Cabin Building

Introduction:

This basic log building course will run for two - 6 day - weeks. During this time you will acquire the necessary skills, along with corresponding theoretical background, to build a small log building. Workshops over the following year, (free to attendees), cover such topics as timber selection, log joinery, door and window mounting, etc.. Course attendees also receive a 70 page manual detailing the techniques covered.

A video covering Walter's first log building course in 1997 is available on a loan basis. Please contact the Timberman for details or to borrow a copy.

Course Objective:

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to construct a small log building on his own or with the help of some unskilled personnel. Under the guidance of an experienced log builder, he or she will be able to build their own log home.

In addition, participants will come to realize that the craft of log building has evolved over thousands of years and today, as in the past, still demands a high degree of self discipline.

Insurance & Liability

Costs & Other Info

Registration Form

Course Overview:

Under expert guidance the course participant will rediscover the old craft of log building. Utilizing modern power tools along with century old hand tools, he or she will learn to fit together Manitoba grown logs to create a perfectly tight, handcrafted building that will stand straight and true long after the builder has passed on.

This entry level course is directed at utilizing locally grown timber to it's fullest potential. By providing for the utmost benefit in terms of employment opportunity as well as for superior buildings, round timber constitutes a building material un-surpassed by today's high tech materials.

The two week course (12 working days) is a very intensive practical hands on learning experience, demanding the participants un-divided attention and a strong will to work hard to achieve the high standards of excellence. A small building (Sauna 8' x 13') will be constructed from the ground up, thus providing an opportunity to learn all phases of the process.

The following are covered ...

	Building up the log walls using the Scandinavian full scribe method, using the time honored round corner notch. Other notches will be covered as well.
	Building up log gable walls
	Handcrafting and fitting a heavy ridge pole
	Preparing and installing visible roof rafters out of round timber
	Cutting and preparing openings for doors and windows,
	Detailed instructions on mounting doors and windows including the allowance for settling.

Course Requirements:

Participants must be conversant in the use of a power saw and must have a working knowledge in the use of hand tools and the handling of logs. This course is squarely directed at loggers, foresters, trappers, carpenters, and other wood workers. Specifically, the course is geared to those experienced in the use of chain saws. Classroom instruction is provided as needed although most of the learning will occur at the building site with tools in hand.

A detailed (and copyrighted) course manual will be handed out to each participant.

Tools Required:

Participants require the following tools as a minimum to complete the course ...

	Course manual - provided.
	Chainsaw - Small professional saw; 40 - 50 ccm, two cycle engine with short chain bar. Husqvarna, Stihl and Jonsereds are best. Canisters with chainsaw fuel and chain oil are mandatory.
	Measuring Tape - approx 20' if possible with both imperial and metric markings.
	2 or 3 foot level
	Chalk Line
	Marking Pencil
	Wooden Mallet
	1" Chisel
	Log Notch Gouge - available from Lee Valley, Order NR 58 D16 .11
	Chip Carving Knife - Lee Valley 06 D04 .02 or utility knife.
	Log Scribber - Lee Valley NR 05U05.01 complete with indelible pencil.
	Safety Equipment - Chain saw chaps / pants, work boots, Hard hat with eye shield & hearing protectors, Plexi glass eye shield/ear muff combination may also be used. Safety goggles with ear plugs are minimum requirement, work gloves.

Option tools include ...

	Scoop adze - Lee Valey NR: 59U05.01 or 65U04.10
	Electric angle grinder with woodworking grinding disks (coarse)
	Small axe
	Framing hammer
	Builder's apron with 3" nails
	Draw knife

The best mail order store for fine wood working tools in Canada, Lee Valley, has opened a branch in Winnipeg - 1395 Ellice Ave - 204-779-7467.

Housing and Food:

Participants are expected to look after their own personal needs including accommodations, food, bedding, telephone calls, transportation, etc. Assistance finding accommodations will be provided.

Insurance & Liability:

It is the student's own responsibility to ascertain sufficient accident insurance coverage for the duration of the course. The Organizer and Instructor, Walter Keller of Elma Manitoba, will not assume any liability for the actions of students, or for accidents resulting from unsafe actions or practices by the students while attending the log building course.

Costs & Other Info:

The course cost is $800.00 CAD. A deposit of $200.00 CAD is required with the application. Tha balance of $600.00 CAD is due upon arrival at the course.

Money orders or cheques payable to Walter Keller are accepted. Our mailing address is on the contact page.