are hoping that there will be many sales of both the digital
version ($22.50) and the paper version ($28.50). This is a
substantial book, not a typewritten handout.
Yes, theres still work to be done. We need to write, review
and adopt a section of effective practices for chinked log home
construction. And, Id like to see an expanded section on Log
Home Maintenance. The EP&M, just like the old Standards,
will need to be edited and approved from time to time by the
ILBA members at our AGMs. This makes sense because the EP&M
is based upon experience, and as our experience improves, well
want to make improvements to our recommendations.
The publication of our EP&M was a huge effort, and is a huge
success. I think that it is the most important new book on log
home construction published in the past 5 years. I urge you to
buy a copy, and see for yourself.


canada@sherpa-connector.com
Sherpa Timber connecTionS
The clever SoluTion for your STrucTureS
Time is running -
SHERPA optimizes
Short-term orders and short construction times require an
increase in efficiency and optimized operational processes.
The SHERPA-timber connecting concept provides consistent
improvement for all production steps from planning on.
1. Measurement 2. Pre-Assembly 3. Assembly
The efficient planning, simple pre-fabrication and fast
assembly on the constuction site with maximum security crea-
te a competitive advantage for timber structures to
alternative building material.
Effective Practices & Methods is Published
By Robert W. Chambers
Click here for the ILBA store
Click here for the EP&M at Amazon
LogBuildingNews
Number 74
19
hats right. The average 2,200 sq. ft. home has over
5280 feet of log joint exposed to the elements. Dont
take a chance keeping out the invasive power of Mother
Naturejoin the thousands of homeowners who have sealed
their home with Log Jam chinking.
When other chinking pulls away Log Jam holds its seal.
Since its introduction in 1985, Log Jam chinking
has been the recognized industry standard
in elasticity, adhesion, and durability. It is
also the only chinking to hold a UL fire
resistance rating. Log Jam doesnt just
fill the gaps, it provides ultimate
protection against the elements.
T
10300 E. 107th Place Brighton, CO 80601
1-800-767-5656 www. sashco.com
Over 1 mile of
Gaps this Wide?
Over 1 mile of
Gaps this Wide?
Cick here for ICC log building code
ICC Publishes Revised Log Building Code
By Rob Pickett
THANKS TO AN EXCELLENT EFFORT BY THE IS-LOG COMMITTEE AND ICC
STAFF, a new and improved version of ICC-400 is now available. If you havent
done so already, you can purchase and download a PDF or order a paper copy at
http://www.iccsafe.org/Store/Pages/Product.aspx?id=7017S12#longdesc.
ICC-400 covers log properties, fre-resistive rating, settling, thermal
performance, and structural provisions. Since other I-Codes already address topics
such as foundations, roofng, electrical, mechanical, etc., ICC400s scope is limited
to the log structure itself, and the construction of solid wood walls.
The 2012 edition has an important change in the thermal envelope section
(Section 305) that will correlate to the International Energy Code (IECC) editions
from 2006 and later. The standard is the best way for the log home industry to
work with the IECC and changing building codes. I encourage you all to spread
the word that log walls need to be evaluated only by this standard in both the
U.S. and Canada. I believe that this standard is the foundation of the future for
the log building industry, if we put it to good use.

Winter 2012
20

The Authentic Look of Cedar with Lifetime Performance
1-866-423-3302 www.enviroshake.com
Support the advertisers who support log Building news. Its a win-win situation!
A Boys Big Book of Jigs
A Log Builders Reference to Jigs, Tools and Techniques
An informative book on jigs and work methods specifc
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 and New Stuff.
Available to ILBA members only
Convenient binder format allows additional
information to be inserted
Price $95.00 CAN plus shipping
To order, contact the ILBA offce at 1-800-532-2900 or
250-547-8776 or email info@logassociation.org
JIg BooK
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on SalE
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LogBuildingNews
Number 74
21
A Boys Big Book of Jigs
A Log Builders Reference to Jigs, Tools and Techniques
An informative book on jigs and work methods specifc
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 and New Stuff.
Available to ILBA members only
Convenient binder format allows additional
information to be inserted
Price $95.00 CAN plus shipping
To order, contact the ILBA offce at 1-800-532-2900 or
250-547-8776 or email info@logassociation.org
Support the advertisers who support log Building news. Its a win-win situation!
Summer Beam Books
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LOG BUILDING TOOLS
STARRETT & MACKIE scribers; heavy duty drawknives up to 30; peeling spuds;
chopping & fnishing axes; broadaxes; adzes; GRANSFORS axes; ENGLISH slicks;
ROBERT SORBY, HENRY TAYLOR, FOOT PRINT & PHEIL chisels and gouges;
JAPANESE slicks, chisels, saws, ink lines & fex squares; hand-forged Flarens,
shovel gouges, fat & scarf slicks, drawknives & draw-gouges; BARR Specialty
Tools; peavies; cant hooks; lifting tongs; log dogs & cleats; log horses; water
stones; Diamond whetstones; NORTHWEST calipers, tenon cutters & long auger
bits; ship augers; chainsaw mills & attachments; MAKITA & MAFELL planers, saws
& chain mortisers; MACKIE log building books & videos.
MAGARD VENTURES LTD. Attn: Maurice Gardy
8365 Domagala Road, Prince George, BC, Canada V2K 5R1
Tel: 250-962-9057 Fax: 250-962-9157
magardlogtools@telus.net www.logbuildingtools.ca
FREE
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Proud to serve the ILBA
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Winter 2012
22
C L a s s i f i e d a d s
for s ale
Building logs for sale - regular and oversize. Fir
Cut to peeler lengths mainly 43 and 52 ft. Trees
were harvested in fall 2010 and some in winter
2011. Good straight logs for building - approx
200 cu m. Also oversize logs for Timberframe
stock. Woodlot 454 Golden BC, 250-344-4646
1999 Heartwood Band Sawmill Model 310
Electric Never been used; 6 Double-Cut
(cutting travel speed up to 3 feet per second
forward or reverse). Will require 600 Volt 3
Phase Power or motor exchange. The only
noticeable noise this mill makes is the actual
blade cutting through wood. Eighty-eight feet
of track; operator travels with mill head along
track. Numerous track-mounted hydraulic
log handing systems and full programmable
computer controlled set works. (We purchased
2 and only set one up for use.) Purchased in
1999, replacement value of this unit today is
over $130,000 Canadian. Asking $65,000.00
Canadian, will require some site preparation and
assembly. To compare this to any of the small
bandsaws is like comparing a hi-way tractor/
trailer to a go-cart, this is a serious production
mill. We often can go three weeks between
bandsaw blade sharpenings! Please arrange
for an appointment to see the twin unit in
operation. Link to this model at Heartwood Saw:
http://www.heartwoodsaw.com/Model_310.
html. Email to info@moosemountain.com or
phone toll free 1-877-932-3992 Lloyd Beckedorf,
Moose Mountain Log Homes Inc.
Logworks Helper Pricing program specially
written for fast and accurate takeoffs and
quotes of log home shells. You can customize
it for the pricing methods and preferences
you currently use. Note: you must own a copy
of Microsoft Excel to run Logworks Helper.
Developed by Dai Ona with help from John
Boys. Contact Ann at the ILBA offices for sales
and enquiries. CDN $500.
Hop over to LogFrogs.com for log cleats and
great log building tools, books and toys for
builders and owners! Get entered to win your
free builders pack of Log Frogs and a free one
months banner ad on our site!
www.logfrogs.com.
help wanted
Experienced full-scribe log builder wanted for
year round, full-time work. Big White Pine logs.
Good working conditions, minimal travel, good
pay and benefits. Rural and beautiful Northern
Vermont near Connecticut River and White
Mountains of New Hampshire. 3 hours from
Boston, Montreal and coast of Maine. Outdoors
oriented person with good woodworking and
math skills. To apply send or email resume and
references. The Wooden House Co., Ltd., 3714
North Rd., S. Ryegate, Vermont to Newbury,
Vermont 05051 Phone: 802-429-2490, email:
john@woodenhousecompany.com
help wanted
Need 2 experienced log builders immediately
until the fall for sure. prefer builders with
dovetail experience. This is in the Smithers area,
a full four season adventure. contact Bryan at
info@harrisonloghomes.com
Log Builder/Timber Framer
We are seeking to fill a position requiring the
following skills: Timber Framer; must have 4 year
journey-man certificate in the European Tradition
(Zimmerman), or equivalent in experience. Lo g
Building: mastery of scribed, post and beam and
dovetail log construction.
Other Assets: working knowledge of CLT (Cross
Laminated Timber) Technology, roof math and
roof layout for the purpose of massive log to log
and timber to timber connections and joinery.
Experience with hand and power tools; including
chainsaw, planers, routers. Valid drivers license.
Must be able to read plans, work independently
as well as integrate with our existing team.
Computer drafting skills are an asset but not
required. Hourly pay: $20.00 $24.00 hr
commensurate with skills.
Our company is located in Merritt BC. To apply:
logworks@logworks.ca
Log Crafters Wanted Mid-level (3-5 years
experience) or possibly builders capable of taking
on a project with our crew or their crew.
While dual US & Canadian citizenship or Class
1 truck drivers license would be a benefit, it is
not necessary. Applicants must have Canadian
citizenship or Landed Immigrant status. With
Moose Mountain you will be involved in
patented and warranted air and weather tight
fully scribed joinery, exciting projects and the
possibility of travel with a company that is over
30 years in business. Earnings dependent on
skill and experience and level of responsibility
willing to take on please call to discuss. Call
us toll free at 1-877-932-3992 or email info@
moosemountain.com.
Did you know Environment Canada has
determined that southwestern Alberta enjoys
Canadas overall nicest climate and we are
situated in the most moderate area of Alberta
all with the Rocky Mountains at our doorstep.
Alberta has one of the lowest costs of living plus
the very lowest tax, what do you want your
future to hold?
To see the caliber of projects Moose Mountain
builds, visit our photo gallery at:
www.moosemountain.com
Legendary Logcrafters Limited is a hand crafted
log home producer in Collingwood Ontario. Due
to a consistent annual growth, our company is
adding multiple positions from apprenticeships
to experienced log home builders. Legendary
offers highly competitive wages and a very
structured work environment. Please email
resume to Legendary@legendarylog.com or fax
705-444-6675 or call 705-444-0400.
help wanted
Full time log chinker. Full time log hand
crafter and timber framer. For both of these
positions we require years of experience and
references. Contact - Southwest Log Homes, Inc
Email: david@southwestloghomes.com
The Log Connection is currently seeking
three to four highly motivated, enthusiastic
individuals to become part of our design
team. Two positions are available for drafters
with a minimum of two years architectural
CADD drafting. Two positions are available for
accomplished drafters/designers with ability to
complete highly detailed log home construction
drawings within a specified time period is a
definite asset. Duties will include the creation
of working drawings for custom log homes
based on preliminary designs, production
design and detailing, shop drawings as well as
modifications to existing designs. Scope of work
may range from medium sized residential to
large commercial projects. Preferred experience
would include log home design/drafting.
Provide resume and samples of past CADD
work, attention to: Mr. Dave Sutton, The Log
Connection, 129 Nanaimo Ave. West, Penticton,
BC Canada V2A 1N2
Log Builder Wanted Log Home Builder career
opportunity available with a progressive, quality
oriented, full service log home company.
Edmonton area, permanent full time, year round.
1-2 years experience, must have own tools and
transportation, wages are $18.00-$30.00/hr on
piece work. Fax resume to 780-460-2584.
Daizen Joinery Ltd. is looking for full time, HSB
CAD operator and K2 machine operator, timber
frame production assistant. Please contact
Dai, 250-679-2750 or email dai@daizen.com
Big Foot Manufacturing Inc. in Tappen British
Columbia is looking to hire a qualified Timber
Framer with CNC experience. We are currently
expanding our product lines now that we are
entering the North American market. The ideal
candidate will be a journeyman Timber Framer
who has experience operating a Hundegger k2.
This person will be responsible for processing
and fitting final pieces and may be required to
do some on-site erection. Please email resums
in confidence to: wayne@bigfoot-mfg.com
or deliver them in person to: Big Foot
Manufacturing, 3380 Ford Road, Tappen B.C.
Confort Nature is looking for an experienced
log builder who will be in charge of production.
As a hands-on team leader, he will be responsible
of log shell construction from blueprint reading
to quality management. As a small company
looking to develop and always get better, we
will give a lot of place to your ideas and
techniques.
We are located in Quebec, 100km north of
Montreal, in the beautiful region of Lanaudire,
next to Saint-Donat and Mont-Tremblant
Park, nearby lakes and mountains. Lets build
something together! Please contact us via email
at info@confortnature.com or phone
1-877-424-3525.
LogBuildingNews
Number 74
23
for more information

Ann Miks, Administrator
ann@logassociation.org
International Log Builders Association
P.O. Box 775
Lumby, British Columbia Canada V0E 2G0
800-532-2900 toll-free
250-547-8776 phone
250-547-8775 fax
www.logassociation.org
2012 ILBA Board of Directors
President
Higgs Murphy
Email: logdoggies@yahoo.com
Vice-President
Earl Laverty
Email: earl@lavertyloghomes.com
Clerk
Daniel Wait
Email: dan@fbiloghomes.com
Directors
Ron Brodigan
Email: courses@schoolofogbuilding.com
Robert W. Chambers
Email: robert@logbuilding.org
Konrad Gallei
Email: konrad@gallei.de
Noah Hedges
Email: nandadevi@hotmail.com
Martin Slager
Email: info@jdvloghomes.com
A huge thank you to Kevin Maynard for serving
on the Board of Directors from 2007 2011.
Your time, effort and commitment to the ILBA
has been greatly appreciated.

C L a s s i f i e d a d s
help wanted
John Devries Log Homes, a small upscale
company operating in Rural Eastern Ontario
since 1976 seeks an experienced log crafter
preferably with hands on supervisory
experience that can read plans and manage
projects. We foster a dynamic, creative, solution
oriented work environment that emphasizes
quality while attempting not to sacrifice
productivity (that elusive log builders Holy
Grail) in a structured but fun atmosphere.
(At least we think its fun) It would be helpful
(but not required) if applicant has timber
framing experience as well. Salary dependent
on experience. Plenty of lakes, great fishing,
hunting and other outdoor recreation.
2 hours to Toronto or Ottawa (for some
serious city fun) Call to Martin or Martin to
discuss at 613-478-6830 or e-mail
info@jdvloghomes.com.
work wanted
Traveling Timberwright Professional Finish
Carpenter for Scribe Fit and Post & Beam
structures. 30 years accomplished tradesman in
this field. Mobile, with extensive selection of
tools. Honest and Reliable. Contact:
RALPH CLEGG 604-740-2404 BC Canada.
announcements
West Coast Restoration LLC is pleased to
announce that they offer complete restoration
services, insurance litigation support and
consulting. Call Bill Finley at 360-961-3220 or
email: billfinley@westcoastrestoration.com
Whitehaven Wood Products Have an
Exciting Product. Make your SOFFITS a
proud architectural detail with Handcrafted
continuous wooden soffit vents from
Whitehaven Wood Products. Easy installation,
Labour saving, Quality finished look. See us at
www.soffitvents.ca or 250-803-4616.
s ervi ces
Brian Lloyd Construction Consulting
Industry Consulting
Building Inspection
Expert Witness
Conflict Resolution
Vernon, BC Tel/Fax 250-549-3545
email: bg_Lloyd@hotmail.com
Drafting and Design Services - RSM Drafting
Services Ltd. is a freelance drafting and design
service that specializes in log and timber frame
buildings. We have been Drawing Dreams
since 1977. We have a CD of 24 log homes
available for $19.99 all taxes and shipping
included. Contact Bob at www.rsmdrafting.com.
Email bob.rsmdrafting@telus.net or call
1-877-832-0165 toll free Ask me first
Building design consultants.
s ervi ces
Fire Tower, bringing a modern perspective
to time-honored craft, specializes in the
engineering and design of new and existing
log and timber structures. Licensed in BC, AB
& ON and 31 States.
Fire Tower Engineered Timber, Inc.
Mack Magee
m@ftet.com
27 Sims Avenue
Unit 2R, Providence, RI 02909
Phone: 401-489-4567
Fax: 401-441-5218
www.ftet.com
FraserWood Industries Mack Magee
FraserWood is a pioneering, full-service
provider of innovative timber products and
services committed to extending the reach
of natural timbers in built environments.
Mack Magee
27 Sims Avenue
Unit 2R, Providence, RI 02909
Phone: 401-489-4567
Fax: 401-441-5218
email: mmagee@fraserwoodindustries.com
www.fraserwoodindustries.com.
trai ni ng
FREE Log Selection Calculator Go to www.
LogBuilding.org and then click on Free
Information. From that page choose the log
selection calculator and download it to your
computer. Requires Excel software to open and
use this file. It gives you T-1, T-2, B-1 and B-2
for any set of logs.
space available
advertise todaY!

Winter 2012
24
advertisers in This Issue
A Boys Big Book of Jigs . . . . . . . . . . . .20, 21
Atlantic White Cedar Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
BC Log & Timber Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
CBR Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Dietrichs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Enviroshake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Fire Tower Engineered Timber Inc. . . . . . . 13
Fraser Wood Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
GRK Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11, 21
ITN Logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Lignomat USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Log Home Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Magard Ventures Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Nicola Log Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Pat Wolfe Log Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Perma-Chink Systems Inc. . . . . . . . . . 11, 20
Precision Structural Engineering . . . . . . . . 20
RSM Drafting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Sashco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Schroeder Log Home Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Sherpa Timber Connection . . . . . . . . . . 5, 18
SMTC Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Streamline Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The Sansin Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Summer Beam Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Timber Framers Guild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
TimberTools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Timmerhus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Wayside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Woodlandia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 13
Joining the ILBA
Membership in the International Log Builders
Association is open to any interested person.
Members gets one year of Log Building News,
membership certificate, voting privileges,
discounted conference 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 memberships
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.
in our next issue
Coming up in Log Building News 75
2012 Conference in California
Book Reviews
Tech Talk and Tools
SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES TODAY WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
How to Get Log Building News
Articles, photos and letters are
welcomed. The deadline for LBN 75 is
March 15, 2012.
If you submit articles in Microsoft Word

on CD or by email, send them directly
to the ILBA office.
Back issues of Log Building News are
available from the Association office.
Call 800-532-2900 to order.
Copyright Notice
Log Building News is 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.
Disclaimer
The views and information expressed in
articles and ads appearing in Log
Building News are those of the
authors of those articles and ads. The
International Log Builders Association
assumes no responsibility for the
accuracy of the information contained
herein and does not edit or investigate
any article or ad for that purpose.
Effective Practices & Methods
The ILBAs new publication EP&M is
available for sale online at the ILBA
website
You can buy and download a PDF file,
or the paper book.
Advertising
Log Building News welcomes
advertisers. Please contact the ILBA
office for deadlines.
Log Building News is a great way to
contact the best log home builders. The
ILBA is the largest group of builders of
handcrafted log homes in the world
our members make well over $250
million of logwork each year. Please
contact the office at
1-800-532-2900 for an advertising
specification sheet and ad rates.
www.LogAssociation.org
Log Building News
now in
Full Color
Download the
current issue at the
ILBA website:
www.logassociation.org
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