Helping with a log cabin build

skyking · Aug 12, 2024

We set the corner prow posts so we can stack the rest. The logs stack on that corner and the short ones with the vertical cuda cuts wrap around that post and get screwed to it.

Hans Gruber · Aug 12, 2024

This looks like the cabin will be real nice when complete.

skyking · Aug 13, 2024

I figured out a way to handle the logs safely. The builder wants to locate, temporary screw down, then drill for the big bolts.
Then remove the log and blow out all the chips from the hole, etc.
Then put down the glue and the log, and bolt it down.
I place the forks very close to the log and at the right grade, and level.

When they are ready, the crew rolls the log onto the forks out of the way.

No need to lift it. They put down the glue and roll it back.
We are getting along OK. One more course of logs and then it is the header logs over windows and doors.

BoomerD · Aug 13, 2024

That log in the first pic has a helluva split in it.

skyking · Aug 14, 2024

BoomerD said:
That log in the first pic has a helluva split in it.

It will dissapear with "conceal". They sent a couple of cases of it, it is textured and dries to match very closely.

skyking · Aug 14, 2024

When I ran out of hours with that rental excavator, I had some unfinished business. This nasty knob of embedded rock has been cramping our style.

I was able to borrow the neighbor's D4

Tear it down and cuff it off. It was terribly bony, I had to rip every bit of it.

I took the material around to the north, and made more real estate for operating the forklift, etc.

Greenman · Aug 14, 2024

I'd be curious to see how windows and doors are placed, along with plumbing and electric. I also wonder what the R value is of the exterior walls.

skyking · Aug 14, 2024

there is a framing buck put in, then typical window installation. For an installer it is like any other install, to wood framing. Then it gets trimmed. Plumbing never goes in the logs. Most outlets are on interior walls, but those that do go in the logs are done by drilling down to that basement through 1 log, then hole sawing and cutting the rectangle out for the box with a chisel.
Light switches are done with hole saw the same way, a horizontal 1" hole from the end to connect, and then a chainsaw groove that is behind that framing buck I mentioned. Everything goes down. The light circuits then go back up the interior bearing walls etc to get where they are going.
As far as R-value, they operate on more of the thermal mass proposition.
https://lazarusloghomes.com/sustainable-green-building-with-dead-trees/
Read the blurb.
I am not interested in or advocating for log home building. It is not for me. But I am here to help.

Greenman · Aug 14, 2024

It's an interesting way to build, and a nice looking finished product, but I don't think I'd want to own one.

skyking · Aug 14, 2024

me neither. Give me lightweight traditional framing please. The ICFs are also the bomb IMO. R26 basement walls are nice.

Red Squirrel · Aug 14, 2024

Log cabins look nice but they sound like a lot of hassle as far as infrastructure goes, and probably harder to air seal too. When I build my cabin I'll probably do mostly traditional framing construction myself. There's a local sawmill here that sells lumber for fairly cheap, so I will probably buy from them. Eventually I do want to setup a saw mill though, but it will just be easier to buy my lumber at first. I may incorporate some logs into my build, mostly for vertical pillars in the middle of the building to hold up beams. But walls will be standard framing.

skyking · Aug 16, 2024

Maximum effort!
<Deadpool voice>

Today was the big day. The crew and I set logs while my friend and his buddy prepared the king log, which supports the center of the roof and some of the loft joists.
I had done a test pick on the log and was comfortable with it at 26' from face of tire to load center. Then they cut 5' off the butt end to make it even better.
Pick was estimated at 22'.
I clamped my tape measure to the carriage and ran it out to 25' to simulate the log, and made a dry run to check geometry and get the approach path set.
Nobody wants any drama with the live load.

Up and over and down, in the blind.

We used the swing carriage to full effect for fine tuning.

skyking · Aug 17, 2024

I'm back up helping the barn guys today. They wanted a set the side rafters all at once after they cut them.
They got the first one done so a guy has to have some fun. I figured out the right pick angle and then you get it spinning very slowly and eventually it's where you want it to be. Land it!
@BoomerD knows what I'm talking about. It's one of the fun things you do as a crane operator. Get the iron spinning as you bring it around to the Ironworkers so that you hand it to them, and not knock them off the scaffold.

Hans Gruber · Aug 17, 2024

Is that going to be an A-frame with a basement and a loft in the back on the upper floor? Or are they planning on 3 floors?

skyking · Aug 18, 2024

Hans Gruber said:
A-frame with a basement and a loft in the back on the upper floor?

yes. The main bedroom is the loft level, with a big bath and walk in closet.

skyking · Oct 5, 2024

Back on the cabin job, working on drying it in for the winter.

It got a bit windy for a while, it was fun lofting those up. Those rafters were "singing" in the wind.

BoomerD · Oct 5, 2024

I wondered why there hadn't been any updates on your place.

That's gonna be on helluva house when he's done with it.

skyking · Oct 11, 2024

Last night's progress report. We are on the way over to finish the sheeting and ice shield this weekend.

Red Squirrel · Oct 12, 2024

Wow that makes for a cool picture. Could frame that and actually hang it somewhere in the house when it's done. I might do that with my cabin build, have various pictures of the build progress framed.

skyking · Oct 13, 2024

adding a second person on the roof tripled production.
We got the sheeting done on one side and 3 runs of water and ice shield.

skyking · Oct 14, 2024

Today we finished sheeting the north side and got it covered for winter. He needs a couple more rolls and the neighbor will help him finish the south side.

Greenman · Oct 14, 2024

What's the reason for not covering the overhangs?

skyking · Oct 14, 2024

they get lopped off. They shipped 24' and 22' would do.
Those tails sure came in handy for a place to step!
That bottom board is for working off of.
The porch rafters tail up to the top of the log and also sandwich to the end of the joists.
I suspect they get 24' for most every kit.

Helping with a log cabin build

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