NEWS

November December 2007 | January 2008 Number 65

Agreement Number 40707514
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35th AGM and
ILBA Conference 2008
Grouse Mountain Resort
Whitefish, Montana
April 3 - 6th, 2008
(Main Conference)
How I Spent My Summer Vacation
By Ed Shure
This past June, my daughter Alena and I
spent a month in Szechuan Province in
the eastern Himalayan foothills of China.
After a brief sightseeing tour of Beijing,
we spent a few weeks at a resort for
retired Communist party officials (but
thats a different story).
After this, we stayed at the 800-year-
old Fuhu Si (Vanquished Tiger)
monastery. The temple complex lies at
the base of Mt. Emei, the most sacred
Buddhist mountain in China, and is
home to what are some of the most
amazing log post and beam structures
anywhere. The buildings underwent a
major redesign in the 1600s, were reno-
vated in the early 50s, and again the
70s. Some of the original work was quite
complex, and the trees were exceptional,
but the newer stuff showed some real
inventiveness with an obviously dimin-
ished resource.
Friends had told us that there was a
beautiful monastery at Mount Emeis
peak. The area is a UNESCO World
Heritage site, and is one of the wildest
places left in China. We only ran into a
few rather aggressive monkeys, but were
told that the mountain is still home to
pandas, black bears and big cats.
We were disappointed to discover that
as part of modernization going on all
over China, the old buildings had recent-
ly been razed and replaced with carbon
steel facsimiles. We went looking for a
guest house to spend the night, and
stumbled upon a group of overworked,
underpaid, cold, wet workers building a
new post and beam structure.
Among the familiar tools and tech-
niques there were a few gems: Check out
the sawhorses easy to carry, incredibly
stable in pairs, and judging by the way
the crew appeared to be going at it, I
imagine youd lose your job if it took
more than a few minutes to throw one
together.
The afternoon we arrived, posts were
being stood up, purlins were being hand-
Temple at Fuhu
Si, China.
PHOTO ED SHURE
continued page 2
Inside This Issue
ILBA 35th Annual AGM,
Conference and Trade
Show pages 3,4,5,6,8
Log Builder Gamespage 4
Handmade for the
Generations page 4
Whitefish Bus Tour page 4
Handmade for the
Generations Sponsorship
Opportunities page 5
How to Get to Conference
page 6
Renowned carver Mike
McVay returns to teach a
Pre-Conference course
page 8
Major sponsor returns and
offers a free pre-conference
course page 8
TechTalk page 7
Fein Tools SuperCut
page 10
ILBA Memorial Scholarship
Fund Initiated in 2008
page 11
Code of Ethicspage 12
Philip Baker In Memoriam
page 13
Thoughts on Building
Upside Down page 14
Silver Park Design
Competition page 17
What I Did on My Winter
Vacation page 18
Classified Ads pages 20,
22, 24
Great Lakes Log Crafters
Association page 25
Advertisers in This Issue
page 27
2 LogBuildingNews November December 2007 | January 2008
LogBuildingNews
November December 2007 | January 2008
Issue #65
Published four times a year
2007 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
Cathy Hansen, Executive Director
cathy@logassociation.org
Ann Miks, Administrative Assistant
ann@logassociation.org
Log Building News Editor
Robert Chambers
robert@logbuilding.org
Contributors to this issue:
Ed Shure
ed@timmerhusinc.com
Martin Slager
info@jdvloghomes.com
Robert W. Chambers
robert@LogBuilding.org
Graeme Mould
graeme@NaturalLogHomes.co.nz
Patti LeFrancois
plefran@shaw.ca
John Nininger
john@woodenhousecompany.com
Mission Statement
This association is a non-prot
organization comprised of log crafters and
afliated 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.
carried up the mountain, getting hand
hewn nailing surfaces, and going up in
the air. At 10 or 11 that evening they
were still hard at work fitting and peg-
ging By the following afternoon the roof
structure was nearly complete.
I kept looking for the scribers, but
never found em. Turns out that theres a
tool that is unique to China that allows
two logs to be perfectly fit together with-
out scribing. In fact the pieces dont even
need to be in the same room. The tool is
like those pin-profile contour gauges used
to use to fit baseboards. The carpenter
places cross-hairs on the log to be pro-
filed, and then attaches a sort of clamp-
ing frame over the joint area, and in
plane with his cross-hairs.
The other part of the tool is a really just
a pile of sticks which are numbered, set
on clamping frame and marked for
depth. The carpenter then carries the
sticks over to the other log, resets the
frame, and transfers the marks. Scribe
lines were back-cut a bit, then the mor-
tise and tenon joints were pulled togeth-
er and secured with square pegs that
actually had a bow in them to provide a
bit of drawboring. The results were stun-
ning.
On the ride back to town, we took a
little detour and found that everybody in
the area seems to love log post and
beam buildings even if theyre fake!
New concrete buildings with round cor-
ners were going up everywhere, and
theres a brisk trade in log faux finishing.
Log and timber work in China is a popu-
lar topic. Interestingly, it is one of the
least studied of the worlds great architec-
tural traditions.
Simple. strong, fast log sawhorses. PHOTO ED SHURE
Working at night, under lights, this
carpenter uses a pull-plane. Wages are
50 cents per hour. PHOTO ED SHURE
Number 65 LogBuildingNews 3
Green now comes in 72 colours.
E NV I R O S TA I N

1-877-SANSIN-1 www.sansin.com
Its true that we feature a stunning array of 72 colours. Its also true that our stains are eco-friendly. But what Sansin Enviro Stains are best
known for is protecting wood really, really well. For over 20 years, weve proven that going green and performance go hand in hand.
Handmade is how we build, and Passing the Craft onto the
Next Generation is the theme of our conference.
Conference 2008 is shaping up to be better than ever.
Workshops and seminars are being planned to cover log build-
ing engineering; timber frame techniques; pricing programs;
training employees; chainsaw and other tool maintenance and
sharpening; restoration techniques; log grading; handcrafting
techniques using traditional tools; chainsaw carving; and many
more areas that are sure to see you leave conference with new
skills and renewed enthusiasm for the craft that we are all pas-
sionate about.
Pre-conference courses include:
combined beginner and advanced 3-day chainsaw carving
course with Mike McVay
hsbCAD North America 1 day user meeting and seminar
covering both the basics of the program and introducing new
features as well as troubleshooting questions and answers.
Timber Frame Layout Techniques with Oliver Tritten
In addition to a full slate of information packed seminars, we
are planning a bus tour of log building projects in the Whitefish
area. The bus tour will wind up our conference, so plan to stay
the entire weekend.
The Littler boys will once again organize the Log Builder Games
so start practicing and show these young builders what running
the tools is all about. And of course, the ever popular Tech Talk
with John Boys will bring you the latest in tools and tricks.
CONFERENCE 2 0 0 8
International Log Builders Association
35th Annual AGM, Conference & Trade Show
April 3 to 6, 2008 Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish, Montana
4 LogBuildingNews November December 2007 | January 2008
CONFERENCE 2 0 0 8
Handmade for the Generations
Passing on the Art of Handcrafted Log Homes to the
Next Generation
Conference 2008 Get Ready to Brag Showcase Slideshow
This is a great opportunity to share and showcase your work with members. Send
your CD of photos (max 15 photos) to Patti LeFrancois, 2021 High Schylea Drive,
Kamloops, BC V2E 1L4, Canada. You can also e-mail Patti with your digital files: ple-
fran@shaw.ca. Small projects are welcome, we want to see a variety. We will have all
your photos organized into PowerPoint presentation, all you have to do is be there.
Let Patti know your plans: 250-374-3557 or toll-free 1-866-374-3557
Project Expo
The Project Expo is an opportunity for our geographically 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 is given to the proj-
ect receiving the most votes. Renovation bringing old log to new are also wel-
comed.
Entries are usually presented through display boards, but other methodssuch 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 proj-
ect location. Additional text is at your discretion. Let us know if you plan to enter
Project Expo 2008.
CONFERENCE 2 0 0 8
Log Builder
Games
Once again, the ILBA will be hosting Log
Builder Games at conference, so practice up
those skills and get ready to compete.
Events include:
Notching
Log Slabbing
Axe Throw Mens and Womens
Full Scribe
Check out the ILBA website for the rules
and join the games to show your fellow
builders how it is done.
CONFERENCE 2 0 0 8
Whitefish
Bus Tour
To wrap up conference this year, Pat
Clark will lead us on a tour of local log
building projects. This tour will depart
Grouse Mountain Lodge on Sunday
April 6, 2008 at 10:00 am and return
to the hotel by 2:00 pm. Be sure to
plan your travel to include time to join
our tour.
Logworks Helper
A pricing program specially written for fast and accurate
takeoffs and quotes of log home shells.
Developed by Dai Ona with help from John Boys. You can customize
Logworks Helper for the pricing methods and preferences you currently
use. NOTE: you must own a copy of Microsoft Excel

to run Logworks
Helper.
Contact Ann at the ILBA ofce for sales and enquiries.
Only CDN $500.
Start getting ready for the
35th AGM &
ILBA Conference
2008
Grouse Mountain Resort
Whitefish, Montana
April 3 - 6th, 2008
(Main Conference)
Dovetails in LBN 66
Number 65 LogBuildingNews 5
Handmade for the Generations
Sponsorship Opportunities
Where can you meet the best Log Builders from around the
world? At the 2008 ILBA AGM and Conference April 3, 2008 to
April 6, 2008.
This 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. There
are increased sponsorship opportunities, increased levels of
sponsorship and new ways to showcase your products, if you
can attend only one conference trade show in 2008, then 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 for all Sponsors;
and increased time to network with delegates 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
2008 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 ple-
fran@shaw.ca .
6 LogBuildingNews November December 2007 | January 2008
CONFERENCE 2 0 0 8
How to Get to
Conference
ILBA 35th Annual AGM, Conference and Trade Show
April 3 to 6, 2008
Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish Montana
Flying
Book your flights to arrive at Glacier Park International Airport, locat-
ed near Kalispell, Montana where our host hotel, the Grouse
Mountain Lodge, has a free shuttle to pick you up and bring you to
the Lodge.
Airlines flying daily into Glacier Park International Airport are
Delta/SkyWest from Salt Lake City; Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines)
through Seattle; Northwest Airlines from Minneapolis/St Paul, and
United Airlines/SkyWest through Denver, and weekend service
through Chicago.
Take the train
Whitefish is a major stop for Amtrak. You would arrive on the
Empire Builder from Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, and Chicago.
Once in Whitefish, a complimentary shuttle service from Grouse
Mountain Lodge will bring you to conference.
While in Whitesh
There are many sights and activities for your spouses that choose
not to attend the conference seminars. Downtown Whitefish offers
blocks of unique gift stores and displays sure to
delight.
Grouse Mountain Lodge has in-room massage
service, indoor pool and outdoor spas.
For the nordic skier, the lodge is located right
next door to the scenic Whitefish Lake Golf Club
which is transformed in winter to a 10km cross
country skiing course of well-groomed track. In the
evening, skiers can enjoy 3.8 km of the course in
the warm glow cast by hundreds of 10-watt bulbs
For the downhill skier in your group, Big
Mountain is recognized by Skiing Magazine as the
best undiscovered resort in North America and it
will be open, so while the log builder in your family
is attending pre-conference courses and seminars,
the non-builder can take in Big Mountain for a
breathtaking day of blue skies and fantastic spring
skiing.
Number 65 LogBuildingNews 7
Shade Cloth
By Graeme Mould
With a large inventory of peeled logs on hand, it is
a problem if they turn gray and have to be peeled
again to be used. Wood turns gray over time if it is
subjected to BOTH water and sun. Eliminate either
sun or rain, and graying slows down dramatically.
Shade cloth keeps a lot of the ultraviolet off the
logs, and so slows down the graying process. But
the fabric has an open weave that allows air circu-
lation, meaning: little increase in mold or mildew
under it (unlike tarps). Though, obviously, the 90%
shade cloth allows less air circulation than the 40% shade cloth.
Shade cloth is a knitted poly fabric that was developed for
agriculture, and is used extensively by orchards and vineyards. It
is available in rolls about as large as you want (standard rolls are
available from 6-feet wide to 32-feet wide, and 100 feet long).
For us, 20 feet by 50 feet is a handy size, and its weight and
slippery feel makes it easy to deal withit doesnt catch on the
logs, and wind has not been a problem, either. Two things you
can sure of in New Zealand: UV and high winds.
The material comes in a variety of densities, from 30 percent
of sunlight blocked up to 90 percent blocked, ours is 60 per-
cent. It pays to shop around for a best priceInternet search
words are shade cloth, with the quotes. Expect to pay 12 to
25 per square foot (lower prices for large orders). For the best
price, shop at a store whose customers are orchards and farm-
ersthey buy acres of the stuff in a single order.
Shade cloth. PHOTO ROBERT W CHAMBERS
TechTalk
TI PS AND TOOLS
Please
contact
Will Leverett
478-474-9745
8 LogBuildingNews November December 2007 | January 2008
Start getting ready for the
35th AGM & ILBA Conference 2008
Grouse Mountain Resort, Whitefish, Montana
April 3 - 6th, 2008 (Main Conference)
CONFERENCE 2 0 0 8
Renowned carver Mike McVay returns
to teach a Pre-Conference course
Renowned Chainsaw Carver Mike McVay, will once again
be joining us for conference. Mike is offering a combined
beginner to advanced chainsaw carving course. This
hands-on carving session will start Monday March 31,
2008 and run for 3
1
2 days. You will receive technical
instruction and hands on practice carving a variety of proj-
ects including animal heads and fine detailing. Once all
projects are completed in the course, the works of art will
be combined to construct a carved bar and stools which
will be auctioned off on Friday night.
Learn the art of creating patterns, shaping the figures
using chainsaws, add fine details with electric carving tools
and then finish the final carving to create your original
work of art.
Last years participants said, Mike is an excellent instruc-
tor; I couldnt believe how much I learned in his course.
I had a great time, and Mike was excellent walking us through each step of the carving. You will gain new skills and ideas making it
possible for you to offer your customers carved accents for their log packages. We will pool our tools, so there should be no problem
if you cant bring your own.
hsbCAD Major sponsor returns
and offers a free pre-conference
course
Once again hsbCAD North America has generously contributed their premium
software package for our auction. Computer drafting and design doesnt get any
better than this amazing item with a retail value in excess of $18,000. This pack-
age will be auctioned as one lot. This amazing auction donation consists of:
hsbLOG/TIMBER
ADT2007 Full Working Copy
3 Days training at Montreal Training Center
Annual Technical Support
Not sure if this program is for you? Join hsbCAD at Conference on Wednesday
April 2, 2008 for a full day of training. hsbCAD will be holding a one-day, no fee,
user meeting and software training session. At this session you will be introduced
to the capabilities of hsbLOG/TIMBER, given hands on practice with the pro-
gram, and interact with other users of this program.
If you are thinking of taking the leap to Computer Drafting and Design, or
already a user of hsbLOG/TIMBER, you wont want to miss this session.
Number 65 LogBuildingNews 9
hats right. The average 2,200 sq. ft. home has over 5280 feet
of log joint exposed to the elements. Dont take a chance keep-
ing 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 stan-
dard 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 pro-
vides ultimate protection against the elements.
T
Over 1 mile of
Gaps this Wide?
Over 1 mile of
Gaps this Wide?
10300 E. 107th Place Brighton, CO 80601
1-800-767-5656 www. sashco.com
10 LogBuildingNews November December 2007 | January 2008
Fein Tools SuperCut
By Graeme Mould
For those who do finish carpentry on log homes, heres a tool
to try. You know: all those jobs where you sure cant get a circle
saw into the space, where a reciprocating saw is too messy and
cant plunge tip first, where a handsaw is not practical. The Fein
SuperCut is part power chisel, part saw, and because the cutter
is offset down, the barrel (the motor) does not get in the way
in tight spots like cutting a slot in a purlin where it meets
drywall. You can make a flush cut. In fact, plunge and flush
cut through a knot and its easy.
400 watt motor. Fits in one hand. The cutting edges oscillate
from 11,000 to 19,000 times per minute the tools just sorts
of hums and buzzes, you cant see it moving. But you can
plunge a cutter straight into a log without any kickback, and
there isnt much vibration either it cuts smooth and very
quickly.
Prices start around $650 for the tool and case (model FSC
2.0-M), but shop around (at time of writing, Amazon does not
have the cheapest price). German made, Fein also makes our
favorite angle grinders (disk sanders) that are much smaller in
size and weight than other brands, and do the same, or even
more, work check out the 7-inch, 17-amp tiger that weighs
only 5.2 pounds. Makitas closest is 15-amp and weighs TWICE
that much, 10.4 pounds.
Replacement SuperCut blades are pricey ($20 to $35 each)
and come in a large variety of sizes and shapes for wood, met-
als, tile, and more. The Precision E-Cut saw blades have a tooth
like Japanese handsaws. The SuperCut will also accept power
rasps, circular saw blades, diamond cutters, and triangular sand-
ing pads for tight spots. All the cutters attach to a splined arbor
that allows you to put the cutter at any angle that you want to
the body this really counts in those tight spots like where
drywall ceiling meets ridge log at the peaks on both sides.
View a video of SuperCut in action at
http://www.idealtools.com.au/category3866_1.htm
SuperCut and close-up of
E-cut universal blade.
Number 65 LogBuildingNews 11
Start getting ready for the
35th AGM &
ILBA Conference 2008
Grouse Mountain Resort
Whitefish, Montana
April 3 - 6th, 2008 (Main Conference)
ILBA Memorial
Scholarship Fund
Initiated in 2008
This past year, members of the Board of Directors decided
to establish scholarships in the memories of long-time
members Doug Lukian, Jon Byler, and Danny Byler. These
scholarships will be given out to assist people who cannot
afford ILBA events, but are able to contribute something to
our Association in return.
For the upcoming conference four randomly chosen
applicants will have their registration fees reduced to a
mere $125. Scholarships are open to all who apply.
Winners are expected to contribute four hours of volunteer
time during the conference.
In addition to their $125 contribution towards registra-
tion fees, each winner will be responsible for their own
travel and lodging expenses.
If you would like to apply, you must submit your
Scholarship Application Form for consideration by February
15th, 2008. Please fill out the application carefully.
Incomplete applications may be returned or not consid-
ered.
Submit your application (in an email as a Word or PDF
attachment) to ann@logassociation.org or by mail to ILBA,
PO Box 775, Lumby, BC V0E 2G0 or by fax to
1-250-547-8775.
Acknowledgment of receipt of your application and noti-
fication concerning the award of the scholarship will be
made on March 1st, 2008 by email ONLY to the email
address provided on your application. If you do not have
email or wish to be contacted in another way or at anoth-
er email address, clearly indicate this on your application. If
you do not receive acknowledgment of receipt of your
application within one week of submission, please call the
ILBA office to confirm receipt.
Thanks for your interest in the ILBAs Memorial
Scholarship Fund.
12 LogBuildingNews November December 2007 | January 2008
As you know, this past year we instituted some changes to our
Bylaws and Constitution. Included in these changes is the intro-
duction of a Code of Ethics, which all ILBA members must
pledge to adhere to when joining or renewing their member-
ship. Here are the highlights of those changes:
For the Association:
Weve made it clear that our primary purpose is education, and
that the Association will not become involved in disputes that
are between Members and their employees, their subcontrac-
tors, their suppliers, or their customers.
For Our Board of Directors:
The new Ethics rules inform Directors that they may use their
title as part of a biographical statement only, and may not use
their position on our Board to
attempt to obtain log building
business or to attempt to gain an
advantage over another Member.
Directors must excuse themselves
from voting on any resolution for
which they have a personal finan-
cial stake in the outcome.
For ILBA Members:
The changes are meant to describe in practical terms how we
are to treat our clients and each other. In addition to being law-
abiding citizens (well, at least we need to abide by the laws that
govern our professional affairs), basically in signing our ILBA
Ethics Pledge we agree to:
Serve our clients in a competent and professional manner;
Not obtain business by making false or reckless statements
about our competitors;
Not damage the reputation of the Association, its staff, or
directors;
Respect each others rights and refrain from making unsolicit-
ed disparaging comments about other members.
When we are asked about the work or product of another
member, we also agree to offer our opin-
ion in an objective, professional manner,
uninfluenced by any personal motivation
or potential advantage or gain.
Thats about it, not too tough to adhere
to, and anyways, would you really want
to belong to a group where we didnt
treat each other this way?
Code of Ethics
By Ed Shure, President
Number 65 LogBuildingNews 13
Philip Baker
February 11, 1972 July 22, 2007
Philip Baker, of
Enderby, British
Columbia, who was
founder and owner of
Accent Timber Works
was killed in a tragic
windstorm accident in
July, 2007. Following
his death, Phils wife,
Jocelyne, and the
company staff made
the decision to contin-
ue operating, and
carry on the dream
Phil that began in
2005.
Phil was a generous and outgoing individual who had learned
the delicate balance of work and play. He was a family man who
loved nothing more than to spend time with his wife and four
children, be it camping at some remote recreation site or just
kicking a soccer ball around in the backyard. But he also had a
strong work ethic and during the few years he had been in busi-
ness, he had earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike.
He valued relationships above productivity and could often been
seen visiting with the neighbours at a work site or taking time
out of his busy schedule to help a friend in need.
Though his business prospered, Phil was never very concerned
about the size of his bank account. He took great joy in giving
to others and challenged his friends and family to do the same.
He had hoped to use his construction skills with an organization
like Builders Without Borders to help construct housing for the
homeless in Vancouvers East End or to build orphanages in
Africa.
Phils experience in our industry included working for Top
Notch Log Construction, and Sperlich Log Construction before
starting Accent Timber Works in 2005. He was also a member
of RCITOs Accreditation Committee for the Apprenticeship
Program.
He left a wonderful legacy of love, generosity and integrity
which we at Accent Timber Works will strive to carry on in the
business we conduct on a daily basis. To that end, it is our intent
to donate a portion of the profits of the company to local and
international organizations which are committed to addressing
issues of substance abuse, poverty, and HIV-AIDS.
14 LogBuildingNews November December 2007 | January 2008
Thoughts on Building Upside Down
By Robert W. Chambers
John Nininger wrote to tell me he has been working on, ahem,
a challenging projecta hybrid log wall with log post and beam
house, which he called the hybrid from hell.
John started this project last winter, and completed it at
Thanksgiving, 2007. His advice: suffice it
to say be wary of artistic architects.
Several of the photos show the log timber
frame portion in Johns Vermont yard
the roof structure and interior support sys-
tem is UPSIDE DOWN. John started at the
ridge and worked up, or down, depend-
ing on how you look at it!
Key to the process was sawing level, full-
length flats on the ridge and purlins that
allowed for easy, and rock-solid, position-
ing on cribbing and jacks above the out-
door building floor in his yard. John has a
level concrete slab on which he snapped
centerlines that were then sprayed with
spar varnish to hold the chalk in place. All
elevations were referenced off of these
sawn flats. After the structure was disas-
sembled, the purlins and ridges were notched to receive 4x12
common rafters. But the sides of these rafter pockets were laid
out while the roof was upside down, by using a long aluminum
4-inch U-channel (which John says is also a great straightedge to
extend a 6-foot level.
John built the log walls separately, and
in fact, they were already installed on the
foundation when he built the roof struc-
ture upside down in his yard. The full-
scribe log walls actually encapsulated a
structural steel frame that was designed
to take the entire roof load and thereby
eliminate settling of the roof system. A
mechanical system of spring-loaded ten-
sion bolts applies downward pressure to
the top of the wall logs to replace the
roof load that normally would be there to
help keep log fits tight. Needless to say
this job was a learning experience.
John writes: The valley notches at the
log walls were not very impressive. It was
continued page 16
Number 65 LogBuildingNews 15
FAR LEFT Pre-construction,
upside down, ridge and
purlin and posts with
scribed joinery. Note
cribbing and
screwjackstop surfaces
of log beams were pre-
sawn flat and level.
LEFT Assembled frame, on
foundation, looking
straight up
PHOTOS BY JOHN NININGER
difficult because we had to take into account that the log walls
would settle away from the valley rafters which are supported
and attached to the steel frame embedded in the log walls, and
so are non-settling. Copper flashing will be used to trim out and
conceal the steel and hide the resulting gap after settling.
The entire house was modeled by Ed Levin using AutoDesk
and all the timber work was detailed and pre-cut in my shop
except for the interfaces between the log walls and the timber
rafters. These joints were cut on site during assembly by setting
the rafters on blocking and scribing them downa tedious
process.
I have seen a few other upside down roof systems from time
to time, and I even thought about building a large dry dock
system that would be two, strong, heavy, flat surfaces
set up like a huge letter V. There would be a hinge
at the ground to allow for adjusting each surface to
any roof pitch, and braces down to the ground would
easily hold them in place. Log ridge, rafters, and
purlins (with actual roof pitches already cut on them)
would then be set with their flat sawn surfaces down,
resting on the flat planes, and temporarily anchored in
place. Rafters and any other log beams would be
scribed down at the intersections. Simple.
The way most log roof systems with scribed notches
are built (right-side up, and usually on top of the log
walls) there is the challenge of getting all the roof
pitch cuts on logs to plane out by using careful and
sometimes difficult positioning, a variety of scribe
settings (if we scribe this end down 9 inches and the
other end 3
1
2 inches, and the middle notch by 4
15
16,
then it should become level, right?), stretching string-
lines (blocked up, of course, to stay out of the way),
holding digital levels on stringlines, making difficult
height measurements, etc. The traditional way to build scribed
roof systems aint exactly easy.
But with an upside down, dry-dock system, all the roof pitch-
es on logs would automatically start in plane. If the dry-dock
planes were made of a steel lattice (not a plywood deck), then
holding purlins, rafters and beams in place would be easy
(ratchet straps), dormer ridges and other out of plane logs could
extend through gaps in the lattice, and scaffolding would be a
breezeplanks could hook onto the steel frame anywhere, and
the lattice itself would be a ladder you could climb anywhere
you want.
Not a jig for the small builder, certainly, but for a production
yard, it might be worth considering.
16 LogBuildingNews November December 2007 | January 2008
LEFT Log post and beam roof,
upside down, on concrete slab
in Niningers yardroof being
built.
RIGHT Finished frame, assembled
rightside up on foundation.
PHOTOS JOHN NININGER
ABOVE Roof beams and posts upside down in the yard. PHOTO JOHN NININGER
Number 65 LogBuildingNews 17
Order Now
fromILBA!
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ABOVE Drawings for Stahleckers
winning design that uses logs.
The Timber Framers Guild is delighted to announce the winners
of the SiIver Park Design Competition. In alphabetical order
Jeremy Bonin, Joseph Scarpa with Benjamin Nia, and Jeffrey
Stahlecker.
Our Goal
Our goal is to cut and raise these fine structures early in 2008 in
Missoula, Montana. At least one frame is targeted for cutting as
the core of a pre-conference workshop at the Annual General
Meeting of the International Log Builders Association (ILBA)
which will be in Whitefish, Montana, April 12, 2008.
The others will be cut and erected during a fairly short TFG-
sponsored workshop in Missoula, Montana at Ogren Park (adja-
cent to Silver Park). The dates of that event had not been deter-
mined by press time. Send expressions of interest to proj-
ects@tfguild.org, and keep your eye on www.tfguild.org.
Thanks to our Sponsors
Generous cash prizes and underwriting support were
provided by:
Apex Engineering Services Inc. http://www.apexengs.com
Beaudette Consulting Engineers http://www.bceweb.com
Fearless Engineers, PLLC http://www.fearlessengineers.com
all of Missoula, Montana.
Thanks to our Jury
Ellen Buchanan
Michael Riebeek
Karrie Montgomery
Katherine Hillebrand
John Paoli
Mira Jean Steinbrecher
Robbin Obomsawin
Donna Gaukler
Thanks to our Advance Team
Jennifer Anthony, Local Hero
Curtis Milton, TFG
Pat Clark, ILBA
John Mumaw
Silver Park Design Competition
18 LogBuildingNews November December 2007 | January 2008
In 1991 I had the opportunity to build a small log building on
the Caribbean Island of Dominica. A friend convinced me to take
a working vacation, with him paying my expenses while I
spent two months building his Caribbean log cabin.
Dominica is known as the Natural Island with spectacular
mountainous terrain, rugged coastlines, beautiful beaches and
incredible weather. While economically sluggish, its British tradi-
tions and heritage had provided a solid foundation for political
and social stability and citizens who seem to be truly contented.
Hmmm, a decent place to be working in the middle of a cold
Canadian winter.
Our first week on the island was spent adjusting to both the
climate and the culture, all the while scouting the terrain in
preparation of deciding where and how we would begin our
project. We visited potential building sites and logging areas and
had meetings with government officials. The island once sup-
ported a timber industry, but after the accessible logs were har-
vested logging became too expensive. We rented a small part of
a closed sawmill yard for our building site, and we hoped the
owners experience in logging would help us get house logs.
The owner was enthusiastic and very open to us using his facil-
ities. After some very relaxed negotiations for rental fees and
lodging expenses we visited a local bush to cruise for trees.
Then it was off to Roseau, the capital city, for some low-level
meetings with members of the governments cabinet. Following
some very amiable discussions (eg., reassuring them we werent
nutcakes) both a cutting permit and temporary work visa were
granted.
I had our site, logs picked out, the necessary paperwork, and
some people hired to assist me. We decided to use a tree called
Bois Diable. The only practical transport was a 5-ton flatbed with
a 16-foot deck, so it limited log length to a maximum 20-feet.
The logs we were pulling out were not very straight, and any-
thing beyond this length would have been too crooked to use
tree-length, anyway.
In two weeks we had our material back at the mill. Sound too
easy? It wasactually, one of the loggers slipped 20 feet down a
tree trunk that he
had scaled to
attach a rope for
felling; he also
dropped a tree
on a farmers
banana trees;
dropped my run-
ning chainsaw
into a creek (it
survived!); and
the coup de grace, after skidding the logs out of the bush and
loading on the truck, angry farmers blockaded our way, con-
vinced we would renege on our promise to repair the damages
we had made to their road.
Eventually all the logs made it to the yard and we began con-
structing what I am sure was the first scribe fit log building built
in the Caribbean using an indigenous species. Because of the
restricted log lengths I had designed a 20x20 cabin with saddle-
notched corners and vertical posts at the mid-points of each
wallalso known as an exploded log shell. The plate logs were
spliced above
the posts and
cantilevered 5
feet at the back
of the house
and 8 feet at
the front.
The wood
was brutal to
cut and I sharp-
ened my way through 12 chains5 minutes of cutting dulled
the teeth to blunt edges. I was training one Dominican as a fitter
(who learned the skill quickly and proficiently), while several oth-
ers worked as laborers. The roof frame had a main ridge beam
that carried 3 x 8 rafters and there was one outbound log truss
that supported the 8 foot overhang. We decked the roof with
1x10 planks, covered with felt paper for temporary waterproof-
ing. Of course, it took a lot longer than expected, and I was anx-
ious to return to Canada so this is how I left the building.
As usual, construction brought out many curious, and at first
skeptical onlookers who eventually came to genuinely appreciate
the small but unique structure being created. Even a television
crew from the local station came and filmed the action. I also
prepared several estimates of various buildings for different peo-
ple but the price was (surprise, surprise) out of reach.
The building was eventually sold to the Domincan
Government for use as a tourist kiosk at a hot springs called
Petit Soufre (little stinky) because the Canadian owner was
unable to buy a satisfactory piece of land.
What I Did on My Winter Vacation
By Martin Slager
Number 65 LogBuildingNews 19
FAR LEFT Our muddy logs on an even muddier
road.
TOP LEFT One exploded corner.
LEFT Finished structure at Petit Soufre.
THIS PAGE Log shell at sawmill yard; roof deck
goes on; vertical timber joins two exploded
corners of scribe-fit log walls.
PHOTOS MARTIN SLAGER
20 LogBuildingNews November December 2007 | January 2008
FOR S ALE FOR S ALE HELP WANTED
C L A S S I F I E D A D S
LOG BUILDING TOOLS STARRETT &
MACKIE scribers; heavy duty drawknives up to
30"; peeling spuds; chopping & nishing axes;
broadaxes; adzes; GRANSFORS axes; ENGLISH
slicks; ROBERT SORBY, HENRY TAYLOR, FOOT -
PRINT & PHEIL chisels and gouges; JAPANESE
slicks, chisels, saws, ink lines & ex squares; hand-
forged Flarens, shovel gouges, at & 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. FREE 32-page catalogue.
MAGARD VENTURES LTD, 8365 Domagala Road,
Prince George, BC, Canada V2K 5R1
Tel: 250-962-9057 Fax: 250-962-9157
Attn: Maurice Gardy
magardlogtools@telus.net
For Sale Drafting Service Specializing in Log
buildings. Over 200 sets of building drawings.
Call 250-212-3212
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 ofces for sales and enquiries.
CDN $500.
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.
1979 Bantam S688 20 ton Rough
Terrain Crane Very good working condition.
Builders that know Bantam Cranes will tell you
about their ease and simplicity to operate,
maintain and repair compared with Grove,
Linkbelt, P&H etc. as well as availability and lower
cost to parts. Very strong, quick and fuel efcient.
60 feet of hydraulic boom or 80 feet with jib.
Priced very low at $22,500.00 US. Located in
western Illinois USA. Phone toll free: 1-877-932-
3992 or email to: info@moosemountain.com
Great yard crane: 78 Koehring Conventional
Truck Crane, 35 ton, 110 ft boom. Asking 45,000
Contact: Brian Campbell 250-955-2485
Japanese woodworking tools for sale:
Chalk lines, squares, saws in stock. Power tools
and others by special order. Check out the
Tools page on our web site:
www.customloghomesltd.com
Contact Sledge@telus.net or phone Sledge at
Custom Log Homes Ltd. 250-832-3690
LIQUIDATION SALE
***CHAINSAW MITER MILL $400.00 CDN***
Toll free: 866-202-2345 Fax: (905) 690-0476
E-mail: admin@accutechinnovations.com
www.accutechinnovations.com
All Miter Mills must go!
1978 Koehring Conventional Truck
Crane This is a great yard crane. 35 Ton, 110 ft
boom. Diesel engine. Runs well. WCB Certified.
Located in the interior of BC. Asking: $22,000.00
Call toll free for more information: 877-955-2485
or email logcraft@lakecable.ca
HELP WANTED
Motivated individual with construction
experience, graduating top of the class from the
University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Degree in
Construction looking for a position within the log
building industry that will allow me to grow into
a management position. Very determined, self-
motivated, and willing to relocate. Can be
contacted at the following:
Josh Peck, 29003 Long Lake, Danbury, Wisconsin
54830, Phone 715 (259-3220) or email
peckjosh@hotmail.com
Experienced full-scribe log builder
wanted for year round, full-time work. Big White
Pine logs. Good working conditions, minimal
travel, good pay and benets. 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
Log Crafters Wanted Mid-level (3-5 years
experience) to entry level (students from a
course) needed. While dual US & Canadian
citizenship or Class 1 truck drivers license
would be a benet, it is not necessary. Another
option, we will offer to subsidize training costs
of non-experienced dual citizens in our next
log building course. 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 almost 30 years in business.
Earnings dependent on skill and experience
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 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, where do you want to have your future?
To see the caliber of projects Moose Mountain
builds, visit our photo gallery at:
www.moosemountain.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 specied time period is a
denite 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 modications
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
Need Two Log Builders for Permanent Full
Time Work. Required Now.Located in Quebec.
$18 to $28/hr + benets; depend on experience.
Join Us and Enjoy Quality Building and Complex
Roof Structure. Call Jean or Nancy Rodrigue at
819-832-2167 between 6 to 8 pm EST.
Experienced Log Builder Wanted for
permanent full time position. Send resumes with
references to danielalbert@coyoteloghomes.ca or
fax 613-756-6186. See our work at
www.coyoteloghomes.ca
Classieds continue on page 22
Number 65 LogBuildingNews 21
PA DRAFTING & DESIGN
e-mail: PADnD@alltel.net
WAYNE BRUNNER
RIDGWAY, PA. 15853
Tel : 814-772-9184
Custom Log Home Designs
Will travel to your job site
22 years of experience
Support the advertisers who support Log Building News. Its a win-win situation!
Logworks
Helper
A pricing program specially written for
fast and accurate takeoffs and quotes of
log home shells.
Developed by Dai Ona with help from John
Boys.
You can customize Logworks Helper for the
pricing methods and preferences you currently
use. NOTE: you must own a copy of Microsoft
Excel

to run Logworks Helper.

Contact Ann at the ILBA ofce for sales and
enquiries.
Only CDN $500.
22 LogBuildingNews November December 2007 | January 2008
HELP WANTED HELP WANTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
C L A S S I F I E D A D S
Log Builders and Timber Framers
Wanted We need 4 to 5 log home builders
and/or timber framers at our plant in Chilliwack,
BC. We will be busy for the whole next year.
Please contact us via email at cancedar@shaw.ca or
phone 604-836-8315 and ask for Gerhard.
Handcrafted Log & Timber Frame
Builders Edgewood Log Structures, a successful
Handcraft and Timber Frame company in Coeur
dAlene, is looking for both experienced and
apprentice log and timber crafters. Wages are
DOE. Full time positions available immediately.
Please send resum to Edgewood Log Structures,
P.O. Box 1030, Coeur dAlene, ID 83816 or call
(208) 683-3332
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
Handcrafted Log Home Builder wanted:
Full Time position available immediately,
experienced applicants only please. Wage
negotiable, depending on experience. Please
send resume with references to: Whitevalley Log
Homes Ltd., Cherryville, BC Attn: Eric Ph/Fax:
(250) 547-6666 info@whitevalleyloghomes.com
Log Craftsmen Needed for Scott Hay
Handcrafted Log Homes Inc. located near
Flesherton ON. I am looking for an experienced
Log Home Builder with a minimum of 2 years
experience. I am a small company with about 3
full time workers and we build 4 to 6 log shells
a year. Wages are based on your commitment,
ability, and productivity. Contact Scott Hay at
519-924-2797 fax 519-924-3797
scotthay@cablerocket.com
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.
Pristine Log & Timber Ltd., a hand crafted
log and timberframe construction company
located in Lumby, BC is looking for log and
timberframe builders, experience/abilities in both
crafts preferred. Please send resume along with
wage expectations to: Pristine Log & Timber Ltd.,
PO Box 160, 1837 Shuswap Ave., Lumby, BC V0E
2G0. Fax: (250) 547-2400, Email:
info@pristinelogandtimber.com.
Experienced handcrafted log builder
wanted for work in Australia. Excellent
opportunity available for an experienced Log
Crafter, willing to work in Australia for a min of
2 years. The position is to assist in the production
of our Log yard as a leading hand/foreman,
applicant must have min 4 years experience in
the production of Full scribed and Chinked Log
Homes, be able to work unsupervised and have
the ability to supervise and train up to three
apprentices. Applications can be sent via e-mail to
info@greatbearloghomes.com.au
or phone 61-3-57-791-527
Wanted: Log Builders/Timber Framers
Minimum 5 years experience in high-end
handcrafting; Salary DOE. Please contact
timberwize@earthlink.net or phone 970-988-6561
Log/Timber Craftsman Small custom log
and timber building company in Carbondale,
Colorado (30 minutes from Aspen) dedicated to
high quality craftsmanship, is looking for
experienced log/timber craftsman. Must be
willing to learn more and able to work closely
with small crew. Beautiful mountain location with
all the outdoor recreation choices. Please send
email inquiry to
marianne@ackermanlogandtimber.com
Company in Sweden looking for Two
Log Builders Grizzly Constructions is looking
for 2 log builders. Our company works with full
scribe and saddle/notch technique. Experienced
log builder preferred but not required. Start as
soon as possible. We will find you a place to live.
Tools/ equipment not required. Wages
negotiable. Working timeframe: between 4 and
6-month minimum.
Grizzly Constructions
Svanssen 1
68060 Sysslebck, Sweden
Email: info@grizzlylodges.com
Phone: 0046-761334180
Outside sales Full time position with growing
wood door and window manufacturer in Maple
Ridge. Responsibilities: Providing the highest level
of sales and customer service to existing clients,
nurturing new business opportunities, handling
phone and web-based inquiries, providing
quotations, follow-up, researching and
investigating target areas, processing orders and
working with production to profitably grow the
business. Some travel, attending tradeshows,
working with clients after hours or on weekends
and working out of the office is required. Key
Competencies: Previous sales experience in the
door and window industry an asset. Must be self-
motivated, high energy, have a positive attitude,
be team oriented and possess strong selling skills,
as well as oral and written communication skills.
Must have knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook,
and CRM. Willing to train the right person.
Email resume: jobs@legacywindow.ca
Fax: 604.462.9606
Mile High Log Homes is looking for an
experienced handcrafted log builder ASAP. Wages
based on skills and productivity. Tired of the cold?
Come and enjoy working on mild Vancouver
Island. Short term commitment OK.
Contact Darcy Benjamin at 250-218-0929 or
email milehighloghomes@telus.net
Top Notch Logworks Inc. of Gypsum,
Colorado is looking for motivated and fun
individuals for log and timber construction in the
Vail/Aspen areas of Colorado. We are a great
place to work and want people who can think on
their feet. We dont micro-manage, and want you
to take the lead. Salary based on experience. We
really would like to find an experience lead who
can read plans and manage jobs but less
experienced people are okay also. Check us out
on the web or call Paul @ 970-989-0689 cell.
Log Home Builder Needed: Require a full
time log home builder. Experience in both scribe
and post & beam construction preferred but not
necessary. Must be a teamplayer. Wage is
commensurate with experience. Our companys
clients are mainly overseas, Japan and Europe.
We have worked with these clients for over 15
years. They expect a high degree of quality which
is what we expect from our craftsmen. We are
busy all year round (building under a roof and
out of the main weather!).
Sperlich Log Construction Inc
203 Brickyard Rd., Enderby, BC
Tel 250 838 7455 Fax 250 838 7436
Email: sales@canadianloghouse.com
Contact: Peter Sperlich
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Free Trees! The Assistant Chief of the city of
Detroit (State of Michigan) Steven K. Leggat is
looking for an individual or company who would
be interested in taking (for free) about 80,000
trees (and about another 150,000 trees in the
next few years) within the city of Detroit. The city
has maps of the location of the trees. Interested
parties can contact him and he will connect the
parties to the appropriate city ofce. The contact
information is: Steven K. Leggat, Assistant Chief,
City of Detroit, Building & Safety Engineering
Housing Inspection Division, Coleman A. Young
Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite
412, Detroit, Michigan 48226.
Phone: 313-224-3155. Fax: 313-224-2745,
leggats@bsed.ci.detroit.mi.us,
www.ci.detroit.mi.us
New Timber Truss Book available from
The Guild The Timber Framers Guild has just
published one of its nest books and another
invaluable reference for timber framers, designers,
preservationists, architects and engineers. Historic
American Roof Trusses (2006) is a compilation of
six articles which originally appeared in the TFGs
quarterly journal, Timber Framing, plus new
Classieds continue on page 24
Number 65 LogBuildingNews 23
Learn about timber framing
Experience the joy of building
community through craft
Timber Framers Guild
education inspiration
888-453-0879
www.TFGUILD.ORG
Sheep Wool Insulation
For Log Homes
in Rope, Batts or
Loose-Fill
Ph/Fax: 403-845-6705
E-MAIL
stan@goodshepherdwool.com
www.GoodShepherdWool.com
Call STAN for a Free-Sample
Now in Europe, Africa, South America, 37 states & 11 Prov./Terr.
Building Healthy Log Homes Naturally!
Summer Beam Books
specializing in timber framing
and related topics
2299 Rte 488
Clifton Springs, NY 14432
toll free 877-272-1987
315-462-3444
Charlotte Cooper, owner
w
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u
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r
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o
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THE PAT WOLFE LOG BUILDING SCHOOL
30+ years experience teaching 1000s of students
Choose from 1, 4, or 10-week courses
Hands-on learning
Courses in spring & fall
Also available: Pat Wolfe Log Scriber-$70
Celebrating 33 Years
Brian Morrison Tel: 613-256-0631
99 Euphemia Street, Almonte, Ontario, Canada K0A 1A0
Email: bmorrison001@sympatico.ca www.logbuildingschool.net
w
a
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VERNON KAMLOOPS
BRITISH COLUMBIA
tel: 250.372.3373
fax: 250.828.6848
toll free in BC: 1-800-663-6432
mel@waysideprinters.com
PROUD TO SERVE
THE INTERNATIONAL
LOG BUILDERS
ASSOCIATION
LOOKING TO INCREASE
SALES?
We Focus on the Log Home Industry
Public Relations Training Mystery Shopping
Builder/Dealer Development
J. Rouleau & Associates, LLC
860-589-7391
www.jrouleau.com
R.C.M. CAD Design & Drafting Ltd.
Exclusively designing log homes
& Post and Beam since 1994
Bus: (604) 850-6723 Fax: (604) 850-6734
E-mail: rcmcaddesign@shawbiz.ca
Web Page: www.loghomedesign.ca
Check out our Web page to learn about us & our product
Support the advertisers who support Log Building News. Its a win-win situation!
24 LogBuildingNews November December 2007 | January 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENTS & TRAI NI NG
C L A S S I F I E D A D S
material. Primary author Jan Lewandoski covers
the principles of building various trusses,
including scissor trusses, kingpost and queenpost
trusses, and compound and raised bottom chord
trusses, using historic examples. Ed Levin provides
structural analyses for each type, and Jack Sobon
provides detailed drawings. New material
includes an introduction to trusses by noted
timber engineer Dave Fischetti, a treatise on the
evolution of trusses by Jan Lewandoski, and a
comprehensive glossary and bibliography. The
original research for this book was partially
funded by a grant from the National Park Service
and the National Center for Preservation
Technology and Training.
Price: $30 US, plus postage and handling.
92 pages, 9"x12", color, Smythe sewn binding,
ISBN # 0-9706643-4-6
Available from the Timber Framers Guild at
www.tfguild.org, or TFG, PO Box 60, Becket, MA
(USA) 413-623-9926
Brian Lloyd Construction Consulting
Industry Consulting
Building Inspection
Expert Witness
Conflict Resolution
Vernon, BC. Tel/Fax 250-549-3545
email bg_Lloyd@hotmail.com
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 le. It gives you T-1, T-2, B-1 and B-2 for
any set of logs.
EAR.LOG EAR PROTECTION
It was great meeting all of you at the ILBA
Conference! Thank you to all who lent me their
ear to preserve and protect your hearing!
Wearing dBBlockers offers the Smartest Hearing
Protection in the World the only ISO accredited
Lab in North America. Please email for more info:
Anne Erhardt with Custom Protect Ear
aerhardt@protectear.com or www.protectear.com
Ed Shure and Architect Paul Froncek
have teamed up to provide you and your clients
with beautiful designs that begin with a structural
sensibility. Our 23-year professional relationship
enables us to provide site specic design, as well
as coordination with timber craftsmen,
contractors, engineers & building ofcials to
insure a seamless (and mostly painless) process.
We have the experience to create log & timber
designs 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 analysis
For more info contact:
Ed Shure at Timmerhus Inc.
303-449-1336 or ed@timmerhusinc.com
Expert WitnessRobert W. Chambers is
available as an expert witness, consultant, or
inspector for log home disputes or lawsuits.
Please contact Robert at 612-804-2300 or
robert@LogBuilding.org
Brea, California: Louis and Company,
a leading wholesale distributor serving wood-
workers and cabinet manufacturers, announces
the start up of a new division. The new division
named Wrth Construction Specialty Supply
will distribute Wrth branded ASSY Wood Screws
to the Log Home and Timber Frame markets.
Wrth ASSY wood screws are premium case
hardened fasteners with superior bending yield.
This range of wood fasteners is self drilling with
sizes ranging from diameters up to 12mm
( inch equivalent) and lengths up to 1 meter
(39 inches equivalent). The ASSY wood screws
superior patented asymmetrical thread and
improved head styles, provides superior
compression and reduction of required torque
when inserting. The larger sizes open up new
alternatives of joinery for the design and
engineering process of timber framing and log
home design.
Wrth Construction Specialty Supply is
working with the department of wood science at
the University of British Columbia for a project on
self drilling fully threaded wood screws (ASSY
VG). Within this project, the University of British
Columbia will make the self drilling screw, which
is commonly used in European timber structures
as connectors and reinforcement, applicable for
North American timber engineering.
Our team looks forward to meeting attendees
of this great conference and answering your
questions about how these products may
enhance your construction techniques.
New ownership, new instructor, new
outlook The Pat Wolfe Log Building School has
recently transferred ownership. Pat Wolfes former
assistant instructor, Brian Morrison, is now
instructing 1-, 4- and 10-week courses in both
the spring and fall. Maintaining the schools
traditional methods of log home construction,
Brian Morrison brings a new approach to the
quality of homes created and the professional
education delivered. Find out more about Brian
and the Pat Wolfe Log Building School online at
www.logbuildingschool.net.
EVENTS & TRAI NI NG
2008
Timber Frame Business Council
announces a two-day business conference, March
6th & 7th, 2008 in Burlington, VT. This special
conference will focus on business issues for
owners. Twelve speakers have been lined up to
discuss such topics as:
Job Costing & Pricing
Generational Differences
From Contacts to Contracts to Cash
Profit is Not a Four Letter Word
Business Valuation
Financing Your Business and Projects
Exit Strategies
Fundamentals of Construction Loans
Using Technology to Differentiate Your Business
and many more.
Dont miss this great conference. Register early.
For more details and registration information go
to www.timberframe.org
Built by Allan Mackie, and owned by him, Ardea is situated on a 200 acre site. This is
a beautiful place next to provincial parkland, and on a private lake that would make a
fantastic school or conference site. Contact Allan directly in Toronto at 416-538-4758,
416-536-5589, or at Shanty Lake 705-746-0129.
Mackie House for Sale
Number 65 LogBuildingNews 25
Great Lakes Log Crafters Association
25th Anniversary
Two Harbors, Minnesota
By Christopher Clay
Come one, come all to help us
celebrate our 25th Anniversary
at Superior Shores Resort in
Two Harbors, Minnesota. We
are looking for all the old
timers, and friends in sister
associations to join our current Great Lakes members for what promises to be a mem-
orable annual meeting.
This meeting will be light on classroom sessions and heavy on hands-on craft ses-
sions, with ample time for socializing and visiting with vendors. Evening social life will
center around the bonfire on the Lake Superior shore at the resort, May 2 and 3, 2008
Mr. Allan Mackie will be receiving an award and speaking at our Saturday evening
supper. A fundraiser log cabin will be built Monday through Thursday (April 28th to
May1st) prior to the main conference that is both a hands-on building workshop and
opportunity to support the Association. If you want to participate well cover your
room & board.
We scheduled this conference at a time when most builders can attend, and are
making it affordable to all. See our website www.gllca.org for conference registration
information. This will be a grand meeting that celebrates where we started, where
were are now, and our vision for the future. Hope to see you here.
Start getting ready
for the
35th AGM &
ILBA
Conference
2008
Grouse Mountain Resort
Whitefish, Montana
April 3 - 6th, 2008
(Main Conference)
Ann Miks, Administrative Assistant
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
FOR MORE I NFORMATI ON
How to get Log Building News
Log Building News is mailed to all ILBA
members. Articles, photos and letters are
welcomed. The deadline for LBN 66 is
April 10, 2008.
If you submit articles in Microsoft Word

on CD or by email, send them directly to

the ILBA ofce.
Back issues of Log Building News are
available from the Association ofce.
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 ofce 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 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, the
building code for handcrafted, scribe-t &
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
le.
Advertising
Log Building News welcomes advertisers.
Please contact the ILBA ofce for deadlines.
Ad Sizes (in inches):
Half page horizontal 7.5 x 4.625
Half page vertical 3.625 x 9.75
Quarter page 3.625 x 4.625
Business card 3.625 x 2.25
Advertisers can send completed ads as:
PDF: Press optimized (high resolution);
fonts embedded; greyscale
QuarkXpress

or InDesign

(CS2 or lower):
include all fonts and linked graphics;
Mac preferred, but PC acceptable
Adobe PhotoShop

or Illustrator

EPS (CS2
or lower): convert all fonts to outlines
JPEG: 300 dpi; greyscale; high quality
Microsoft Publisher

les must be convert-

ed to a greyscale PDF with fonts embedded.
All non-digital images should be scanned
at 266 or higher and be saved as JPEGs.
Black and white line art should be scanned
at 600 dpi.
Submissions can be made by submitting a
CD or by email. Com pressed .sit, .zip or
.sea les are acceptable.
Editorial copy can be sent as a Microsoft
Word

document, or saved from any word

processing program as RTF or text (.txt).
Log Building News is 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 ofce
at 800-532-2900 for an advertising speci-
cation sheet and ad rates.
Joining the ILBA
Membership 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 certicate, 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
memberships have additional benets. The ILBA
accepts Visa or MasterCard. For more information
on dues and member benets, please call the ILBA
ofce at 800-532-2900.
President
Ed Shure UNTIL 2009
ed@timmerhusinc.com
Vice-President
Pat Clark UNTIL 2007
pclark@aboutmontana.net
Clerk/Secretary
Ron Brodigan UNTIL 2009
courses@schooloogbuilding.com
Treasurer
John Boys (Finance*, Ethics) UNTIL 2008
logworks@uniserve.com
Directors
Rick Hall (Ethics*) UNTIL 2009
rickhall@conveyists.com
Earl Laverty
earl@lavertyloghomes.com
Kevin Maynard
kevin@openhearth.us
David Rogers
logdoctor@aol.com
Volunteer
Daniel Wait
dan@fbiloghomes.com
ILBA Board of Directors
(Committees in parentheses; * indicates chair)
I N OUR NEXT I S S UE
26 LogBuildingNews November December 2007 | January 2008
Coming up in Log Building News 66
Reports from our Whitesh Conference
Makita Groove Cutter
Pat Wolfe Retires
Dovetails
More Tech Talk
(contribute your ideas and photos today)
SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES TODAY WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Number 65 LogBuildingNews 27
An informative book on jigs and work methods specic 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
A Boys Big Book of Jigs
A Log Builders Reference to Jigs, Tools and Techniques
To order, contact the ILBA ofce at 1-800-532-2900 or
250-547-8776 or email info@logassociation.org
JIG BOOK
- - - -
On sale NOW!
Advertisers in This Issue
Altitude Engineering LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
BC Log & Timber Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
CBR Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Cowls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Dietrichs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Emseal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Foard Insulated Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Gearhead Scribers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14/15
Good Shepherd Wool Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . 23
GRK Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
J. Rouleau & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Lignomat USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Log Home Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Nicola Log Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
P.A. Drafting & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Pat Wolfe Log Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Perma-Chink Systems Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Pfanner Tough Gear Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Precision Structural Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . 21
RCM Cad Design & Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
RSM Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Sashco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Schroeder Log Home Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Streamline Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Summer Beam Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
TF Sawmill Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Continental Products Company . . . . . . 6/19
The Sansin Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Timber Framers Guild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Timmerhus Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Wayside Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Wurth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7