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Course Content:

• Site preparation, squaring up and leveling piers and other foundations.

• Power saw maintenance, cleaning and sharpening.

• A thorough acquaintance with all hand tools used on the course, including sharpening techniques.

• Peeling bark with drawknives, shovels and spuds.

• Experience in scribing round logs with double-level log scribers.

• Removal of lateral grooves and notches for a clean, "chinkless" fit, using adze, axe, chainsaw, chisels and handlebar gouges.

• Preparing for and installing door/window with regard to log settling and other factors.

• Square-notching tie beams and second floor structure - ways to get what you need from the upstairs.

• Construction of a roof truss and how it is attached to plates, purlins, ridgelog; discussion of other roof systems.

• Demonstration or use of log lifting systems which can be used by individuals: parbuckling with a rope and skids, skylining between trees.

• Lecture on log building history and techniques.

• Clarification of wood characteristics; use of scaling sticks and other forestry tools in understanding timber volumes.

• Lecture on preservatives and coatings, with emphasis on human health haz ards versus wood preservative benefits.

• Flattening (slabbing) with chainsaw, correct chalklining, cutting, brushing, and guidebar-top-planing for a perfect surface.

• Proper use of American and Swedish broadaxes for hewing logs.

• Lecture on house plan drafting and scale model construction. 

• Tree research presentation by each student.