Course InformationComprehensive Log Building Course

Learn About the Roof Systems Course

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.

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