School of Log Home Building
SHORT COURSE — “An Introduction to Log Building Skills” with Robert Chambers
Located in New Richmond, Wisconsin
The objective of the School of Log Building is…
…to introduce students to the step-by-step basics of building a full-scribe handcrafted log home.
Upon completion of this initial class, students will…
…have learned how to select, scribe and cut logs for a small log home.
The project will be a 20’x20’ cabin
Classes will be a combination of hands-on work and classroom time.
(12 student maximum)
Students will need to arrange their own lodging and lunches for the course.
The class time will from 9am – 4:30pm with a 30-to-45-minute lunch break.
Overview of 7 Day Course
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Chainsaw maintenance, sharpening, operation and safety
Students will learn techniques for proper sharpening as well as recommended maintenance. There will be some practice logs ready for some cutting and safety demonstrations.
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Foundation basic types and procedures
There will be classroom time with diagrams and discussion about the different options for foundations
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Log peeling with a draw knife
Each student will get the opportunity to use a drawknife to remove the bark.
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Log flattening and slabbing
Students will learn how to lay out a log for flattening using a level and chalk line.
We will spend time on cutting and brushing techniques to produce a smooth and flat surface
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Log selection
There will be a discussion on how to organize the logs to be used as well as what logs to choose based on size and straightness during the construction process.
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Scribing, cutting, notching, and fitting procedures
This part will be the bulk of the course. Over a few days students will select logs from the pile and learn to properly align, rough notch, scribe and final fit the building logs.
There will be demonstrations on different notching techniques such as lock notching, saddle notching and square notching.
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Marking and cutting openings for windows and doors.
Students will learn how to properly layout window and door opening allowing for framing and settling space. Also, the proper way to trim out the opening to allow for settling.
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Final day celebration
On the final day of class, we will finish things up with a grill out starting around noon. All the beverages and food will be provided by the host.
During the process of the course there will be many opportunities for question answering and discussions on a variety of topics.
We will make time to discuss preservatives and coatings for the logs as well as good design practices and layouts for log home plans along with many other things pertaining to building a log home.
List of what students will need to bring
Most tools can be purchased through Schroeder Log Home Supply website) (bring a toolbox or pail with a tool bucket insert.
LOG BUILDING TOOLS
1) Draw knife – Barr or Timber Tool drawknives are recommended (9” or bigger)
2) (Optional) Chisel – mortise or framing chisel (1”, 1 ½” or 2”)
3) Mallet
4) Scriber – There are a few different options on Schroeder Log Home Supply, but we recommend the Robert Chambers scriber.
5) (Optional) Log cleats (two sets)
6) 4 or 5-inch angle grinder with separate rubber/plastic sanding backer and #24 or #36 grit discs
7) Chainsaw and accompanying tools: scrench (screwdriver-wrench combo), files. Saw should have 16” or 18” bar with .325 pitch. For log building the chain should be chipper or semi-chisel with rounded profile and should be an official, green-linked safety chain. Stihl, Jonsereds, and Husqvarna brands are recommended. Arborist saws are not useful for log construction. The recommended saw for this course and your future log building – in terms of reliability, safety, noise, vibration reduction, parts/service availability, general usefulness and long life – is the Stihl MS261, which is a medium sized professional-level saw.
8) 2 gallons of mixed gas for the chainsaw and 1 gallon of bar and chain oil
9) (Optional) Peavey with a 4 or 5 foot handle
10) Utility knife
11) Tape measure (25 -50 foot)
12) Chalk line with black or blue chalk
13) 2’ level
14) Lumber crayons and pencils
15) Prybar
16) 100’ extension cord
SAFETY GEAR
1) Hard hat with face shield
2) Hearing protection (usually the hardhat will have ear muffs built in)
3) Safety glasses
4) First aid kit
5) Leather gloves
6) Chainsaw protective chaps
7) Steel toed boots
JOBSITE SAFETY
1) The site will be kept clean throughout the day. This is an ongoing process, and everyone will help to avoid tripping hazards
2) Maintain a 12’ distance from anyone running a chainsaw
3) Never startle anyone running a chainsaw. If you need to get their attention do so from the front by waving your arms or yelling from a distance.
4) Always think twice about everything you do and let others know what you are doing.
5) Do not drop start your chainsaw. The safe way to start a saw is by setting it on the ground and securing with your foot before pulling the string.
6). Keep your gloves on at all times when handling a saw or sharpening tools.
7) No running
8) The instructor will be the only one allowed to run the lifting equipment.
9). No dogs allowed
10). Make sure your personal items are labeled and stowed properly
11). If you feel that something you are doing is awkward or unsafe stop what you are doing and let the instructor know about it.
7 days of instruction - September 23-29, 2023
At Backwoods Log Homes - New Richmond, Wisconsin (45 minutes east of St. Paul, Minnesota)
This course focuses on learning hands-on construction skills like scribing and fitting logs to the walls of a log cabin shell. You will be scribing, peeling logs, ripping and flattening logs, cutting notches and long grooves, and more.
This is a short-course version of the longer courses Robert Chambers teaches. You will learn the essential skills in this introductory course. However, you will not learn everything you need to know in only 7 days. With additional reading and practice (on your own), your skills can grow to the point where you can build a small log cabin.
Note that this course will happen if a minimum of 7 people to register and pay.
You will receive a refund from Backwoods Log Homes if the minimum of 7 students is not reached.
Tuition is $1997 (USD)
Maximum number of students is 12. This course might sell out. Payment is required to hold your space.
This will be the ONLY course Robert Chambers offers in the USA in 2022.
For more information or to register, call Aaron at 612-508-3048 or email backwoodsloghomes@yahoo.com
Pay Tuition Online or via Venmo
To pay via personal check, please contact us here
@Backwoodsloghomes
