Log Building News Issue No 62

NEWS
February | March | April 2007 Number 62

Agreement Number 40707514
The Future of Log Construction
Men and Machines
By Robert W. Chambers
Eventually, handcrafted, scribe-fit log home shells
will be built by machines. This is shocking and sad
news. I am a champion of handcrafted construction,
and I champion people who use scribers. Our over-
lapping corner notches and scribed long grooves get
me going. Timber frame, log post and beam, and
butt and pass logs leave me pretty cold.
Today, scribe-fit horizontal logwork can only be
done by handby craftsmen using scribers. In con-
trast, timber frame, post and beam, and all shapes of
milled logs can be built mostly, or completely, by
machine. And machines seem to produce these prod-
ucts about as well as men, but faster and cheaper.
As a result, the Hundegger machine, for example,
has drastically changed the ancient craft of timber
framing. Will a machine like this happen to log
builders, too? I think it will. And when a log building
machine comes, it will come quicklyas all revolu-
tions do. But at least we wont be surprised by it
we have had fair warning: we can look at what's
happening to the craft of timber framing.
In 1981, the New York Times interviewed Tedd
Benson and Ed Levin: What were doing, Benson
said, is sculpturing timber. Wherever feasible they
use the old-fashioned tools of their tradeslicks,
hand-boring machines, and huge mallets. Just 20
years later these men put down their antique slicks to
pick up more expensive and complex machines
computers and Hundeggers.
This is in no way a negative comment on these
pioneering men: the lure and impact of machines is
continued over
Inside This Issue
Conference 2007 You
Wont Want to Miss This!
page 3
Auction NewsSpecial
Items for Advance
Bidding page 4
International Conference
of Log House Builders
and Wood Construction
Specialists in Riga, Latvia,
from June 2 to 7, 2007
page 5
Large in LarchReport
From Russia page 6
Announcing Our
Sponsors! page 7
Advertisers in This Issue
page 9
Tech Talk page 10
Log Houses of the World
page 12
Welcome New and
Renewing Members
page 13
Clients from Hell page 14
Notice of Special Business
to be Conducted at the
2007 AGM page 16
Treasures Report, March
2007 page 17
ILBA Auditors Report,
2006 page 19
Classified Ads
page 18, 20
At the heart of our craft: hand-scribing naturally-shaped logs. PHOTO ROBERT W. CHAMBERS
2007
ILBA C
onference
April 26 to 29
Abbottsford,BC
2 LogBuildingNews February | March | April 2007
LogBuildingNews
February | March | April 2007
Issue #62
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:
Nick Berwian
nickberwian@gmx.de
Patti LeFrancois
plefran@shaw.ca
Graeme Mould
graeme@naturalloghomes.co.nz
Robbin Obomsawin
obomsawin@msn.com
Mira-Jean Steinbrecher
jsa@whidbey.com
Ed Shure
ed@timmerhusinc.com
huge. And from a business point of view the charm of good machines is inescapable.
A single Hundegger might put 50 or more skilled timber framers out of work.
While Hundeggers can build most conventional timber frames, it cannot build them
allthere are some cuts it is not good at. Over time, and perhaps already, timber
framers will find that they design homes, and the joinery they use, so that everything
can be cut with the Machine. It will be natural to skip the joints that need craftsmen.
To argue that a machine could not build exactly the same full-scribe-fit log home
that we now build by hand is an argument that doesnt matter. When a machine can
build nearly the handcrafted log homes that we build now, then log home designs
and notches will be changed so that the machine can build everything.
When there is a machine that does 90% of what a skilled log crafter can do, that
will probably be enoughthe solution to the 10% that is not possible with the
Machine is: just dont do that anymore!
The log building rebirth might date to 1971when Allan Mackies book Building
With Logs was printed. Why has handcrafted log building lasted 36 years so far, and
not yet succumbed to a Machine? The reason is that fitting naturally-shaped logs to
each other in interlocking layers is very difficult. I estimate that fitting naturally-shaped
logs together is about 100 to 1000 times more difficult to automate than the
trigonometry used by Hundeggers CNC machines to cut tenons, slots, mortises, and
holes in rectangular timbers.
The machine that eventually produces full-scribe-fit logs will be a lot more sophisti-
cated and expensive. A prototype, built by Hundegger, has already cut chinked (not
full-scribed) saddle notches in naturally-shaped logs. The result was a bit crude, but
they will undoubtedly get better. In my opinion, however, the current approach (a
modified timber-cutting machine) will not lead to full-scribe-fit automated production.
It is only a matter of time before computers are used to decide where in the build-
ing each log is used, and automated routers are used to cut notches and drill holes,
rabbet floor and ceiling grooves and troughs, and flatten sill logs and door headers in
each logwithout the log ever being scribed.
These will be the first handcrafted log homes that have no handcrafted produc-
tionthey will be fully cut by machines. In time, these shells will be nearly identical to
hand-scribed and hand-cut log home shells produced today.
Vowing to never change wont help us. Not buying the Machine does not magically
protect us from its effect. First one, then two, then thirty machines will be bought.
And the companies who own a log building machine will want to run it 24 hours a
day to make a profit from it.
The lower cost of production, the efficiencies of large-scale businesses, and the com-
petition in the marketplace between businesses that own the Machine all lead to high-
er quantities of shells being made, and a lower price for the product in the marketplace.
Friends, this will be trouble for builders of handcrafted log homes. Some of us will
lose our jobs, or our companies. And we are all in danger of losing our craft. What can
we do?
I believe that there will be a small but significant market for completely handmade
log homes homes that are built, in fact, without chainsaws or power tools. Other
consumer products indicate that this is likely. While mens suits are widely available,
look good, and are reasonably priced, there is a small but significant market for com-
pletely hand-made, hand-sewn, hand-tailored, made-to-measure suits. They are called
bespoke and they cost from $5,000 to more than $20,000 each. There are many
handmade automobiles available (though not easily affordable, think Ferrari and
Bentley). And New Zealand has an active industry in building super yachts one at a
time, designed from scratch for each customer with price tags around $50 million.
Fact is, continued modernization and industrialization tends to cause increased
desire by some very discerning customers for completely handmade goodsclothing,
continued on page 23
Number 62 LogBuildingNews 3
CONFERENCE 2 0 0 7
You Wont Want to
Miss This!
2007 ILBA AGM and Conference
April 26 29, 2007 in Abbotsford, BC
By Patti LeFrancois
Pre-conference workshops will give you hands on training and
with ample opportunity to make lots of noise and sawdust.
Renowned chainsaw carver, Mike McVay, will be teaching a
two-day, hands-on workshop.
Getting the most from your Band Mill Forintek will give
a one-day combination hands-on and technical workshop on
getting the most value (and profit) from your mill. If you have
a band mill or are thinking of investing in one, this is a must.
Intricate Stair Building this 2-day combination hands on
and technical program to take the mystery out of intricate stair
systems including winder and spiral staircases.
During Conference: Fine Carving, Business Communication
Skills; Stress Management; Physical Fitness; and Design
Considerations.
Your conference team is excited to announce that author and
consultant, Michael Stone will be our Keynote Speaker as well as
a guest facilitator for a workshop. Michael is the author of the
best seller, Mark Up and Prot, A Contractors Guide.
Our conference theme is Where the Best Meet the Best
Charting our Course in Changing Times, a time for the Best
Builders in the World to gather and explore the changing world
of the log and timber building industry, share ideas and solu-
tions, and develop new skills.
This year we have prepared a program of seminars and
presentations that focus on the changing demographics of our
customers and hands on workshops to give participants the
opportunity to try new techniques.
We look forward to seeing you at conference this year and
promise to make it a memorable experience for you!.
If you are unable to attend
conference this year you can
still bid on two major items
or you can bid by phone during
the auction. Advance bids
must be received in writing at
the ILBA office before April 20,
2007.
To arrange for live phone bidding
please contact Patti LeFrancois at
250-374-3557 or cell 250-574-0562.
HsbCAD North America Software
and Support
Computer drafting and design doesnt
get any better than this amazing item
will be auctioned as one lot:
hsbLOG/TIMBER
ADT2007
3 Days training at Montreal Training
Center
Annual Technical Support
Retail value: more than $18,000 US
To learn more about this item please
contact: Joseph Montesano, Account
Executive, HsbCAD North America,
514-341-2028, x233.
D & L Timber Technologies
Swing Blade Sawmill
Thinking of adding a milling operation
to compliment your log building sales?
Then you dont want to miss this item!
Has the following standard options
included: 12 Volt diamond wheel saw
sharpener and jig; maintenance tool kit;
operation and maintenance manual and
Doublecut factory warranty
Model: SB 612
Retail Value $7,995
Motor: 13 hp HySpec
Depth of cut: 6"
Maximum cutting dimension: 6" x 12"
Standard log length: 16'- 6"
Maximum log diameter: 24"
Learn more about this great saw at
www.DLTimbertech.com or from Greg
Robart, 250-396-4607, or 877-420-5998.
CONFERENCE 2 0 0 7
Auction NewsSpecial Items for Advance Bidding
For more info: 1-866-202-2345 or www.accutechinnovations.com
Cut upto 70 angles. + or - 1/4 accuracy
Convert any size chainsaw into a
portable saw mill
Achieve a level of accuracy never
seen with a chainsaw
Transport or store all your chainsaw mills
PRECISION PORTABLE CHAINSAW MILLS
The Latvian Chamber of Crafts (LCC) together with Riga
Technical University will host an International Log Home Builders
and Wood Construction Specialists conference at the Latvian
Ethnographic Open Air Museum in Riga, the capital of Latvia.
This is our 4th conference the last conference we brought
together scientists and log builders from more than 14 countries
including the USA, Canada, Norway, Lithuania, Finland,
Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Russia,
Italy, France, Australia, and Japan, together 160 persons.
Within the short period of Latvia's independence, one craft
association of builders of wooden buildings has been restored,
and hundreds of log homes have been built and supplied to
customers, both in Latvia and for export markets. Also some
intricately-restored log structures, some of them centuries old,
both in city and in rural settings, have been restored to use and
have received wide acclaim.
This conference will be a joint undertaking of LCC, Builders
Union of LCC, Center of Craftsmanship and Design of Riga
Technical University (RTU), LIAA (Latvian Investment and
Development Agency) and the Latvian Open Air Museum. The
conference will hold its lectures and hands-on sessions at the
famous Open Air Museum.
Registration fee is 110 Latvian lats (about USD$210); accom-
modation is available. More information at the English-language
website: http://www.lak.lv/pub/index.php?id=154 or by email
(also in English): kristine.lak@inbox.lv
International Conference of Log House Builders
and Wood Construction Specialists
Riga, Latvia, from June 2 to 7, 2007
No doubt, the records for
building large and grand log
structures the world has seen
so far, is held by North Ameri -
can log building companies.
Yet when the talking is about
log construction beyond the
ordinary, Russian companies
are in the running!
On my last visit to
St. Petersburg, Russia,
I visited companies who do
just that: specialize in extraor-
dinary log homes for the inner
market. The super rich in
Moscow and St. Petersburg
dont ask How much does it cost? The question is rather
Cant you make it cost a bit more? The demand for superla-
tives is leading towards daring multi-storeyed log structures
and towards using extraordinary building material like 60 cm
(2 foot) mid-diameter spruce.
On this last visit, it was the abundant use of larch that caught
my attention. In Central and East Russia, Siberian Larch is
abundant: vast forest regions in Siberian grow hundreds of
thousands of cubic meters of larch every year. In remote areas
with restricted road-access, quite often natural waterways remain
the only way to transport logs. And because larch, as a dense
semi hardwood, has the tendency to sink in water, it cannot
be river-rafted as easily as spruce or pine. Whole water systems
are said to be filled up with sunken trunks. As a result, larch is
not logged as much in certain areas, and grows to huge diame-
ters, 80 cm (31 inches), and more.
Once shipped to Western Russia by rail, the logs are peeled
but the bark of a larch tree is tough. It is chopped off by axes
and special peeling spuds,
the thin blades of which are
replaced by axe heads welded
onto the shaft. Not only this,
though, the entire sapwood
also is being removed by axe!
Afterwards, the logs are
planed, and only then are
ready for building, either
round log or Norwegian
style. The result is a hand-
crafted log home, costly both
in material and labour, and
built entirely out of larch
heartwood: exactly what the
rich want.
Presently, a two-storey house measuring 700 square meters
(7500 square feet) is being constructed in this manner on the
5-hectare building yard in St. Petersburg. Oh yes, and also a
500 square meter banja, or sauna.
Where this tendency for superlatives in log buildings is leading
in Russia remains to be seen; hopefully it is leading towards
improving the quality of the craft, which is an urgent need in
Russia, where some builders havent heard of such strange ideas
as scribers with bubble levels. Russia, a country where building
with logs at least is partially originating from, sure will be up for
some surprises in the future concerning our craft! If only the rest
of the world cares to notice.
Large in Larch Report From Russia
By Nick Berwian
TOP Using an axe to remove all the sapwood from hewn larch
logs. BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT After sapwood has been removed,
the axed surfaces are re-shaped with planers; building big
scalea 1200 square meter larch loghouse is getting started.
PHOTOS NICK BERWIAN
Each of these sponsors has
committed to donate amazing
products and services to the
auction, so be sure and visit
each of their displays and
show them how much we
appreciate their sponsorship
and support.
HsbCAD North America
Major Sponsor; Bar Sponsor;
and Log Builder Games Sponsor
Log Homes Illustrated
Major Sponsor; Bar Sponsor;
and Log Builder Games Sponsor
Major Sponsor, Bar Sponsor
CBR Products
Major Sponsor
Makita
Major Sponsor
Mountain Living Magazine
Major Sponsor
Sansin Corp.
Contributing Sponsor
TimberLinx
Contributing Sponsor
GRK Fasteners
Supporting Sponsor; Showcase
and
Log Builder Games Sponsor
Dietrichs
Supporting Sponsor
R.C.M. CAD Design &
Drafting
Supporting Sponsor
Wurth Service Supply
Supporting Sponsor
Insulspan
Supporting Sponsor
Nicola Log Works Ltd/Sof
Rod Log Home Gasket
Supporting Sponsor
Joe Scaffold
Auction Contributor/Sponsor
Baileys
Magard Ventures Ltd.
CONFERENCE 2 0 0 7
Announcing Our Sponsors!
2007 ILBA AGM and Conference
April 26 29, 2007, Abbotsford, BC
There are still a few sponsorship spots available.
Please contact Patti LeFrancois at plefran@shaw.ca or
250-374-3557.
The Itgel Foundation is an international non profit organization that conducts sustainable development
projects in Mongolia. We serve struggling rural communities through health initiatives, training programs,
economic development activities, and more. In 2006, we worked with the Tsaatan reindeer-herding
community of northern Mongolia to establish a community & visitors center that enables impoverished
Tsaatan herders to have a participatory role in tourism, gain access to educational opportunities, and
generate sustainable income. Currently, the TCVC is housed in a small cabin, but a larger facility is needed
to accommodate the growing activities at the center. To meet this need, The Itgel Foundation, in conjunction
with the Tsaatan community, will be constructing a log structure in summer/fall 2007. We will be using
locally-available wood including larch and birch to construct a four-room cabin (approx. dimensions 30x20).
With help from the Timber Framers Guild and the International Log Builders Association, Itgel is
currently seeking enthusiastic builders to participate in this project by filling the positions described below.
Both positions are located in Tsagaan Nuur village, Hovsgol province, Mongolia. Dates and duration of
service are flexible anytime between June 1 and September 1, 2007.
Position: Crew Leader
Duration: 8 weeks minimum
Requirements:
? Leadership experience in design & construction
of wood buildings, preferably log structures
? Willingness to work with Itgel to coordinate
design, materials needs, crew duties
? Excellent physical condition, willingness to work
as a team, adaptability to rugged conditions
Incentives:
? All international and in-country travel covered
? Room and board for duration of service
? Once-in-a-lifetime experience serving people in
a remote corner of the globe
Position: Crew Members (up to 3)
Duration: 3 weeks - 5 months (flexible)
Requirements:
? Must have 1-3 years experience in
construction, preferably log of structures
? Excellent physical condition, willingness to work
as a team, adaptability to rugged conditions
Incentives:
?In-country travel covered
?Room and board for duration of service
?Once-in-a-lifetime experience serving people in
a remote corner of the globe
For more info, visit www.itgel.org or contact
Morgan Keay at (303) 241-4411 or morgan@itgel.org
A huge piece-en-piece log structure in a small town in Romania. This is, according to the sign out front, an insane asylum.
As far as I know, it is not only the world's largest log building for this purpose, but maybe the only one.
PHOTO ROBERT W. CHAMBERS, 2006
Advertisers in This Issue
Accutech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
BC Log & Timber Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
CBR Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Cowls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Curio Scriber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Dietrichs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Emseal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Foard Insulated Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Good Shepherd Wool Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
GRK Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Insulspan Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
J. Rouleau & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Joe Scaffold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Log Home Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Nicola Log Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
P.A. Drafting & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Pat Wolfe Log Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Perma-Chink Systems Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Precision Structural Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
RCM Cad Design & Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
RSM Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Schroeder Log Home Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Streamline Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Summer Beam Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
The Continental Products Company . . . . . . . . 9/23
The Sansin Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Timber Framers Guild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Timmerhus Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Wayside Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
TechTalk
MORE TI PS AND TOOLS
Padded Chainsaw
Graeme Mould demonstrates a simple setup he uses for cutting
wall slots for frame walls. A piece of tempered hardboard
masonite is screwed to one side of the bar (photo 1). The
rounded tip of the hardboard rides on the log surface so that
the nose only cuts into the logs a set distance that you choose,
and no deeper.
Choose a thickness for the hardboard that makes the cut the
desired distance from the 2x4 guideto match the thickness
of the wall covering material to be used. After cuts are made on
each side of the 2x4 (photo 2), Graeme removes the 2x4 and
makes another two passes (without the chainsaw pad) to widen
the slots. Precision won't matter for those two cuts since they
cannot be seen.
The wall material is then scribed to the shape of the surface of
the log wall, and then the scribed shape is modified to account
for future settling of the wall. If you usually make a wall slot that
has a plumb surface at the back of the slot, this method differs
because it makes a wall slot that has a
shape that is a duplicate of the log's
surface. This leaves a lot more wood
in the log wall.
RIGHT How to NOT do this method.
The slot depth mirrors the shape of
the walls surface (correct), and the
sheetrock was scribed to the original
wall shape (correct), but the scribe
was not amended to allow for
settling (wrong!). Extra material
should have been added onto the
scribe line at every log to allow for
settling. When done correctly this
would not happen.
Pest ControlLow Prices
If you use Timbor as a wood preservative, you might want to
check out "Borrada D" 200lbs for $580. This website says it is
the same as Timbor (200lbs for $720); no charge for shipping
UPS to lower 48 states. The website also has good info on fly
and mouse infestations and how to treat them. Quite a few bet-
ter mousetraps are available!
www.doyourownpestcontrol.com
German Tool Supply
John Boys told me about Grube Tools which seems to be aimed
at foresters, loggers, and tree surgeons, but you'll find gadgets
of interest to log builders, too. The Prinz electric chainsaw
(400v, 2.6kW) is the biggest one I've seen; Haglof log calipers;
a whole page of barking spuds; 3 pages of debarking attach-
ments for chainsaws, and several interesting Log-Master milling
devices that replace the chainsaw bar and provide cutterheads
that can cut troughs and shapes like a moulding head. These
are made by Eder, and Eder has its own German-language
website (www.eder-maschinenbau.de/produkte.htm). Down -
load Grube's English-language PDF catalogue from this page:
www.grube.de/index-e.php
Finnish Tool Supply
While we are on overseas tool sources, its definitely worth
checking out Hirspek's website. They have the Vuolu-Kalle chain -
saw attachment for debarking or shaping, and the Peeling
Scorpion, and some very interesting rotating planer-type
attachments for large disc grinders. There is a see-through dia-
mond wheel that allows fast sharpening combined with great
visibility! I cannot describe these tools with wordsvisit the
website (link is the English version), and look at the pictures:
www.hirspek.fi/tools_eng.html
1
2
April 26 29, 2007
ILBA 34th AGM
and Conference
Abbotsford, BC
April 26 29, 2007
ILBA 34th AGM
and Conference
Abbotsford, BC
BOOK REVI EW
Reviewed by Robert W. Chambers
Abrams $45, 2006
ISBN: 0-8109-5746-9
285 illustrations, 235 in color
240 pages, 9
1
4 x 11
1
4"
Author Richard Olsen and photographer
Radek Kurzaj have written a book, and
publisher Abrams have produced a vol-
ume, that looks great and is a substantial
addition to a log builders library.
Another picture book of log homes?
I admit I thought it might be yet more
log McMansions. Its not. This was a book
written, I suspect, for architects. But it
deserves a place on a log builders book-
shelf, too, because it shows us a number
of homes that most of us have never seen.
There are some houses in this book
that log builders may not like. But there
are very few that we wont learn from.
Olsens hook for this book is that many
of these homes were designed by famous
architects for themselves. It is a whos
who of the last 100 years of architecture:
Gustav Stickley, Alvar Aalto, Le Courbusier,
Robert A. M. Stern, and Eliel Saarinen.
Rubbing elbows with these architectural
giants are homes designed by ILBA mem-
bers Jean Steinbrecher and Katrina Koebel,
and one built by Ed Shure (one of the few
homes in the book that was not architect-
designed).
Log to the author includes all manner
of log: post and beam; milled; full-scribe
handcrafted; chinked; and even Le
Corbusiers tiny cabin with milled half-log
siding and plywood interior.
Two of my favorites are the
Zakopane (Poland) log homes
one from 1897 by Witkiewicz and
a very recent one by Piton (see
photo). The style is distinctive,
substantial, and dramatic. These
designs have a distinction that is
missing from many recent designs.
And I was left wanting to know
a lot more about the construction
detailslike the interesting tech-
nique called welnionka which
seems to be wood shavings used
as sort of a puff-pastry chinking.
I am at a loss to describe it any
better than that!
Check out the Brekke Hotel in Norway
(1966-80) with its organic roof-lines that
tumble and roll like the nearby river into fjord.
Lautners log post and beam has a perfect
view from the living room in which the houses
posts look like part of forest outside the win-
dowsIve never seen a better marriage of
log view and log structure.
The book also has some true log home oddi-
ties. Olsen is to be congratulated for tracking
down and writing about these strange struc-
tures. Maybecks House of Hoo-Hoo with
its massive log posts (Ive never seen bigger,
or more dramatically out-of-scale); the Terry
House (1959, and modeled after Hoo Hoo);
Richard Neutras 1951 modern style log home;
and Schindlers unbuilt prairie style log house
(1916).
Notably missing from this sampler is a house
from Russia, as the author notes. Luckily, there
already is an entire book on the log homes
of Tomsk, Russia (a book that every log home
builder should own).
Olsen offers valuable insights into the rise of
popularity of log construction, with particular
attention on the impact of the Worlds Fairs in
Paris 1867, Chicago 1893, Philadelphia 1876,
and San Francisco 1915. The other theme
running through here is Frank Lloyd Wright
though probably any book about home archi-
tecture in the 20th century would have to
bow to Wright.
In shortexcellent photographs of very
diverse designs from 1890 to 2004, words
that offer genuine insight and perspective,
combined in a handsome volume that is both
substantial and a pleasure to read.
WELCOME!
NEW COMPANY
MEMBERS
Apex Engineering Services, Inc.
Lignomat USA Ltd.
Log & Cottage Shows
Long Woods Log Homes
Stockade Style Log Homes
Wurth
RENEWI NG
COMPANY
MEMBERS
Accelerated Log Building, Inc.
Ackerman Log & Timber
Americana Log Homes
Artisan Custom Log Construction
Baker Creek Log Homes
Beaudette Consulting Engineers,
Inc
Big Foot Manufacturing Inc.
Bissonett Log Construction Inc.
Blockhausbau Porrenga GmbH
Boyd - Housewrights
Brockman Engineering Inc.
Bromley Log Homes
Canadian Shield Log Homes &
Winterwood Timber Frame Co.
Cannon Bar Works Ltd
CBR Products
Chilliwack Mountain Log Homes
Ltd.
Constructions en bois rond
Amishk inc.
Cowls Lumber and Sawmill
Daizen Joinery Ltd.
Davidson Log & Timber Artisans
Inc.
Dietrich's North America
Discovery Dream Homes
Eagleridge Log Homes
Eastern Adirondack Home and
Design
Emseal Corporation
Farrell Log Structures, LLC
Fearless Engineers PLLC
Forbes Landing Log Homes
Frontier Builders Inc.
Frye Custom Log Homes, Inc
Gabriels Carpentry
Gearhead Scribers
Good Shepherd Wool Insulation
GRK Fasteners
Heartwood Log Homes Ltd.
High Mountain Log Homes
Hilgard Log Builders
Home Field Advantage Ltd.
Homestead Log Homes Inc.
hsbCAD North America
Husky Logwork
Ingenius Web Design
Insulspan Corporation - Plasti-Fab
Ltd.
J. Rouleau & Associates, LLC
Jean Steinbrecher Architects
Jeffery Sharpe PE
John DeVries Log & Timber
Homes 2000 Ltd.
Kootenay Lake Log Structures
Ltd.
Koski Log Homes
Laverty Log Homes
Lee Valley Tools Ltd.
Legendary Logcrafters Limited
Log Cabin Homes Ltd.
Log Home Store Inc.
Log Homes Illustrated and
Timber Homes Illustrated
Magazines
Logmaster Log Homes
Magard Ventures Ltd.
Makita Canada Inc.
Maple Island Log Homes
Minde Log Construction Inc.
Mountain Living
Mountain State Log Homes, Inc.
Murray Arnott Design Ltd.
NACHI
Nicola Log Works Ltd.
Nortek CopperWorks
Odermatt Log Homes
Ojibwa Log Homes
Old Style Log Works, Inc.
Original Log Homes Ltd.
Pacic Log Homes Ltd.
Pine Ridge Handcrafted Log
Homes
Pioneer Log Homes of British
Columbia Ltd.
Precision Craft Log & Timber
Homes
Professional Investigative
Engineers Inc.
REB Properties LLC
Red Willow Rustic Log Homes
Sansin Corporation
Sellman Log Structures Inc
Shuswap Log Homes
International
Sikkens - Akzo Nobel Coatings
Sitka Log Homes Inc.
Sperlich Log Construction Inc
Streamline Design Ltd.
Summer Beam Books
Summit Handcrafted & Milled
Log Homes, Inc.
Sun Valley Log Homes
Swiss Mountain Log Homes, Inc
Team Kanadablockhaus GmbH
The Continental Products
Company
The Wooden House Co.
Timber Wolf Handcrafted Log
Homes
TIMBERLINX
Timberwize Construction
Services Corp.
TJ's Wood Products
True Log Homes, Inc.
Twin Butte Log Homes Ltd.
Whiteman Lumber
Wiens Log Homes Inc.
NEW I NDI VI DUAL
MEMBERS
Barkahu, Kent
Colliver, Brad
Eric, Pickering
Hedges, Noah
Heim, Ron
Johnston, Anthony
Ross, Michael J.
Steiner, Ray
Torrild, Soren
Vincent, Jane
Webber, Mark
RENEWING
INDIVIDUAL/
EMPLOYEE MEMBERS
Adrian, Stuart
Artmanis, Egils
Bembridge, Thomas
Bergeron, Martin
Blackburn, Tom
Boden, Jack
Bristol, Bob
Burlock, Gene
Carradine, David
Christensen, Jim
Clark, Chad A.
Conroy, Leonard
Coppernoll, Keith
Durfeld, Ricci
Enos, Robert E.
Figueroa, Paul F.
Fournier, Dominique
Fuller, George
Gott, Peter
Graffand, Patrice
Gray, David
Guest, Ken
Hahney, BS Engr., Tom
Hansen, Louis A.
Hirsh, Simon
Jones, Peter
Kelland, Chris
Kenel, R.G.
Kirkpatrick, Mark
Koelbel, Katharina
Lambert, Rick
McKay, L. D. (Doc)
Meeker, Herb
Menard, Eric
Mueller PE, Mark J.
Odermatt, Paul
Ouellet, Donald
Parish, Jeff
Perron, Steve
Pollard, Everett
Puckett, Jim
Racer, Steven
Rogers, Tim
Rogers, Ed
Seekings, Cormac
Skoien, Kent
Smedbol, Richard
Speer, Sam
Strama, Joe
Taha, Nabil
Terry, Kym
Trochanowski, Roman
Ulmer, Robert
Walker, Cliff
Watson, Peter F.
Wiens, Allan
Williamson, Howard
Wittwer, Ueli
Ziegler, Uwe
New and Renewing Members as of March 1, 2006
Yes, I must discuss this subject. It is never
pleasant, and no one likes to admit it.
We share the fluffy stories of success and
we can read about happy customers in
the glossy magazines. We log builders are
quite the tough bunch, but lets discuss a
subject usually only whispered about
the client from hell.
In general, most clients are kind and
considerate. I have had some of the great-
est clients over the years, yet it only takes
one client from hell to knock the wind out
of your sail. Having a client from hell is
somewhat of an initiation into the build-
ing trades.
On projects it is typical for the designer,
contractor, and sub-trades to develop a
strong bond with the client. Construction
is a long process with a lot of money
spent to build any home, no matter the
size. Long hours are spent on the job site,
dangers are encountered, and there are
many personalities working close to
(and sometimes on top of) one another.
For the client, this is often the first time
in the building process and they have
probably spent more money then they
planned with the anxiety of a mortgage
hanging over their head. I firmly believe
that it takes 5 to 6 custom homes for a
client to begin to understand the process,
and that, of course, almost never hap-
pens.
I do not think that most clients try to be
difficult; the problems usually come from
not fully understanding the complexity of
construction. The client may truly believe
they are the perfect client and never see
themselves as being from hell, or even
realize how they are creating a negative
work environment. But, then there are a
few people who live to create aggrava-
tion.
It only takes one client to run amuck to
make the project a living hell, you know
the ones that constantly whine; complain;
chronically change their minds; make
unrealistic demands; call you at all hours
of the day and expect you to be on the
job 18 hours a day, seven days a week;
threaten legal action on a weekly basis;
negotiate one price and renegotiate a
new price, or decide at the end they just
dont feel like paying the bill.
Quotes From Construction Hell
I have heard it all over the years. Feel free
to place these on your bulletin board and
check them off as needed. Once they are
all checked off you will have qualified for
early retirement. Here are some of my
favorites:
I know exactly what I want, it is all up
here in my head. That is fine for the
mind reader, but what about the other
25 to 35 people involved in actually build-
ing the project?
I will figure that out later. A design in
flux can adds to the cost of construction
without realistic budget guideline able to
be formed.
I am not difficult to please. I am a very
uncomplicated. These words usually
come from a complicated person who has
convinced themselves they are not com-
plicated.
Go ahead and do the work, what ever
the costjust bill me. Let me translate:
Do the work, but when you are done, if
it is more then I can afford, then I will not
pay for it.
Money is no object, translates to
money is the only object. Usually
spoken by the client that has no clue
about the value of time spent building a
quality home.
I trust you, whatever you say goes. I
dont need a contract; just go ahead with
the job. This scenario leaves a project
open for a court case of he said/she
said. You should put your attorney on
speed dial.
You dont have to ask me, just do what
ever you think and pick what ever finishes
you want leaving the client often
unhappy with the choice and disappoint-
ed of their dream, because it ends up not
being their dream but someone elses.
The contractor I have chosen does not
know how to do their job. I never built
anything before but I had to tell them
how it is done.The know-it-all client that
burns though 3 or 4 general contractors
and many sub-trades because they were
not competent.
You say it takes 9-12 months to build a
small or average size home, but this one is
not a complicated project and you could
have it done in 3 months. The client with
unrealistic deadlines and expectations
drastically raise level of danger by pushing
some to the point of exhaustion and/or
cutting corners.
Move this door over here, add a window
there, and put on another small bump-
out (translates to an additional wing) over
there. When the client is constantly
changing plans during mid-construction.
Some changes are normal within any proj-
ect, but the client that is not willing to sit
down and have most of the changes in
advance on paper becomes a high risk of
consistent changes thought out the proj-
ect or a design as you build scenario.
This raises the cost of construction as well
as causing confusion between the trades.
You would not believe the deal I got on
my new car, new furniture, and household
accessories. You would not believe how
many times the a client has told us the list
of items they purchased along with the
grand total of all the items.about at the
same time they told us they do not have
the money to pay our contract. I found
this wonderful chandelier for a steal at
only $10,000 This is often from the
person that complains and does not want
to pay for adequate electrical wiring
because they feel its the cost of wiring a
home of $8,000 is too much and expect
you to cut back.
Clients from Hell
By Robbin Obomsawin
While you are here or it wont take
much time The client that expects
more work from the trades person
beyond the contract just because they are
on the sitetwenty small things later,
the tradesperson becomes Santa Clause
while only Santa is left with coal in his
own stocking.
I am going to save lots of money by
hiring my brother-in-law, John (the full-
time accountant) to build the foundation
on weekend in exchange for a couple
cases of beer. Johns three months,
construction experience consists of build-
ing picnic tables and a tool shed may
not be comparable to a contractors 20
years of full time experience. Dont laugh,
I hear similar scenarios every week.
I know you would like the magic answer
for avoiding the client from hell. Many
times we have decided to walk away
from the lure of a great project because
it came with a lousy client. The secret is:
learn the signs, trust your instinct, keep
your business healthy enough that you
do not have to take every single job,
and avoid getting involved in the first
place.
Learning to predict is vital, because
trying to get out when its too late is so
tough. Usually there are clues that some-
one may become a difficult client. Watch
for signs especially during the bidding
process. Maybe they dont seem too bad
at first? Well, I have noticed that as time
goes on things get worse, never better
so youll need to watch for subtle clues,
not obvious ones.
And even with all my years of experi-
ence it can also be too easy to talk myself
into believing if I just work harder I can
make them happy.
Does someone put you on edge or
make you nervous, and you dont know
why? This is your intuition. Once in a
while a normal client will go off the edge.
There is no way to predict this, and no
way to avoid it. This is not a client from
hell, this is a normal person acting badly
under stress.
To survive clients from hell, have your
business in order; do not over extend
yourself; do not take on too many projects
at once; evaluate each clients personality
as well as their project; do not underbid
you must make a profit. It is the stability
and health of your business that gives you
the ability to say no thanks to a project
that is likely to go in a wrong direction.
Being desperate for work, any work, will
cause you to take some jobs that will head
towards hell.
This year, at our Annual General Meeting (AGM)
in Abbottsford, British Columbia, the Board of
Directors will be calling for a vote to amend the
ILBAs Constitution and Bylaws, and to create a
new Code of Ethics. (Details of the time and place
of the AGM are available in this newsletter.)
The proposed revisions have been divided into three resolutions
so that we can discuss each document being revised:
Resolution One Shall we revise the Constitution as
proposed?
Resolution Two Shall we revise the Bylaws and create a
Code of Ethics as proposed? And if Resolution Two fails, then
the Board will present a third for discussion and a vote:
Resolution Three Shall we revise the Bylaws as proposed
without a Code of Ethics or system of enforcement of the
ethics within the Bylaws?
The Constitution and Bylaws revisions
and the new Code of Ethics can be found
in the Members Only section of the ILBA
website (www.LogAssociation.org). There
you will also find explanations for most of
the proposed changes.* We thought it
would be good to talk about the reasons
for a revised Code of Ethics here.
Why Have a Code of Ethics?
A code of ethics for any organization is a
set of written statements that communi-
cate the common values and business
standards that are embraced by the
members of that organization. They tell
the worldincluding new members,
potential members, and those organiza-
tions that we wish to influencewho we
are. A well drafted code of ethics should
only address the behavior to be regulated
that is relevant to our organizations pur-
pose and mission. In other words, it would
not attempt to legislate the morality of its
members.
The ILBA Board has spent many hours
discussing ethics issues over the last two
years, and we believe it is in our
Associations best interest to adopt a
revised code of ethics at this time. The
proposal for the members is a brief set of
principles which communicate our
specific, common ethical goals of follow-
ing the law and behaving toward each
other and towards the public in a fair and
truthful manner.
A code of ethics can be written in two
ways. It can be solely inspirational, or it
can be a very specific statement of mini-
mum acceptable behavior. Those that are
written as solely inspirational statements
Notice of Special Business to be Conducted at the 2007 AGM
are never intended to be enforced by procedures within an
association.
The ILBA has had an inspirational code of ethics in place for
many years, but over the last few years it has become very clear
that it is not sufficient to maintain goodwill within our member-
ship. We believe that the fellowship, openness, and sharing spir-
it that the members of the ILBA have always enjoyed is worth
protecting. We believe, therefore, that we need a code of ethics
that is enforceable by the Association to protect the goodwill
and integrity of our staff, directors, volunteers, and members.
The proposed enforcement provisions are fair, and enforcing
the rules of the code of ethics would result in no more than a
private or public censure (a reprimand). We believe these will
usually be enough. In extreme cases, there would be the right
to not renew a members membership.
*In the Members Only section of the website we have also put
a copy of the Society Act (the statutes that regulate the ILBA
as a not-for-prot association in British Columbia), and two
booklets written by British Columbia lawyers concerning the
legal duties of the Association and of the Directors and ofcers
of a non-prot association in British Columbia. These are for
your members reference. If you do not have Internet service,
and want to see these documents, please contact the ILBA
ofce to make other arrangements.
Passports Required
A passport is needed for all U.S. citizens arriving by air into
Canada, as required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. citizens, please allow for 6 weeks to get a first-time passport.
If you do not have your original birth certificate, then allow a lot
more time.
(No visa required for U.S. passport-holders to visit Canada.)
U.S. citizens traveling by ground are not required to have a
passport to visit Canada until 2008. The rules are changing often;
you can find updates on the U.S. State Department website which
also has information on how to apply for your passport:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_ 2225.html
Treasurers Report, March 2007
Short and sweet
By John Boys
2006 was a year for retrenching. Our primary focus was
reducing operating expenses. General and administrative costs
are down to $95,200 as compared to $224,395 in 2005.
With this reduced expenditure our activity, revenue, and
outreach efforts showed a marked decrease but we are firmly
in the black with revenue in excess of expenses of $69,280 for
the year. All in all a good year.
See you at conference!
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
1975 Bantam S588 18 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.
Rated for lifting 1610 lbs. at 85 feet or 5600 lbs.
at 50 feet. 72 feet of hydraulic boom or 92 feet
with jib. Very sound value at $32,500.00
Canadian plus GST. Located west of Calgary
Alberta Canada. Phone toll free: 1-877-932-3992
or email to: info@moosemountain.com
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
Dry House Logs Available 30+ loads per
month of 10-12" top sort, 30' to 50'+ lengths.
Smaller diameter or larger top sizes than our
normal sort can be requested. Logs sorted for
taper(1"/10'), spiral, rott, bow, crook, etc. Spec
sheet can be provided if requested. Please feel
free to contact us with any any questions.
Mark Workman, Montana Dry Log,
93 5th Lane, Fort Shaw, MT 5944
Tel: (406) 467-3199 www.houselogsales.com
For Sale Drafting Service Specializing in Log
buildings. Over 200 sets of building drawings.
Call 250-212-3212
HELP WANTED
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
Lead Timber Framer Two Dog Timberworks
is looking for an experienced TFer with at least 3
years full-time, professional experience. Must be
able to demonstrate experience with Western
softwoods, layout on dimensional & organic
material, cutting prociency, machinery
maintenance, job leadership, and strong raising
know-how. We are a smaller innovative company
that strives to attract challenging projects all over
the country. See our work at
www.twodogtimberworks.com. Join us in the
beautiful NW corner of Washington State and be
a part of a great team that loves what we do! Pay
D.O.E., full benet package, rewarding work.
Contact Laurel or Pete Slisz at
(360)-366-5350 or e-mail us at
info@twodogtimberworks.com.
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.
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
05069 Phone: 802-429-2490 email:
john@woodenhousecompany.com
Apprentice Timber Framer Two Dog
Timberworks is looking for an Apprentice TFer.
Must have general woodworking experience
and a solid working knowledge of hand and
power tools. We are a smaller innovative
company that strives to attract challenging
projects all over the country. See our work at
www.twodogtimberworks.com. Join us in the
beautiful NW corner of Washington State and be
a part of a great team that loves what we do!
Pay D.O.E., full benet package, rewarding work.
Contact Laurel or Pete Slisz at
(360)-366-5350 or e-mail us at
info@twodogtimberworks.com.
The Log Connection is currently seeking
three - 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
Classieds continue on page 20
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!
As the member-elected Auditor of the
ILBA since last April, Ive reviewed the
Associations financial reports on a month-
ly basis. Im happy to report that things
are very much in order and the
Association is in a better cash position
than it was at the end of 2005. (See the
2006 Treasurers Report.)
Ive also read the member-requested chartered accountants
report entitled Review of 2005 Financial Statements and
Review of Internal Procedures and Controls. (A copy is avail-
able to members only from John Boys, ILBA Treasurer.) There
were no serious deficiencies found. However, some excellent
suggestions were put forward and have since been instituted
as standard procedures in the Association office.
As I continue in the role as Auditor, it is my profound
hope that financial and management questions from the past
are put to rest as we go into a bright and prosperous new
year.
ILBA Auditors Report, 2005
By Mira-Jean Steinbrecher
HELP WANTED ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS
C L A S S I F I E D A D S
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
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.
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 & Timber Frame
Builders Edgewood Log Structures, a successful
Handcraft and Timber Frame company in Coeur
d'Alene, 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 d'Alene, ID 83816 or call
(208) 683-3332
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
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
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
Ole Getz Log Building, horse logging and
select logging. Carpentry, log furniture and log
structures offered. Contract work available.
All types of notches, 30 years experience.
Phone 780-524-8099. Ole Getz, Box 636,
High Prairie AB T0G 1E0
Brian Lloyd Construction Consulting
Industry Consulting
Building Inspection
Expert Witness
Conflict Resolution
Vernon, B.C.
Tel/Fax 250-549-3545
email bg_Lloyd@hotmail.com
The Great Lakes LogCrafters
Association
will meet and their conference dates are 21,22,
23 June 2007 in Marquette, Michigan. Thursday
is the day for pre-conference classes, and
Friday/Saturday are the main GLLCA meeting
days. There might be pre-pre-conference on
Wednesday, 20 June. For more information:
www.GLLCA.org or 651-464-6506.
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
EVENTS & TRAI NI NG
2007
ILBA 2007 Conference and AGM
Abbottsford, British Columbia, Canada
April 26th to 29th, 2007
Space Available
Advertise
TODAY!
Learn about timber framing
Experience the joy of building
community through craft
Timber Framers Guild
education inspiration
888-453-0879
www.TFGUILD.ORG
Support the advertisers who support Log Building News. Its a win-win situation!
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
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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 1K0
Email: pwolfe@istar.ca www.logbuildingschool.net
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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@waysidepress.com
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) 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
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
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 63 is
May 5, 2007.
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.
Advertisers can send completed ads as:
Press optimized PDF format with fonts
embedded
QuarkXpress format (Mac preferred, but
PC is acceptable) with screen and printer
fonts, images, and graphics included.
PhotoShop (7.0 or below) or Illustrator
(10.0 and below) EPS les.
300 dpi greyscale TIFs or high resolution
JPGs
Microsoft Publisher les must be convert-
ed to PDF format with fonts embedded.
All greyscale images should be scanned at
266 or higher and be in JPG or TIF format.
Black and white line art should be sent in
TIF format scanned at 600 dpi or as
original art for scanning.
Submissions can be made on Zip disk,
CD-ROM, oppy disk or via email. Com -
pressed .sit, .zip or .sea les are acceptable.
Editorial copy can be sent as Microsoft
Word, PDF or QuarkXpress documents, or
saved in text only format (.txt) from any
word processing program.
Contact the ILBA for other digital le infor-
mation by email: info@logassociation.org
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 mem-
berships 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
Egils Artmanis UNTIL 2007
egipapa@msn.com
Robert W. Chambers (Log Building News*)
UNTIL 2007
robert@logbuilding.org
Rick Hall (Ethics*) UNTIL 2009
rickhall@conveyists.com
Kevin Maynard
kevin@openhearth.us
Jean Rodrigue UNTIL 2008
rodrigue500@sympatico.ca
ILBA Board of Directors
(Committees in parentheses; * indicates chair)
I N OUR NEXT I S S UE
Coming up in Log Building News 63
2007 Conference Reports
Spiral Grain
Review of Makita Groove Cutter
More Tech Talk
(contribute your ideas and photos today)
SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES TODAY WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
A Boys Big Book of Jigs
A Log Builders Reference to Jigs, Tools and Techniques
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 New Stuff
Available to ILBA members only
Convenient binder format allows additional
information to be inserted into appropriate
sections, such as the TechTalk information
clipped from Log Building News. This will allow
for unlimited expansion, creating a personalized work handbook.
Send in your TechTalk ideas for future LBNs as other members have done
for you.
Price $95.00 CAN plus shipping
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!
cars, boats. But how do we logbuilders
keep the hand-crafted experience going
until such a market develops? After all, in
the 30 years between about 1940 and
1970, many of the skills and tools
required for building handcrafted log
homes were lost.
For example, scribers with bubble
levels were widely used in the USA in the
1930s. But in the 1970s Pat Wolff had to
re-invent the bubble-scribes because in
just 40 years the tool at the very heart of
handcrafted log building had become a
tool that was not even known to log
builders!
The risk of loss of craft over a short
period of time is significant. What seems
obvious to us now could be unknown
to future log builders. A 30-year break in
the chain of craft, knowledge, tech-
niques, and tools, is as significant as a
century. Axe techniques that are lost may
take one hundred years to re-develop.
In Latvia, and I am now sorry to say,
I have been part of that change. When I
first went to Latvia in 1994, just 13 years
ago, I saw, for the first time, long grooves
being cut only with axesand it was fast,
easy, and clean. I brought chainsaws to
Latvia in 1994, and I taught Latvian log
craftsmen how to use them. When I
revisited in Latvia in 2005, I did not see
an axe.
Axe-cut notches will, one day, be in
demandand at a super-premium price.
Efforts must be made now to ensure that
good axemanship can be re-learned at
a later time. We must create the photos,
film, and interviews that we will need to
ensure that without the continuous
chain of craftsmanship handed down
from master to apprentice, that we can
re-learn and teach log craftsmen in the
future. The bespoke log home may
one day be the last refuge of the truly
handmade, handcrafted log home.
And we must start talking about what
comes next for log builders. Ignoring
the inevitable would be a disaster for all
log craftsmen.
Men and Machines
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February | March | April 2007 Number 62

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