Comprehensive Log Building Course Handcrafting a Log Shell - Start to Finish
Course Duration:3 weeks - 120 hours
Course Class Times:Monday - Friday (Weekends Off)
Hours per Day:8am - 5pm each day with two half-hour breaks at 11am and 2pm
This course is hands on and students will get as much out of it as they put into it. Students will be working chainsaws and log building tools for the majority of each class day. The hands-on practical nature of this course requires students to engage in heavy physical work, outdoors in seasonal weather conditions. It is demanding and physically draining work. Students will learn to peel logs, scribe and fit naturally shaped logs to each other; how to safely use all tools and equipment used in the handcrafting of the class log shell project. Students will have practice logs to train on until a satisfactory level of skill is achieved in fitting the practice pieces. After reaching the required skill level, the student(s) will work on logs for placement on the class cabin project. The diamond corner notch will be taught during this course. Students will also be introduced to understanding and reading a plan, and how to select the logs for placement on the log structure.
Course Components What You'll Learn
safe chainsaw and tool handling
sharpening and maintaining chainsaws and tools
log selection and placement
correct peeling of logs with draw knife
layout and building of temporary foundation blocks
slabbing logs with chainsaw
placement of bottom round
scribing logs for rough notches and final scribe
spacing for window and door openings
cutting notches and lateral grooves
insulating logs
laying out and cutting header logs
laying out and cutting window and door openings
placing a beam for the loft floor
placing and notching in the floor joists
placing and layout of pitch logs
layout and building the ridge pole and posts
understand settling and interior frame wall install
understand how to predrill and notch electrical boxes
understand how to anchor and tie log home to foundation and to itself
introduction to reading plans
selecting logs for placement on the structure
Student Tools & Equipment What You Need to Bring & What We Provide
You Need to Bring
Toolbelt
Chalkline (red or blue)
Exacto knife
Torpedo level
1” chisel
Hammer for chipping out wood pieces (claw should not be too bent, Beat uses an estwing 22oz).
Small speed square
Chainsaw pants or chaps
Steel toe boots
Safety glasses
Work gloves
Rain gear
Clothes for any kind of weather
Measuring Tape
We Provide
Hard hat with earmuffs
Log home building tools, including
Scribes
Slicks
Saws
Grinders
Draw knives
PV
Squares
Levels
unBEATable School of Log Construction T-shirt
Of these tools, some will be available for students to purchase, including scribes, slicks, drawknives, and chainsaws. We will be able to provide tools in the event a student is unable to transport or supply what is required. We are currently looking into tool packages available for overseas students.