Download - Log Building News Issue No 58
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NEWSJanuary | February | March 2006 Number 58
reement Number 40707514
Log Builders Meccaby Ingrid BoysLe Chateau Montebellowhy
does it hold such significance for
log builders? Perhaps it has
become a kind of reference point
to handcrafters and here we are
reminded of the essentials of our
trade pared down and stripped
of power tools and chainsaws and
jigs.
We look in amazement at thismagnificent structure built entirely
with hand tools, and we shake our
heads in wonder at the accom-
plishment of Montebello. At the
same time we are affirmed in our
builders hearts that here is an
accomplishment that we also are
capable of; we too could build a
Montebello. And so by virtue of
our craft we have a sense of own-
ership in this structurewe, unlike
all other admirers of Montebello,
know first-hand the sweat and
skills of this endeavour.
The construction of Montebello
is not just a celebration of crafts-
men, it is also the story of busi-
ness: beginning with an idea,
backed by money, building the
right team, finding the man-power, efficiently organizing a
huge workforce, dealing with gov-
ernment authorities, and in true
entrepreneurial fashion, assessing
the economic challenges of the
day and turning them to advan-
tage.
Montebello is therefore a venue
that suits the theme of our 33rd
AGM and Conference. As we work
towards developing further the
skills of our craft, we too are chal-
lenged by fluctuating economies,
changing markets, and issues of
government authority.
The founding members of our
Association dreamed of the day
that the CLBA would be big
enough to hold our AGM at
Montebello. If we can measurethe success of the ILBA by arriving
at Montebello, then we have
arrived indeedtwice.
Our first Montebello conference,
in 2000, was an arrival to maturity
for our Association. The name-
debate was finally settled when we
transcended national boundaries
and took a global perspective by
continued page 22
Six years ago at Le Chteau Montebello
nside This Issue
esidents Letterpage 2
tter to the Editorpage 3
elicopter Re-assemblypage 4
hutanLand of the
under Dragonpage 6
C Code in Secondoundpage 7
easurers Reportpage 9
ummies Can Be Smartpage 10
dvertisers in This Issuepage 11
chTalkpage 13
BA Conference 2006
lling Our Story Buildingur Futurepage 14
om the Conference Team
page 15
ternational Log Buildingonference in Latviapage 16
onstruction Agreementsd Procedures, Part 1page 18
g Building in Russiapage 20
ew and Renewingemberspage 22
assified Adspage 24
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2 LogBuildingNews January | February | March 2006
LogBuildingNewsJanuary | February | March 2006
Issue #58
Published four times a year
2006 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
Ann Miks, Administrative Assistant
Log Building NewsEditor
Robert Chambers
Contributors to this issue:
Ingrid Boys
Patti LeFrancois
Michael Pielorz
Graeme Mould
Robert W. Chambers
Egils Artmanis
Ed Shure
Christopher Mannix
Rick Hall
John Boys
Nick Berwian
Robrt Savignac
Presidents Letterby Ed Shure, President
My last letter to you (Transition Time at
the ILBA) spelled out some of the difficult
decisions that had to be made in order for
our organization to turn the corner. I am
very pleased to be able to tell you that we
are back on track, and ready to get to
work on ensuring that the ILBA will be
both fiscally responsible and responsive to
the needs of our members.
My mission during my term as President
is to create a more cohesive system of gov-
ernance, so that the lessons learned over
the past few years do not get lost as new
Board members (and staff) may come and
go. I will be working with the Board and
with our members on a range of projects,
from updating our bylaws, to developing aBoard handbook, and mentoring new
Board members. We will hold a forum at
Montebello to discuss how you see the
future your
organization.
In other news,
our recent elec-
tions returned
John Boys and
Jean Rodrigue to
the Board of
Directors. Wealso welcome first-timer, Todagin Hodson,
whose first project will be to take a look at
our website with an eye towards making it
an even more valuable tool for the mem-
bership. Im sure he would welcome any
suggestions any of you might have in
making his evaluation.
The re-elected Mr. Boys has graciously
agreed to continue as Treasurer. When a
staff and a Board changes dramatically
there is always the usual due diligence at
the time of change-over. John has recently
completed an evaluation of our financial
records, and reports thatjust as we
expectedeverything has been kept in
order, and that he finds no irregularities.
Please see Johns article, and check our
website for updates and budget details.
Thank you to outgoing director Sjoerd
Bos for his years of service on the ILBA
Board. Most recently he took the lead in
fundraising efforts that played a major part
in getting us back in the black. We will
miss him on the Board!
Robrt Savignac is representing the ILBA
on ICC log home code committee. It is an
inevitability, and if we dont get involved
there will most certainly be decisions made
that will make it difficult to make good
handcrafted buildings. An email on how to
offer amendments was recently sent to all
ILBA members. When the ICC Code-writ-
ing committee finishes its work, the ILBA
Standards Committee and ILBA Board will
review the final draft and consider whether
to endorse it.
Cathy Hansen is still on sick leave, and
we all wish her a quick and completerecovery. Meanwhile, Ann is doing a great
job of holding down the fort. Shes been
working on membership renewals. Sorry
for nagging, but please make Anns job a
bit easier and upgrade your individual
membership to the company level today!
The Board recently hired Patti LeFrancois
to run our Montebello conference this
Spring. She and Ingrid Boys, along with a
contingent of volunteers, are working
overtime to ensure that this conference
will be a memorable one.
Hope to see you there!
I am very pleased to be able to tell you that
we are back on track, and ready to get to
work on ensuring that the ILBA will be both
fiscally responsible and responsive to
the needs of our members.
M O NT E BE L LO F AC T S
They have to be million-
aires or I dont spend my
time, attributed to Victor
Nymark, master builder of
Montebello.
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Number 58 LogBuildingNews 3
Hello Robert
First, let me congratulate you on your new responsibility as edi-
tor of the Log Building News it is a worthy publication.
Second, I want to thank the LBN for your kind notice of my
80th birthday, I think I have had as long and as rewarding a
career as I could wish for.
Three, I want to take the opportunity to thank those who par-ticipated in the birthday celebration here and also to thank those
who could not come. I was more than amazed by the effort
many people went to in attending and my only regret is that
most live too far away and I can not see them more often.
Particularly, I would like to thank Dai Ona who has, over the
years been steady, true and generous with his time, resources
and expertise. I want specially to thank Kako Hoshino, associate
of 20 years, who took the time from a busy schedule to come all
the way from Japan. In the same breath is Mr. Kim from Korea
and all his guys that came along with him as well as the group
from Japan. Closer to home, there were many old friends from
the good old days of the BAM School in Prince George, to note
Dave Rogers and Higgs Murphy.
It is also my great pleasure to extend warm, nay hot thanks
to my very kind neighbors who have welcomed me here and
provided invaluable assistance to an old codger whenever they
could make the opportunity. This is especially true of Peter
McEwen who got into the house building from day one and has
been a lifeline and good friend for the past five years. He was
there to help move the first small house in, helped building the
walls for Ardea, pour the footings, move the house onto the
foundation and on to the roof and finishing. Without him, I
could not be here.
I hope to work at a different pace now and stay home asmuch as possible. I will miss the very many great people that I
have been privileged to work with on courses from Alaska to
Romania and especially Japan, Germany and Korea. If the air-
planes are still flying, I think I just have to go to Korea and Japan
one more time.
I hope also to attend the conference at Montebello in April
and I wish everyone connected with it the best success.
Very best regards
B. Allan Mackie
L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R
M O NT E BE L L O F AC T S
Three huge log structures amounting to
4,000,000 cubic feet are the core of
Le Chteau Montebello.
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4 LogBuildingNews January | February | March 2006
We built a log shell that needed to be
delivered to a private cove near French
Pass, one of the most remote parts of
New Zealand, and not accessible by trucks
or cranes. After considering the options, a
helicopter reassembly was inevitable.Some specs on the project: the shell
was made of 155 pieces of log totaling
2680 lineal feet of logwork in the pack-
age, and the house was 1950 square feet
on main floor. The longest logs were 14
meters (46 feet), and these weighed
about 1 metric tonne (2200 pounds)
each. From our yard in Geraldine we sent
the shell on two 40-foot flat deck trailersand one 20-foot straight truck with its
own hiab folding crane.
Each of the 155 log pieces was pre-
strapped by us in the log yardwe always
transport our logs with 2 thin straps on
each. It makes loading and unloading the
trucks easy and prevents a lot of damage
to the logs during assembly.
Some construction is done in the
Marlborough Sounds using ocean-going
barges to transport building materials. But
a helicopter was still going to be neededto set each log, and it was faster to fly
1.5km downhill with the logs, than it was
to fly a few hundred meters uphill from a
barge anchored below. And by spreading
out the logs on land we were able to easi-
ly find the next log neededon a barge,
the next log might be trapped.
The first night found us around the
table briefing as to who was doing what
and where. This operation was only going
to work with precise coordination and
communication, as the skid site of logs
was 1.5 kms away, and out of site of the
building platform.
First: we unloaded the 3 trucks at the
only piece of not very steep ground in the
areaan exposed cattle yard area high on
the ridge about 1500 feet above the
building platform, and well out of sight.
Day 2 saw high winds, so there was no
chopper work that day, and with nothing
else to do, we opted to take small logs of
2-3 meter lengths from the skid site to thebuilding site in my ute, nearly a half-hour
trip each way, up and down a wet slip-
pery clay farm track.
I called in the helicopter at about 4
oclock as the wind had gone down, but
when he arrived, some 20 minutes from
Nelson, the wind again made conditions
unworkable, and I felt helpless as the
chopper flew away, as there was nothing
more we could doas massive 12 meter
(40-foot) logs made up the lower rounds
below windows. We could be sitting here
for days, I thought.
The next morning was calm at the
house site and the log site, so the pilot
from Helicopters NZ, Ricky Park, met us al
at the ridge for a briefing on helicopter
safety and told us what action he would
take if things went dramatically wrong. If
the helicopter was falling down, he told
us, he would do everything he could tokeep it from landing on us.
He also advised each man to never take
his eyes off of the load, because just the
hook alone will kill ya if it tags you in the
head. Everything at the house platform
had to be fixed to the ground or
removedbecause a scrap of timber, a
hardhat, a raincoat, lunch bag, or nylon
sling could end up in the rotor, causing
disaster.
The Squirrel B2 helicopter had a lifting
capacity of 900kgs (about 2000 pounds).Early on we had to determine if this
machine was capable of doing the job, as
a B3 that could payload 1.5 tons was
available, but it had been stripped down
to be sent to for a job in Australia later
that week. As we progressed, and with sill
logs weighing 850kg we felt this machine
was capable of most of the work.
All logs were labelled with large num-
bers so they could be seen from a dis-
tance by us at the house siteand having
big numbers on every saddle (scarf) was a
huge help. Each long log was also fitted
with two12-foot tag lines, so the log
could be rotated to fit its location while it
was being lowered. The chain under the
chopper was a fixed length, so lowering a
log meant lowering the helicopter. There
was a lightweight 40-foot-long chain
hanging under the chopper that the two
NLH men at the log skid site hooked each
Helicopter Re-Assemblyby Graeme Mould
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Number 58 LogBuildingNews 5
log to. Chain (unlike nylon rope and
slings) wont get caught in an up-draft
and end up in the rotors.
We had 5 men at the house (me, two
more NLH log builders, and 2 carpenters
supplied by the general contractor). Thisassembly crew was on the building plat-
form to physically grab each log and push
it towards its proper location on the
wallthe helicopter got pulled along as
we pushed the log where we wanted it.
The pilot would hover at a constant
height (as best he could), and then he
would carefully adjust the chopper so it
stayed plumb above the log as we pushed
it around. Sometimes after a log was
placed, an updraft would take the heli-
copter up, and with it, the log right offthe wall.
The log was only forty feet below the
helicopter, so the rotor wash on the house
platform was intense. We tied the hard-
hats to our heads, and some paperwork
went west early on. It was vital the hard-
hats (and everything else) was anchored.
No loose debris allowed with all that rotor
wash.
At the house, I was the only one with
ground-to-air communications with the
pilot (big, aviator earmuffs and voice-acti-vated microphone that HelicoptersNZ
supplied). I told Ricky which logs we
wanted next, and then he relayed the
next desired log numbers to the men up
at the skid siteour walkie-talkies were
line of sight which meant we couldnt talk
to the men at the log site.
Plus there wasnt time for me to take off
my headset and pick up the radio. As the
day progressed we got into a rhythm that
resembled a military operation. The heli-
copter delivered one log to us about every
200 seconds.
I also used the headset to tell the pilot
how high a log wasit was difficult forhim to see us, being directly under him,
even though the helicopters door was off
so he could lean out and look down on us.
When we reached the window height, a
lot of the small logs had to be placed with
the helicopter. Some corners were built of
short logs, so we assembled these corners
by hand, on the ground or the floor, and
ratched-strapped them together for a sin-
gle pick. The biggest corner-group we did
this way was 8 logs (4 pieces from each
wall). Saving 5 or 6 minutes of helicoptertime was hugeequal to a days wages
for one log builder.
After all the log walls were assembled,
the gable-end wall frames that the car-
penters had pre-built, were flown into
place.
At this time in the afternoon we were all
amazed at just how far we had gotten,
And all that was left to do was lift the
long roof logs, and fly down some more
packs of rafters and some lumber. Ricky
was thinking it may be prudent to returnthe next day with the larger B3 Squirrel.
But with the changeable weather in this
area and the fact we were all set to go,
we pushed on and attempted these roof
log picks into precarious positions. After
one of these went well we continued until
all were in place.
Now the helicopter and its fuel truck
could head off home, and we could sit,
for the first time all day, and reflect on a
mission that went so smoothly that we
could hardly believe it. Nine hours of fly-
ing (NZD$19,000 for the chopper), and a
log home shell assembled in one of the
most remote parts of New Zealand.
FAR LEFT Squirrel B2 helicopter placing
a log.
CENTRE Gable end, fully assembled.
Custom welded steel space frame
supports purlins and ridge.
RIGHT Fully assembled shell,
Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
BELOW We would grab a log and push
it where we needed it to go. The pilots
job was to try to follow where we pulled
him.
PhotosbyGraemeM
ouldandMilanBrodina
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BhutanLand of the Thunder Dragonby Chris Mannix
6 LogBuildingNews January | February | March 2006
UPPER RIGHT Typical house. Rammed earth walls, timber frame,
bamboo ceiling on one half, boards on the other for heavy
storage. With the exception of a few skilled laborers
(carpenters) the work is done communally.
LEFT This guy is taking slabs from a sawmill and hewing
them into boards. They will be parts for the handmade
window and door frames that go into the traditional house.
CENTRE Their version of the broad axe. The business part of
the axe measures about 12" and is beveled on both sides.
RIGHT This guy is making corbels for the cornice details.
I have just returned from a trip to the King-
dom of Bhutan where, when we werent
searching for new bird species, I got a
chance to briefly check out the home and
monastery building techniques that haven't
changed for centuries. Carpentry is recog-nized as one of the country's thirteen tradi-
tional arts and crafts, and although house
and monastery design are pretty much
standardized, the level of craftsmanship
using hand tools is high. Obviously, more
square stuff than round stuff.
On another note, my wife and I went to
Bhutan to go birding. Since they have
such a huge chunk of undisturbed habitat,
ranging from tropical hardwoods in the
lowlands to spruce/hemlock in the higher
elevations, they have a lot of birds in a smallarea. About six hundred species in an area
the size of Switzerland. By comparison,
North America has about 800 species.
Besides the birds, the culture is amazing,
and the monarch is enlightened. However, I
found it incredibly fascinating from the
point of craftsmanship and tradition.
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ICC Code in Second Roundby Robrt Savignac, ILBA delegate representative to ICC Standards Committee
The changes made after the First Round of
Public Comments to the ICC Log Standard
are posted on the ICC website:
http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/standards/
is-log/index.html
Now there now will be a Second Round
of Comments-the due date for your com-
ments is March 6th, 2006. According to
ICC rules and procedures, your comments
must be submitted as follows:
1)You may comment only on the topics
and issues that were brought up during
the first comment period. For example,
you cannot comment on the definition of
"Checking," since that definition was not
challenged during the first Public com-
ment period.2)You can submit comments on topics
and issues that were brought up in the
first Round. For example, you can com-
ment on the Provisions for Settling in Log
Structures (Section 304) because it has
been re-written and re-organized.
You can find out which topics are open
by reading through the submissions,
which are available as PDF files at
http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/standards/is-
log/PublicComments0805.html and you
can find out what changes were made by
reviewing http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/stan-
dards/is-log/draft_2.html
3)Your comments must be sent directly to
the ICC in their format, and on ICC forms.
Giving your comments to a member of
the ICC Committee, or emailing them to
the ILBA will NOT bring action on your
comments, questions, and problems.
The submission form to use is
http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/standards/pdf/standards_public_comment_form060205
You fill out this form for each part of the
IS-LOG code you want to propose a
change to. You also must follow their pro-
cedure, which is striking out the words
you don't want, and adding in (underlin-
ing) the words you want to be added. The
ICC Committee will not take action on any
comments or suggestions unless you use
the strikeout and underline method.
4) Some topics you may want to look at:
Roof Overhangs (Section 305.1), Saddle-
Notching Floor Joists over Summer Beams
(Sec 302.2.4.1); Fire Rated Log Walls must
have long grooves that are wider than 6
inches everywhere (Section 303.2.1);
Settling (Section 304). But we suggest you
read the entire Standard, if you can.
For further information and support,
please contact the ILBA office, with ICC
Log Standard as your email subject-line.
Please be diligent in reviewing this ICCStandard and the revisions of the second
draft, as it is intended to assist you in the
design, development, approval and con-
struction of your log structures.
Number 58 LogBuildingNews 7
ABOVE Two adults and child relax on large, hewn timbers at
Gang Teng Monastery in the Pobjikha Valley, Bhutan.
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Number 58 LogBuildingNews 9
Treasurers Reportby John Boys
I came onto the Board in September, 2005 to fill the vacancy
left by the resignation of Elaine Nosaka. Then, on October 21, I
accepted the position of ILBA Treasurer. This is my first
Treasurers report to the general membership.
2005 was a challenging year for the Association. The Board
and staff struggled with finances, and expenses had been
exceeding revenue for most of 2005. The last quarter is tradi-
tionally the low point of the ILBA financial cycle, but on-hand
cash reserves late last year dropped to a point that the Board
had to drastically cut expenses.
Cathy was on sick leave, which meant that office expenses
were down, but they were still higher than we could afford in
the short term. (Cathys ILBA wages are covered by sick-leave
insurance.) The Board discussed and decided it had to cut
expenses promptly and substantially, and so the difficult deci-
sion was made to lay off Robrt Savignac. It was a difficult deci-
sion for everyone, of course. Ann Miks has been retained to runthe office, and has a good handle on the administration.
Ingrid and I spent a couple of days in Lumby in early January.
We reviewed the books, office procedures, and year-end report-
ing requirements. On the whole things are in good shape
record-keeping has been scrupulous and thorough, with a paper
trail up every avenue we wandered. I haven't looked at every
scrap of paper, but I have every reason to think that everything
is accounted for and that the 2005 Board knew about and had
approved all major spending. We continue our due-diligence,
which is an ongoing duty of all Boards, all the more so when
there has been substantial turnover of Board and staff.
Administrative expenses have been reduced by about $8,000per month in the short term, and we have budgeted for a small
increase to that as we head into Conference season. Each
Committee chair has reviewed ways to reduce overhead while
maintaining quality of the projects they oversee. For example,
Robert Chambers has stepped in to edit LBN, and we have
decided to return to four issues a year rather than six. We get
more meat, with fewer servings!
The Board is taking a more active role: a membership drive
brought in some much needed revenue (thank you to those
ILBA members who renewed early and upgraded to Company
level); and a Conference committee was struck and they adver-
tised to hire out the work required to organize Montebello for
us. The Board has contracted with Patti LeFrancois Consulting,
with Ingrid Boys subcontracting to Patti, for those conference-
coordination services.
Im pleased to report to you that our financial circumstances
have taken a turn for the better. Our income has exceeded our
expenses since mid-December, and our cash-cushion in the
bank is growing daily. Montebello is shaping up as a money-
maker for the ILBA, with a full slate of sponsors supporting the
Association. For our members it has a dynamite program.
That said, we need to take a hard look at the ILBA goals and
the ILBA resources we have to provide our services and prod-
ucts. In the last couple of years the ILBA has undertaken some
costly initiatives that generate little or no revenue, such as our
participation in the International Code Councils Log Standards
Committee. The Road Trip hit its budgeted expenses but fell far
short of sponsor-revenue projections.
This is not to say that all ILBA projects must produce positive
cash-flow, of coursethat would not even be desirable.
Examples include: log-wall engineering research on seismic sta-
bility produce substantial benefits to our members, even though
such worthwhile investments produce no income for the ILBA.
I see a need for regular twice-monthly financial reporting, and
a more rigorous budgeting and cost/benefit analysis for major
projects.
Editors note: Please check the ILBA website for financial reports.
There will also be all the usual reports from the Board to ILBA
members at our AGM in Montebello.
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Dummies Can Be Smartby Robert W. Chambers
I try to design roof support systems so that we can cut all the
parts on the ground, from shop drawings, without having to lift,
hold, and scribe heavy logs in awkward positions. But some roof
parts simply must be lifted up into position and scribed, and
marked for cutting. Round log valleys are on that list, and so arelog hips.
Lifting, positioning, and holding log hips and valleys in place
so they can be scribed is a time-consuming job. In fact, I get so
nervous about holding big, heavy round log valleys that some-
times I leave the crane hooked up to them, to prevent them
from slipping. Doing this costs a lot of time (and money)
because when the crane is tied up just holding, there may be
staff unable to work on other jobs.
And getting a valley log to exactly the right position to scribe
is, well, aggravating. Just when you get the top and bottom
right on the centerline, then you find you need to raise the end
where it crosses the plate by a couple inches, and you start allover again: left-right, back-forth, up-down, roll!
Log ridges and purlins are, in comparison, easy to position
and hold in place to scribe because they are almost always level.
But hips and valleys want to slide off the roof!
Round log hips and valleys really have to be lifted up, posi-
tioned, held, and scribed. But if the logs have been reduced to
rectangles at their ends (necked down), or if you are using
timbers for hips and valleys, like this job, then I have a shortcut
for you to try.
DummiesHere is a technique that can make some hips and valleys easier
and safer, and doesnt tie up the crane. I call these jigs dum-
mies. The idea at the heart of a dummy is a simple. Make a
replica of the timber, leave the real timber (or the necked log)
on the ground, and scribe the replica to the log wall and ridge
(Figure 1).
Dummies are short, but full-dimension (1:1 scale) replicas of
the timber you are going to use for the hip or valley. The photos
from now on will describe a job where we used a dummy for
two valleys, but remember that you can use dummies for hips,
jack purlins, jack rafters, and for any log that you have necked
down to a rectangular shapelike floor joists, or summer
beams.Decide What Size Timber To UseThe engineer or architect will have told you what the dimen-
sions and species, and perhaps grade, the valleys will be. Fully
dress the timber, or at least know what size it will be before you
go any further. (Its bad if you dress the timber last, and then
find out its too small to fit into the mortise youve already cut in
the log walls.)
Make a DummyUse MDF, or your favorite jig material, and make a replica of the
end of the valley. The length of the dummy doesnt matter
much2 feet (60cm) is often enough. Make the dummy square
and stiff, but light enough that one man can easily carry it. In
Figure 3 you can see we left a hole in one end to make it easier
to carry and hold for positioning.
I draw the parts of the dummy to scale on my computer
because even my simple drafting program makes it easy to use
MDF sheets efficiently, and make angles accurately.
Speaking of angles, I dont own a protractor that I really like
or trust, so if I need to draw a 55 angle I start with my comput-
er. On screen, and to scale, I draw a 48 by 96 rectangle (4 by
8 sheet of MDF). From one corner I drew a line at a 55angle sothat it hits the opposite edge of the rectangle. One leg of this
triangle is, of course, 48 long. Switch to the applications meas-
uring tool, and measure how long the other leg isits 68-
9/16. (Numbers apply to this house, not every job!)
Wander over to the real sheet of MDF, measure along one
edge 68-9/16 and use a straightedge to connect that point to
the opposite corner. That line is extremely close to 55. This is
more accurate than any protractor, and all I needed was a tape
measure and a straightedge. No math was neededI let the
computer do the calculations.
Lay out and then cut the parts on a table saw, being as accu-
rate as necessary. Screw and glue it together.
Layout LinesOn the dummy, draw important layout lines like: ceiling line
(the plane that is the top of purlins); backing angles; centerlines
of the valley and also down the bottom face of the dummy (we
often use the centerline that is on the bottom of the dummy
because it can be easier to stretch a string under the dummy
than above the dummy, see Figure 3). Sometimes its nice to
have a plumb line or two.
1
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Advertisers in This Issue
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Cowls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Dietrichs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
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Log Home Design Ideas/Log Home Living . . 28
Log Home Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Nicola Log Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Pat Wolfe Log Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
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Streamline Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
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The Continental Products Company . . . . . 4/11
The Sansin Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Timber Framers Guild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
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PreparationsFind the spot on the plate log (wall top-log) where the center of
the valley will be, and mark it, and do the same at the ridge.
Stretch a string line from ridge to plate log to indicate the cen-
terline of the valley. This string line does not have to be at the
correct valley slope because it is used only to position the
dummy correctly in plan view (looking straight down). It can be
at any slope, as long it is in the center of the valley.
An easy way to attach the dummy to the plate log is with a
strap hinge. I prefer using methods of holding that restrict
movement in only one direction, not all directions, because it is
easy to get the dummy in the correct place step by step. This
approach really reduces job stress! A strap hinge to connect the
dummy to the plate log gets that one end of the dummy in
exactly the right place, without having to worry about whether
the dummys high end is centered on the string, or whether the
dummy is at the right slope.
In Figures 1 and 3 you can see we used a couple scraps of
wood to act as legs to support the high end of the dummy. One
scrap leg is attached to the dummy, again, with a strap hinge.
Bungy cord a digital level to the top of the dummy and lift the
dummy to the proper slope of the valley. (The valley slope is not
the same as the slope the roof, of course. See my book, the Log
Construction Manual, pp. 213-220 for how to find the slope of
continued next page
1 Dummy in place on plate log. Note backing angles
on end of dummy, strap hinge, and scrap braces.
2 Closer to the dummy. Point B is the bottom of the
backing angles, and the elevation of B after
scribing and notching should be equal to the ceiling
line.
3 Scribing the dummy onto the plate log. String line
(center of valley in plan) has been pushed out of the
way; centerline of valley can be seen on bottom
surface of dummy. Note the hole we left in the end ofdummy to make it lighter and easier to hold.
Figure
6photobyGraemeMould.Allotherphotos
byRobertW.Chambers2006.
2 3
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12 LogBuildingNews January | February | March 2006
a valley. This valley was 35 from horizontal, which is 55 from
plumb.) Make sure the centerline on the bottom of the valley is
on the string, and screw in the final brace.
ScribingThe end grain of the dummy shows the backing angle cuts,and in Figure 2, Point B show the bottom center of the valley,
where the two backing cuts meet. You need to scribe the
dummy down a distance that puts Point B at the same height
as the actual ceiling line of the roof (Log Construction Manual,
pp.155-162). If you install valleys differently, then go ahead and
determine the scriber-setting as you normally would.
CuttingRepeat for the ridge-end of the valley and score and cut out the
notches (mortises) youve scribed. Measure between the two
mortises to figure out how long the valley log or timber needs
to be. Double check, and then transfer this length to the actual
valley and cut it to length.
At this stage I dont usually even lift the valley onto the roof,
unless I needed it for jack rafters or jack purlins. As I said, I try to
lay out and cut all roof parts on the ground, without ever lifting
them up until we get to the owners foundation. And after
dozens of homes, I cannot remember a serious problem during
re-set because of this.
Two CommentsIn this building, the valleys did not extend outside the walls
they stopped in the log wall. Of course, a valley that goes
through a log wall and outside should be scribed from a
dummy that is longer than the one shown here.
This valley is a little different than typical. The engineer had
specified a valley timber that was deeper (taller) than I wanted
to useit was going to hang down below the ridge, and look
funny. So I scribed the valley down so that its bottom surface
was where I wanted it to be at the ridge, and which left the rest
of the valley to stick up into the 2x roof system.
This explains why the jack purlins in Figures 5 and 6 are
below the top of the valley. This also explains why the backing
angles on the dummy are not at the top edge (Figure 2). Of
course, we never cut the backing angles out on this valley,
because they were not used to hold the ceilingin fact the
backing angles wouldnt have held anything. Doing it this way
made me happy, and the engineer too.
4 5
6
4 The actual timber valley test-fitted into its notch in plate
log.
5 Roof system assembled. House is T-shaped, and there are
two ridges and two valleys.
6 Looking up the valley. Jack purlins on each side are at the
ceiling heightcompare with the ceiling line on the side of
dummy in Figure 2. Extra timber height of the valley
above the ceiling line wont be seenits in the rafter space.
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No Crane? No Problem!By Michael Pielorz
About 10 years ago I sold a small log shell to agroup of Alaskan mountain climbers who were
willing to reassemble the shell at a remote site
with the help of a few of their friends. Because
the building had purlins and a ridgepole on
posts, it was a challenge to set the roof logs
onto the posts without a crane.
These climbers came up with a simple and
innovative solution. They built a lifting system
made out of 2 pulleys, 2 long ropes and a hand-
ful of long 2x8s. After setting by hand the 2
posts for the ridge, they nailed long 2x8s rafter-
like on each side of the posts, with two A-frame-like constructions with the pulleys attached just
above the top of the posts (Figure 3).
The pulleys were high enough above the
posts to have room for the ridge pole, with
some extra space to maneuver into position
(Figure 2). All that was left was to tie the ropes
to the ridge pole near the location of the log
posts and then through the pulleys. The 2x8s
work as a sliding ramp to pull the ridgepole up.
The workers raised the ridge log all the way
by pulling equally on the ropes to keep it level
while on the ramps. Once it was hanging above the posts, it
could be repositioned and lowered onto the posts (Figure 1).
I have a lot of respect for those guys, who incidentally run a
well known climbing and guiding business in St. Elias Park: Bob
Jacobs of St. Elias Alpine Guides in McCarthy, Alaska. Perhaps
somebody else will be in a similar situation one day and this
idea might come in handy.
Number 58 LogBuildingNews 13
TechTalkA C R A N E L E S S S I T E
1 The end of the joblog ridge in place on top of posts
2 2x8 ramps and pully mounted to a log post.
3 Close-up of 2x and rigging.
1
2 3
M O NT E BE L LO F AC T S
10,000 seasoned Western red cedar trees wereused on the first three buildings. Despite the
need for speed, the highest standards of log
work were rigidly enforced from beginning to
end of the project.
The construction of Montebello took from
start to finish an amazing four months!
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33rd Annual Conference and AGMLe Chateau Montebello April 6-9, 2006
I L B A C O N F E R E N C E 2 0 0 6
The theme of our confer-ence this year has two
parts. First, we tell our
story, explore our past
not just for the pleasure of a nostalgic walk down memory lane,
but to add lessons to our toolbox as we prepare to build our
future in a rapidly changing world.
Building our future, our second theme, means being ready
and prepared to take care of upcoming challenges and interests.
The expanding market for log homes brings us new kinds of cus-
tomers. Technology brings opportunity, and claims to save us
time. We hold fast to our built-by-hand tradition while we
explore new building techniques and time-saving tools.
On the horizon we will face many changes and decisions.
There is no one right way to deal with changebut it is impor-
tant to anticipate change and to develop plans that fit our busi-
ness goals, as well as our personal goals and lifestyle choices.
The membership of the ILBA now spans three generations of
log builders. Some of us are just starting out, others are up-sizing
or working towards lateral growth in their companies, and a few
of us would like to develop a retirement plan. Our conference
this year helps you face the issues that we all confront, and
breakout sessions and pre-conference workshops are tailored
very specifically to the interests and challenges we face individu-
ally.
The hands-on workshops and sessions will help you improve or
expand your building techniques. As our customers move
towards chateaus and away from cabins, we need to keep pace
with their vision, or we will be left behind.
Just look at our pre-Conference workshops. Learn advanced
roof layout with Will Beemer of the Timbers Framers Guild dur-
ing a full-day workshop. Also scheduled for pre-conference is a
Dietrichs software workshop presented by Wil Dancey. You will
learn how to quickly generate a house model and take-offs for
accurate quoting, saving you both time and money.
Our ILBA two-day pre-conference project this year bringstogether all the elements you want in a learning environment.
Cool tools, high production, new methods, and best of all leaves
you time for a beer at the end of the day.
What could follow such appetizing starters? Wait until you see
the menu for the Conference itself! Yoshito Dai Ona and John
Boys are introducing Log Builder Helperan interactive pricing
program developed by log builders, for log builders. This well-
thought-out program is easily learned and will save you hours of
time.
For those who love to explore alternate building methods,Chris Dancey is offering a hands-on course demonstrating hemp-
infill. Saving time while building mitered-trusses? Pat Clark shows
you his layout technique French Scribe meets the laser beam.
Further on layout, if you missed his presentation at Kananaskis
you can take in Advance Sill Layout, with Robert Chambers.
For members who are growing their business we can recom-
mend: How did you do it? Ask your experienced and success-
ful colleagues in the industrydiscover what has worked for a
diverse group of log builders.
Dont miss Protecting your Investment, a session giving you
the heads-up on why you dont want to keep your head down.
Further along those lines we explore doing business on a hand-
shake, and why you want to have a good contract in your other
hand. Rick Hall logbuilder/lawyer explains whats in a good con-
tract and how it fits into your Business Standards.
Higgs Murphy makes the sawdust fly with a medley of layout
and building techniques in a project-focused 4-hour marathon.
Want to know more about the building of Montebello? See origi-
nal construction documents and get behind the scenes when
you join us for an intimate tour of the complex.
Many of us are close to making the leap into computerized
design and drafting. There are many products to choose from
and you will have the opportunity to consider very seriously
which design software is the most compatible for you.
On another track, Ed Shure shows what we can do to ensure
that Aging is a Myth. Twenty years of log building got your
body down? Eds practical session involves real-work situations
and how to train your body to work better, and feel better.
Still struggling with marketing? Join Jerry Rouleau for a
Marketing on a Shoestring specially tailored for the hand-
crafted industry. Bring your laptop and let Jerry build the founda-
tion of a PowerPoint presentation for your company.
While the Conference is focused on developing skills, we like
to have some fun too. Our auction is shaping up to knock your
socks off! You can look forward to choice Makita tools as well asa fine selection from Gary of Timber Tools I know these tools
will get you salivating. Schroeders Log Home Supply will also be
with us this year and you-all know you like what they have to
offer!
Drafting and design software has been generously donated by
hsbCAD (and it includes 4 days of training and has a retail value
of USD$17,000), Graphisoft is donating an ArchiCAD software
package, and Deitrichs NA is also giving you the opportunity to
bid their product and raise funds for the ILBA. This is the year to
Telling Our Story Building Our Futureby Ingrid Boys
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Number 58 LogBuildingNews 15
The Montebello Conference 2006 is just around the corner, and
those of you who have been calling the ILBA office for daily con-
ference updates will be pleased to finally see our conference
schedule and costs finalized.We had a slow start as we muddled around trying to fill the
shoes of Cathy and Robrt, but they left a well-marked trail, and
when we picked up the scent we were able to gain ground as
we work towards this landmark conference.
Your 2006 Conference Planning Team is Ann Miks, Patti
LeFrancois and Ingrid Boys. We are working under the direction
of the Conference Committee with Linda Bourdage and Brian
Lloyd the co-chairs, and Jean Rodrigue our man on the ground
in Quebec.
You all know Ann at the Association office the voice of the
ILBA. Ann does much more than great phone, she is the grease
that keeps the wheels moving at the office, the resource whoknows whos who, whats what and where to get whatever it is
that needs gettin. Without Ann, we would not be WOO-ing or
HOO-ing right now.
Patti is a dynamo who caught the log building and home-
steading bug in the mid 70s. Patti has peeled her share of logs
and she finished her first log home in 1980. Since then she has
worked extensively in the forest industry and has been specializ-
ing in the log building industry for the past 11 years.
Patti is a former director and treasurer of the BC Builders
Association; was the lead writer for the BC Log Builder
Apprenticeship program, and assisted with the development of
the BC Log Building Occupational Health and Safety Program.
And she has developed and delivered an array of personneldevelopment and human resource management seminars.
Despite all of these credentials, Patti is also a great deal of fun; I
know you will all enjoy getting to know her at Montebello.
I make up the 3rd corner of this teammy credentials?
Married into log building, one of the benefits of matrimony was
getting the ILBA as an in-law. In my pre-log-building life I worked
in tourism, hospitality and event planning.
Enough about us our Montebello Conference is all about
you, and it is shaping up to be an event of record attendance.
This is the year to re-unite with colleagues we havent seen for
many a year. It is also the year to make new contacts and to
redefine the identity and purpose of the ILBA. And, of course, thetime we learn whats new in our old craft.
I L B A C O N F E R E N C E 2 0 0 6
From the Conference Team: WOO HOO!by Ingrid Boys
M O NT E BE L L O F AC T S
In order to bring materials to the wilderness
setting of Montebello, a spur line 3,700' long
was built from the Canadian Pacific Railway
to a temporary construction village.
take the leap and start building your future with these time-sav-
ing tools that whose rendering abilities have marketing advan-
tage written all over them.
Were calling our auction Tools and Jewels (Tools n Jools);
this way you can assuage your guilt at going on a tool binge by
bidding for your bride at the same time. We encourage you to
think about what you will bring!
We all look forward to Tech Talk. This year it opens with the
Higgy Jigger, presented by none other than Higgs Murphy, our
log-builder-turned-timber-framer-with-a-log-builders-soul. Higgs
will show you how to turn your band-mill into a round-log post
& beam processing machine (the poor-mans Hundegger).
Reviews of new tools will also be featured, including two new-to-
North America tools from Makita. (You can expect some dyna-
mite show specials from the folks at Makita, so start building
your wish list now).
The call has gone out for your vintage photos, we want to see
your memories in our review of the past dont let history pass
you bytell your story, and start planning for the project expo,sort your images for the slide show and practicing your skills for
Log Builder Games. While youre at it donate an auction item
and bring your newest discovery or invention to Tech Talk.
Above allbring yourselves! Fill in the enclosed sign-up forms,and book your flights. Get ready to get together with the rest of
the best.
ABOVEThe Chateau Montebello
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16 LogBuildingNews January | February | March 2006
A big thank you to Vilnis Kazaks, President of the Latvian
Chamber of Crafts, for his efforts in making the conference a
possibility. And of course thank you to all the sponsors as well.
The conference had about 150 participants from 15 different
countries. (ILBA members from Finland, Denmark, Germany,
Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, the USA, New Zealand, and
Great Britain were at this conferenceeditor.)
We were spoiled by beautiful weather, which is often unpre-
dictable in October. Riga, which is the capital of Latvia, is the
cultural center of Latvia and a major open port of the Baltic Sea.
I enjoyed translating and hope everyone was able to experiencea least a taste of my heritage.
A synopsis of the four-day event
First day bus tours to log projects of leading Latvian log build-
ing companies in different parts of Latvia. After a long day of
touring many recent projects, we all met for a late dinner at the
Lido Restaurant, which is the largest log structure in Latvia.
Second day the sessions were dedicated to Latvian specialists.
There were some speakers whose topics were not relevant to the
actual craft of log building. The most interesting presentations in
my opinion, were architect Raitis Jelevics about the soul of log
buildings, Rihards Vidzickis architectural sign work blending intonatural landscape within park zones and Karlis Apinis who is
involved in consulting and quality inspections of handcrafted log
structures shared his experience about difficulties and common
problems. And also Janis Dolacis with the topic: Healthy House
in the Energy Grid of Earth.
Third day was dedicated
to international specialists.
Different countries, different
cultures, and different prob-
lems made it quite interest-
ing. It would be difficult to
mention everybody and
again I would like to just
outline some key topics.
Janne Jokelainen spoke
about traditional Finnish logarchitecture, Jari Heikila
about development of mod-
ern log architecture in
Finland. Robert Chambers
spoke about the future of
handcrafted log building,
recent advances in tech-
niques, and accelerated log
building. George Fuller pre-
sented about Norwegian log building standards and some
recent problems with log homes imported into Norway. This list
is longer and sorry for not mentioning each and everyone. The
discussions became lively at the end of the day about the issue
of log building standards. This was a key issue for debates the
next morning.
Fourth day The decision was made to create a draft of
basic standards, (within the next six months), and regional stan-
dards. Regional standards address the cultural and geographical
differences of the area. And the last event was visiting the
Latvian Open-Air museum, which was quite interesting (visit
www.muzejs.lv/en/ for the best log museum website I have
seeneditor). The open-air museum characterizes the tradition
of Latvian log building and has a collection of hundreds of his-toric log structures on 220 acres on the outskirts of Riga. Karlis
Apinis has dedicated a big part of his life to the preservation of
the original log structures. Every time I walk through the outdoor
museum with Karlis I have a new discovery.
Latvia may be hosting the second international conference in
June, 2007 during the annual Crafts Fair at the Riga Open Air
Museum. In closing, I am certain that the experienced gained
from this conference will be invaluable in creating future
events.
International Log Building Conference in Latviaby Egils Artmanis
The first international log building conference in Europe took a place in Riga,
Latvia from October 5th to 8th 2005. It turned out to be a good Conference and
hopefully the start of log building activity coordination in Europe. It wasnt easy
for the organizers however, as there were obstacles and uncertainties to overcome
in planning and holding the conference, which was the first of its kind in Europe.
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Number 58 LogBuildingNews 17
LOWER LEFT Egils Artmanis and Harald Ludwig discuss log
restoration.
UPPER LEFT Inside of lavish new log home.
ABOVE Swimming hall with log
framing, on tour.
PHOTOS ROBERT W. CHAMBERS
UPPER RIGHT New log home with
thatch roof on home tour.
RIGHT Karlis Apinis in animated
discussion at Open Air Museum.
BELOW Huge Lido Restaurant in
Riga.
PHOTOS EGILS ARTMANIS
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B U S I N E S S S T A N D A R D S
Construction Agreements and Procedures, PART 1by Rick A. Hall, Attorney at Law
What happens if you disregard the Log
Building Standards and put a severe left-hand
spiral grain log in the upper courses of a log
wall, or allow for no settling space above
doors and windows? We all know, of course,that building a log home disregarding the
Standards on spiral grain logs and settling
space would create problems in the building resulting in an
unhappy homeowner when the logs begin to shrink and settle
and maybe even conflicts that could lead to litigation.
And, just as the Log Building Standards are based on the
nature of wood and weather, builders also need to follow sound
business standards because there are characteristics of each proj-
ect and of people that also must be understood when you are
building a good business relationship with a customer. In the
end, we want a happy homeowner and a builder who has made
his expected profit.
Lets take some time to explore the nature of sound business
standards.
Good CommunicationBased on my experience with builders one of the most neglected
parts of a project is the communication between builder and
customer and ultimately the writing of a well-drafted construc-
tion agreement with all the relevant issues identified and
resolved with all the risks for both builder and owner allocated.
Over the years I have represented a number of large and small
residential building companies. I have learned that people and
projects vary, but the issues and types of disputes and problemssurrounding construction projects do not. If the log home builder
discusses with their customer the potential problem areas in the
project and then drafts an agreement which incorporates how
they and the owner will resolve these potential issues if they arise,
then the builder will greatly reduce conflicts, litigation expenses
and increase the chance of a successful project for everyone.
Happy homeowners will refer you to family and friends.
Unhappy ones won't, and many times homeowners are unhappy
because of issues that have nothing to do with the beautiful log-
work you delivered. Projects are not guaranteed to go smoothly
from start to finish just because you are an honest and capable
log home builder.When the builder and owner are finally ready to proceed
beyond the talking stage: money has been discussed in
approximate amounts and the structure to be built has been
discussed only from a rough drawings basis, then it is time to
address not only the exact amount of money you need and the
exact scope of log work involved, but it is also time to address
the potential problem areas of the future business relationship
and propose resolutions.
Knowing where typical disputes and misunderstandings come
from, and then working to avoid or resolve them, will help you
draft a good agreement. And a good agreement addresses the
potential problems, it does not ignore them.
Typical ProblemsSome of the potential problem areas that need discussion
between the customer are: (1) inadequate plans and/or specifi-
cations, (2) contradictions between the plans and specifications,
(3) plans not approved by the appropriate engineer(s), (4)
change order issues, (5) permitting issues, (6) delays in work and
delays in payment of money, (7) conflicts with other tradesmen
at the reassembly site, (8) schedule and dates for payment of
money, and what happens if the customer fails to pay on time,
(9) insurance issues, (10) warranty issues, (11) building standards
for log work, (12) inaccessibility to reassembly site, (13) inspec-
tions, (14) damage to log work during transportation, (15) dateof completion of log work, (16) clean-up at reassembly site, (17)
potential damage to private roads from heavy equipment, and
(18) notices, certificates, releases and waivers expected to be
delivered and signed by either the builder or customer.
In the commentary to the ILBAs construction contract, Tom
Stonecipher, an attorney in Bozeman, Montana, states that in his
experience ...more than half of all disputes typically arise
because of uncertainties or incorrect expectations that are
formed at the time a change order is requested and agreed to.
His excellent commentary gives a number of examples of the
importance of paying heed to the potential problems areas in a
builder/owner relationship and of using a well-drafted contractto manage those problems areas before you are faced with the
problem itself.
One-Sided ContractsBuilders who have been burned tend to jump to an extreme of
having a lawyer draft a contract that is entirely one-sided to their
benefit, either neglecting to address any concerns of the cus-
tomers, or if they do address customers concerns, they put
onerous requirements on them. In the U.S., these are called
"contracts of adhesion" or "take-it-or-leave-it contracts," and
courts will interpret the entire contract with a heavy bias against
the builder. Some provisions may not even be legally enforceable
in such contracts.
Talk First, then Sign Some builders, mainly small builders, are
reluctant or even afraid to talk about anything "negative" to a
potential client for fear of chasing them away before they sign. I
have found the opposite is true: when builders talk to their
clients before the agreement is presented about the potential
problem areas, then it does not cause a crisis in the relationship
and it has not caused the client to jump to another builder
unless the proposals were actually unfair to the customer.
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Number 58 LogBuildingNews 19
I find that talking about these potential problems increases
the confidence a client has in the builder because it makes the
builder look more professional and thorough. Presenting one-
sided contracts to customers, and failing to address the problem
areas, are extremes that you must avoid.
Tailor the Agreement Builders should also realize that one
construction agreement form does not fit all transactions. The
particular state, province, and country where the log work is to
be delivered and assembled may also require mandatory lan-
guage to be in the agreement.
Certain states in the U.S., for example, require disclosure to
buyers concerning their risks under mechanics (builders) lien
laws in the agreement and they have very specific language.
Some locations require certain font sizes and all CAPITAL
LETTERS for arbitration clauses or warranties. There are many
such examples of different government requirements for con-
struction agreements.
Business StandardsJust as the characteristics of wood and logs in a log building are
at the heart of the Log Building Standards, Business Standards
arise out of the characteristics of a project and its people. Eachproject is going to be different, and bring its own different
issues. If builders would realize that following the Standards for
good business practice are just as important as following the
Log Building Standards in building the log home, then the log
builder will have a much greater chance of being successful and
profitable.
If a builder fails to follow the Business Standards even if they
have absolutely perfect log work, they expose themselves to
needless stress, frustration, potential conflict and, at worst, liti-
gation, when dealing with the people side of the business.
Over the next few issues I am going to talk about the
Business Standards in detail with a discussion about the charac-
teristics of projects and of people that form the basis of Business
Standards. Ill attempt to use as many examples as space allows.
I would enjoy hearing any comments or questions from any
ILBA members about this column. You can reach me by e-mail
at [email protected] or by telephone at (402) 502-9999
ext 203.
Rick is a lawyer licensed in Washington and Nebraska, and is a
past student of Del Radomskes.
M O NT E BE L L O F AC T S
The Chateau Montebello was built at the
beginning of the depression as a private
members club, and was the dream of H.M.
Saddlemire, a Swiss-American. He called his
dream Lucerne-in-Quebec.
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20 LogBuildingNews January | February | March 2006
April 6 9, 2006ILBA 33rd AGMand Conference
Montebello, Quebec
www.logassociation.org
April 6 9, 2006ILBA 33rd AGMand Conference
Montebello, Quebec
www.logassociation.org
LogBuildingin RussiaPhotos by Nick Berwian
Norwegian-style log notching, built in
Russia.
A bomb-proof Russian scriber. Note
screw adjustment for setting, and the
vice-lock.
RIGHT Nick Berwian sent this
photo of a 3-story log home
being built in Karelia, Russia
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Number 58 LogBuildingNews 21
Russian yard, full-scribe saddle notch in
Canadian style. Nick Berwian photo.
Nick Berwian sent this photo of a large "Norwegian style" hewn-log house being
built in a log construction yard outside St. Petersburg, Russia. (It has been stitched
together from 2 photos, so the log walls do not exactly line up).
M O NT E BE L L O F AC T S
Referring to the construction of the roof system:it was at once
a challenge and an opportunity, attributed to architect Harold
Lawson.
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22 LogBuildingNews January | February | March 2006
W E L C O M E !
N E W COM P AN Y
M E M BE RS
Atlantic Log Works Ltd.
Professional Investigative Engineers Inc.
Scott Hay Handcrafted Log Homes Inc.
Shuswap Log Homes International
Summit Handcrafted & Milled Log
Homes, Inc.
RE N E W IN G COM P AN Y
M E M BE RS
Accelerated Log Building, Inc.
Ackerman Handcrafted Log Homes
BC Log & Timber Building IndustryAssociation
BC Wood
Beaudette Consulting Engineers, Inc
Blockhausbau Porrenga GmbH
Brian Moore Log Homes
Cannon Chainsaw Bars
Chilliwack Mountain Log Homes Ltd.
Classic Log Designs
Construction EN Bois Rond Amishk Inc.
Cowls Lumber and Sawmill
Davidson Log & Timber Artisans Inc.Dietrich's North America
Eagleridge Log Homes
Emseal Corporation
FINNHOLZ Wohnblockhuser undZimmerei
Fearless Engineers PLLC
Frontier Builders Inc.
Frye Custom Log Homes, Inc
Gabriels Carpentry
Gresham Post & Beam
GRK Fasteners
Hojgaard Tommerhuse APS
hsb-Cad Canada/Struc-soft Inc.
Insulspan Corporation
Jean Steinbrecher Architects
Jeffery Sharpe PE
Koski Log HomesLaverty Log Homes
Lloyd Ventures
Log Builders' Association New Zealand
Log Cabin Homes Ltd.
Log Home Living & Log Home DesignIdeas
Makita Canada Inc.
Montana Dry Log & Lumber
Mountain High Log Homes
Mountain Living
Mountain Logworks
Nortek CopperWorks
Ojibwa Log Homes
Old Style Log Works, Inc.
Pacific Log Homes Ltd.
REB Properties LLCSansin Corporation
Sitka Log Homes Inc.
Sperlich Log Construction Inc
Streamline Design Group
Sun Valley Log Homes
Swiss Mountain Log Homes
The Wooden House Co.
Timber Framers Guild
Timberwize Construction ServicesCorp.
Twin Butte Log Homes Ltd.
Wiens Log Homes Inc.
N E W IN DIVIDUAL
M E M BE RS
Jacque Yves Blanchet
Douglas K. Fowler
Ole Getz
Patrice Graffand
Steve Grand
Jay Gutenkauf
Simon Hirsh
Dwight Martin
Peter Michael (Mick) Peat
Marcel Pihowich
Ed Rogers
Ueli Wittwer
RE N E W IN G IN DIVIDUAL
M E M BE RS
Stuart Adrian
Franz Ambichl
Egils Artmanis
Thomas Bembridge
Tom Blackburn
Richard Bloomfield
Stephan Bolduc
David Carradine
Jim Christensen
Keith Coppernoll
Ricci Durfeld
Steven Estola
Paul F. Figueroa
George Fuller
Peter Gott
David Gray
Ken Guest
Tom Hahney, BS Engr.
Louis A. Hansen
Vic Janzen
Kathrina Koelbel
Pekka Laine
Rick Lambert
Tim LawtonDave Levanger
B. Allan Mackie
Mary Mackie
L. D. (Doc) McKay
Herb Meeker
Eric Menard
Graeme Mould
Mark J. Mueller PE
Neil Norgaard
Hannes Oppelmayer
Donald Ouellet
Steven Racer
Nabil Taha
Kym Terry
Robert Ullmer
Peter F. Watson
Howard Williamson
Uwe Ziegler
CASH DON ATION S
T O T H E I L B A
Skip Ackerman
Brant Schreiber
New and Renewing Members Since Our Last Issue
representing all our members under the banner of the
International Log Builders Association.
Now, six years later, we return to the Mecca of Montebello. In
the future, when we look back at our 2006 Conference, what
attributes will we attach to this stage of our growth? Perhaps it
will be the beginning of wisdom.
This year we are look back at the story of our Association and
its evolution, but the focus of our seminars and presentation
deal with building our future. As always, we will explore new
tools and work methods; both hands-on, and those of a more
cerebral nature. We have also spiced-up the program with pre-
sentations about attitudes, mindsets, and choices that can
enhance the lifestyle of log building.
Make sure you plan a bit of free time around all the confer-ence activities. Le Chateau Montebello is a world-class resort
with facilities and services that are second-to-none. Bring your
swimming suit, and move the meeting into the pool; break the
habit of a lifetime and go to the spa; or take some time out to
wander down to the Ottawa River.
For more information about the Chateau Montebello, check
out the web site: www.chateaumontebello.com to acquaint
yourself with the activities and historical attractions of this very
special destination.
Log Builders Meccafrom page 1
For more info: 1-866-202-2345 or www.accutechinnovations.com
Cut upto 70 angles. + or - 1/4 accuracy
Convert any size chainsaw into aportable saw mill
Achieve a level of accuracy neverseen with a chainsaw
Transport or store all your chainsaw mills
PRECISION PORTABLE CHAINSAW MILLS
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Founders of CLBA: Fergus OConnor, Bernie Legault, B. Allan
Mackie, Ed Campbell, Art Long, Vic Janzen; not shown: Mary
Mackie. PHOTO COURTESY THE CANADIAN LOG HOUSE
1977 Conference in Banff, Alberta. The members of the CLBA
completed this log shell in just three days.
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24 LogBuildingNews January | February | March 2006
F O R S A L E F O R S A L E H E L P W A N T E D
C L A S S I F I E D A D S
LOG BUILDING TOOLS STARRETT &MACKIE scribers; heavy duty drawknives up to30"; peeling spuds; chopping & finishing axes;broadaxes; adzes; GRANSFORS axes; ENGLISHslicks; ROBERT SORBY, HENRY TAYLOR, FOOT-
PRINT & PHEIL chisels and gouges; JAPANESEslicks, chisels, saws, ink lines & flex squares;hand-forged Flarens, shovel gouges, flat & scarfslicks, drawknives & draw-gouges; BARRSpecialty 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; MACKIElog building books & videos. FREE 32-pagecatalogueMAGARD VENTURES LTD, 8365 Domagala Road,Prince George, BC, Canada V2K 5R1Tel: 250-962-9057 Fax: 250-962-9157
Attn: Maurice Gardy
Awesome Boom Truck for Sale All-wheeldrive Oshkosh with turbocharged InternationalDT466 diesel, big float tires up front, 5 speedwith 3 speed transfer case & full power steering.Tube steel bed custom built for hauling logs,custom made loader. Lemco with 26ft. squirtboom & stainless steel jawed continuous rotationbucket. Used as all around yard machine forunloading trucks & shell building, and deliveringand assembling cabins in mountain sites.Grapple allows safe one man operation. Had over$40,000 invested in new engine set up, loaderand bed. $17,500 includes fresh batteries & tires.Call Bryan or Ed303-449-1336 or email [email protected]
1999 Heartwood Band Sawmill Model310 Electric Never been used 6 inch Double-Cut (cutting travel speed up to 3 feet persecond). Requires 600 V. 3 Phase Power. Eighty-eight feet of track. Operator travels with millhead along track. Numerous track-mountedhydraulic log handing systems and fullprogrammable computer controlled set works.(We purchased 2 and only set one up for use.)
When purchased in 1999 value exceeded$80,000.00 Canadian. Asking $65,000.00Canadian. Moose Mountain Log Homes Inc.Please arrange for an appointment to see thetwin unit in operation. Link to this model at
Heartwood Saw: http://www.heartwoodsaw.com/Model_310.htmlToll free 1-877-932-3992
One 1979 S688 Bantam 20 Ton RoughTerrain Crane for sale, $30,000 Canadian or$21,500 US. Presently stationed in Illinois. VeryGood Condition, 60 foot hydraulic boom or 80foot with jib. Very fuel efficient 453 Detroit.Should provide many years of trouble freeservice. Call 1-877-932-3992.
We have for sale beetle kill, deadstanding, Lodgepole Pine house logs, sawlogs, big dead timber and firewood. D-log kits, 2sided log kits, and peeled logs also available. Wecan deliver to almost anywhere in the U.S. Please
call for more info and a price list. Willow CreekLogging 970-887-2396 or [email protected]
For Sale: Diamond Willow pieces range insize from 3"-6" diameter and 3'-7' in length.Great for crafting unique railings, posts, andfurniture. Cost $8.00/LF + (size and characterdependent). Call Peter at Sperlich LogConstruction Inc. 250-838-7455 or [email protected]
1975 S-588 Bantam 18 Ton RoughTerrain Crane Very good condition, 72 foothydraulic boom or 92 foot with jib. Is rated to lift1610 lbs. at an 85 foot radius or 4700 lbs at a50 foot radius. Very fuel efficient 453 Detroit.Should provide many years of trouble freeservice. Presently located in Cochrane Alberta.$32,500 Canadian plus GST if applicable. MooseMountain Log Homes Inc. 1-877-932-3992
Finish a Dream Colorado Mtns. nearDenver. Full round log structure on 10 acres ofparadise with stream. Includes: off grid solar,wind, and generator; crane, backhoe, finishedhuge workshop and much more! Please call 303-523-4861, or email [email protected].
H E L P W A N T E D
Experienced Log Crafters Moose MountainLog homes Inc. currently has two full time longterm positions open for experienced loghandcrafters with dual US and Canadiancitizenship. Join a leading edge, quality orientedcompany that has been in business for over 25
years! Please phone 1-877-932-3992 oremail: [email protected]
Wages, earnings based on experience.
Log Home Apprentice Wanted Experiencerequired. Howard Williamson, Custom LogHomes Ltd., 3030 40th St. S.E.Salmon Arm, BC, Canada V1E 1X7Phone: 250-832-3690Email: [email protected]
www.customloghomesltd.com
Motivated individual with constructionexperience, graduating top of the class fromthe University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Degreein Construction looking for a position within thelog building industry that will allow me to growinto a management position. Very determined,self-motivated and willing to relocate. Can becontacted at the following: Josh Peck, 29003Long Lake, Danbury, Wisconsin 54830 Phone:715 (259-3220) [email protected]
Need Two Log Builders for Permanent FuTime Work. Required Now.Located in Quebe$18 to $28/hr + benefits; depend on experieJoin Us and Enjoy Quality Building and CompRoof Structure. Call Jean or Nancy Rodrigue a
819-832-2167 between 6 to 8 pm EST.
Experienced full-scribe log builder andlog peelers wanted for year round, full-timework. Big White Pine logs. Good workingconditions, minimal travel, good pay andbenefits. Rural and beautiful Northern Vermonear Connecticut River and White MountainsNew Hampshire. 3 hours from Boston, Montand coast of Maine. Outdoors oriented persowith good woodworking and math skills. Toapply send or email resume and references. T
Wooden House Co., Ltd., 3714 North Rd., S.Ryegate, Vermont 05069 Phone: 802-429-24email: [email protected]
Lead Timber Framer Two Dog Timberwois looking for an experienced TFer with at lea
years full-time, professional experience. Mustable to demonstrate experience with Westernsoftwoods, layout on dimensional & organicmaterial, cutting proficiency, machinerymaintenance, job leadership, and strong raisiknow-how. We are a smaller innovative compthat strives to attract challenging projects all the country. See our work atwww.twodogtimberworks.com. Join us in thebeautiful NW corner of Washington State anda part of a great team that loves what we do!D.O.E., full benefit package, rewarding work.Contact Laurel or Pete Slisz at (360)-366-535
e-mail us at [email protected].
Apprentice Timber Framer Two DogTimberworks is looking for an Apprentice TFeMust have general woodworking experienceand a solid working knowledge of hand andpower tools. We are a smaller innovativecompany that strives to attract challengingprojects all over the country. See our work atwww.twodogtimberworks.com. Join us in thebeautiful NW corner of Washington State anda part of a great team that loves what we do!Pay D.O.E., full benefit package, rewarding wContact Laurel or Pete Slisz at (360)-366-535e-mail us at [email protected].
Help Wanted Motivated individual withconstruction experience, graduating top of thclass from the University of Wisconsin-Stout wa Degree in Construction looking for a positiowithin the log building industry that will allowme to grow into a management position. Verdetermined, self-motivated, and willing torelocate. Can be contacted at the following:Josh Peck, 29003 Long Lake, Danbury, Wisco54830 Phone 715 (259-3220) or [email protected]
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Number 58 LogBuildingNews 25
C L A S S I F I E D A D S
Log Builders and Timber FramersWanted We need 4 to 5 log home buildersand/or timber framers at our plant in Chilliwack,BC. We will be busy for the whole next year.Please contact us via email at [email protected]
or phone 604-836-8315 and ask for Gerhard.
Experienced Log Home Builder or Fitterrequired now, for full time year round position.Wages depend on experience. Please send,email or bring resume with references toWhitevalley Log Homes Ltd., 77 Cochrane RoadCherryville, BC V0E 2G3Phone and fax: (250)547-6666Email: [email protected]
Experienced Log Builder Wanted forpermanent full time position. Send resumes withreferences to [email protected] fax 613-756-6186. See our work atwww.coyoteloghomes.ca
Legendary Logcrafters Limited is a hand-crafted log home producer in CollingwoodOntario. Due to a consistent annual growth, ourcompany is adding multiple positions fromapprenticeships to experienced log homebuilders. Legendary offers highly competitivewages and a very structured work environment.Please email resume [email protected] or fax705-444-6675 or call 705-444-0400
A N N O U N C E M E N T S
I L B A B A R G A I N B I N
Bids are being accepted by the ILBA for:
Education:Training program certificates for: Log building at Del Radomskes Okanagan
School of Log Building (50% off of tuition fee) Log building at Pat Wolfe School of Log
Building (100% of tuition fee) Timber Framing at College of the Rockies
(50% off of tuition fee).
Chinking Product: Gift Certificate for 2 fivegallon pails of Weatherall 1021 TexturedCaulking
If you are interested in purchasing any ofthese items, contact the ILBA office at
1-800-532-2900 for further details.
FREE Log Selection Calculator Go towww.LogBuilding.org and then click on FreeInformation. From that page choose the logselection calculator and download it to yourcomputer. Requires Excel software to open and
use this file. It gives you T-1, T-2, B-1 and B-2 forany set of logs.
Free Trees! The Assistant Chief of the city ofDetroit (State of Michigan) Steven K. Leggat islooking for an individual or company whowould be interested in taking (for free) about80,000 trees (and about another 150,000 treesin 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 willconnect the parties to the appropriate cityoffice. The contact information is: Steven K.Leggat, Assistant Chief, City of Detroit, Building& Safety Engineering Housing InspectionDivision, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center,2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 412, Detroit,Michigan 48226. Phone: 313-224-3155. Fax:313-224-2745, [email protected],www.ci.detroit.mi.us
Ole Gertz Log Building, horse logging andselect logging. Carpentry, log furniture and logstructures offered. Contract work available. Alltypes of notches, 30 years experience. Phone780-523-3363. Ole Gertz, Box 636, High Prairie
AB T0G 1E0
Timberline Builders, Inc is a Coloradoresidential General Contractor with ten years ofbuilding experience. We specialize in quality
turn key construction. To ensure your clientsproject a complete success, do not hesitate tocall 303-258-1887. For additional informationsee our web page at www.tbiloghomes.com
H E L P W A N T E D A N N O U N C E M E N T S
Timber Framers GuildWestern Conference 2006:Apr 20-24, Tigh-Na-Mara Lodge, Parksville(Vancouver Island), B.C.TTRAG 2006 (Traditional Timberframe
Symposium):May 12-14, Eastover Resort, Lenox, Mass.Eastern Conference 2006:Nov 9-12, Hotel Roanoke, Va.www.tfguild.org 413-623-9926
E V E N T S & T R A I N I N G
March 27, 2006Training the Log Builders ofTomorrow entry level class, starts March 27, 2006www.okslb.caContact Del Radomskes Okanagan School ofLog Building International at 250-765-5166
or email: [email protected] for more information.April 6 9, 2006ILBA 33rd AGM and ConferenceMontebello, Quebecwww.logassociation.org
May 31 June 4, 2006WORKSHOP:Advanced Log and TimberFrame Engineering-Modeling, Joinery Designand Detailing with Jennifer Anthony and GriggMullen. May 31June 4, 2006, Pingree Park, CO.Contact Peter Haney, workshop organizer,970-482-1366, [email protected],www.rockymountainworkshops.com
A N N O U N C E M E N T S
April 6 9, 2006
ILBA 33rd AGMand Conference
Montebello, Quebec
www.logassociation.org
April 6 9, 2006
ILBA 33rd AGMand Conference
Montebello, Quebec
www.logassociation.orgSpace Available
Advertise
TODAY! Can you identify these log builders?Heres a hinttheir hat styles may have
changed.
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26 LogBuildingNews January | February | March 2006
Learn about timber framing
Experience the joy of building
community through craft
Timber Framers Guild
education inspiration
888-453-0879www.TFGUILD.ORG
Support the advertisers who support Log Building News. Its a win-win situation!
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in Rope, Batts or
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Ph/Fax: 403-845-6705
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Call STAN for a Free-Sample
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THE PAT WOLFE
LOG BUILDING SCHOOL
Pat Wolfe has 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
613-256-0631
RR2 Lanark, Ontario Canada K0G 1K0Email: [email protected] www.logbuildingschool.net
waysidepress.com
VERNON KAMLOOPS
BRITISH COLUMBIA
tel: 250.372.3373
fax: 250.828.6848
toll free in BC: 1-800-663-6432
PROUD TO SERVE
THE INTERNATIONAL
LOG BUILDERS
ASSOCIATION
Celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2005
R.C.M. CAD Design & Drafting Ltd.
Exclusively designing log homes& Post and Beam since 1994
Bus: (604) 702-1188 Fax: (604) 702-0022
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Page: www.loghomedesign.ca
Check out our Web page to learn about us & our product
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Number 58 LogBuildingNews 27
Ann Miks, Administrative Assistant
International Log Builders Association
P.O. Box 775
Lumb