Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
I have visited thousands of hewn-log cabins and
have found no evidence, from a hewer's experience,
that any of them were so shaped. It's the sort of thing
that may have been speculated upon, because we
know that logs were rolled up skids at log-raisings and
maybe we assume they were still round at this point.
To get logs in place, I've used skids, I've rolled them,
but usually I've slid them up; in every case they were
hewn sensibly, on the ground.
Of course, it would have been possible, with com-
plicated scaffolding to stand on and a wanton dis-
regard for digital extremities, but it would also have
been somewhat self-defeating given the added weight
and difficulty of notching, and so on. No, except for
rare freaks, round-log cabins stayed round, and hewn
ones were shaped on or near the earth's surface.
seems faster and simpler to cut all the logs full length
and then chainsaw out the openings, it's not. I've done
houses that way, and the pioneers always did (
sans
chain saw), but there are good reasons not to do it that
way when you're building.
First of all, you'll need very few full-length logs —
just enough to bind it all together. And it's easier to
handle short ones. Long, straight logs will be at a pre-
mium, no matter where you are, and meandering tree
trunks will afford lots of three-foot and four-foot
lengths, perfectly usable. Also, full-length logs must
be notched exactly on both ends so the log won't teeter,
and this takes several tries. A segment, from a corner
to a window, can be a fraction off without threatening
the structure, and no one will be able to tell.
So save time, cut to length, and hew just what you
need. A 19-foot 4-inch log, with a 3-foot door and
2-foot window cut-out, becomes 3 short lengths,
maybe 6 feet 2 inches, 4 feet, and 4 feet 2 inches. And
the notching can be faster and a bit less demanding
than on the necessary full-length logs. The full-length
ones can also weigh as much as 600 pounds after hew-
ing, green, so handle as few as possible.
To keep the loose ends of short logs in line, you can
block the spaces between logs with 2≈4 end pieces or
scraps to maintain a level. Spike a scab board up on
the outside or inside surface of the log, temporarily,
near where door and window facings will go. These
vertical boards come off later, so they can also be scrap.
Log Lengths
When figuring log length in the woods, start with your
outside dimensions, and allow about two inches more
at each end to extend past the notch. Most early hewn-
log houses had the log ends trimmed flush, and you
may want to do this later, but allow the extra length
for an error margin. So an 18-foot inside dimension
requires at least a 19-foot-4-inch log, allowing for a
6-inch wall thickness. Before you begin, figure the
number and placement of windows, doors, and fire-
places, so you can use short log lengths. Although it
FAR LEFT
Cautious use of a chain saw makes
quick work out of notching a tough oak log. My
brother John is a master with this sometimes
dangerous tool. Hand tools offer more time for
control. Safety goggles are a good idea in any
construction project.
LEFT
Setting a half-dovetailed notch into place.
