log building news issue no 62

5/19/2018 Log Building News Issue No 62

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NEWFebruary | March | April 2007 Number 62

Agreement Number 40707514

The Future of Log Construction

Men and MachinesBy 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, andbutt 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 buildi

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 TeddBenson 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

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

continued o

Inside This Issue

Conference 2007 YouWont Want to Miss This!page 3

Auction NewsSpecialItems for AdvanceBidding page 4

International Conferenceof Log House Buildersand Wood ConstructionSpecialists in Riga, Latvia,from June 2 to 7, 2007page 5

Large in LarchReportFrom Russia page 6

Announcing OurSponsors! page 7

Advertisers in This Issuepage 9

Tech Talk page 10

Log Houses of the Worldpage 12

Welcome New andRenewing Memberspage 13

Clients from Hell page 14

Notice of Special Businessto be Conducted at the2007 AGM page 16

Treasures Report, March2007 page 17

ILBA Auditors Report,2006 page 19

Classified Adspage 18, 20

At the heart of our craft: hand-scribing naturally-shaped logs. PHOTO ROBERT W. CHAMBERS

2007

ILBAConferen

ce

April26to29

Abbottsford,BC


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2 LogBuildingNews February | March | April 2

LogBuildingNewsFebruary | March | April 2007

Issue #62

Published four times a year

2007 International Log Builders

AssociationP.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

[email protected]

Ann Miks, Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

Log Building NewsEditor

Robert Chambers

[email protected]

Contributors to this issue:

Nick Berwian

[email protected]

Patti LeFrancois

[email protected]

Graeme Mould

[email protected]

Robbin [email protected]

Mira-Jean Steinbrecher

[email protected]

Ed Shure

[email protected]

huge. And from a business point of view the charm of good machines is inescapabl

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 th

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 everythin

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 c

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 Logswas 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-shap

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, an

holes in rectangular timbers.

The machine that eventually produces full-scribe-fit logs will be a lot more sophiscated and expensive. A prototype, built by Hundegger, has already cut chinked (no

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 producti

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

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

hand-scribed and hand-cut log home shells produced today.

Vowing to never change wont help us. Not buying the Machine does not magicprotect 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 co

petition in the marketplace between businesses that own the Machine all lead to hi

er quantities of shells being made, and a lower price for the product in the marketpla

Friends, this will be trouble for builders of handcrafted log homes. Some of us wi

lose our jobs, or our companies. And we are all in danger of losing our craft. What c

we do?

I believe that there will be a small but significant market for completely handmad

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 cal

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

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 goodsclothin

continued on page


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Number 62 LogBuildingNews

C O N F E R E N C E 2 0 0 7

You Wont Want toMiss 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 Profit, 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 wo

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 ou

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!.


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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 Softwareand 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 TechnologiesSwing 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 an

Doublecut factory warranty

Model: SB 612

Retail Value $7,995

Motor: 13 hp HySpec

Depth of cut: 6"

Maximum cutting dimension: 6" x 1

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 877-420-599

C O N F E R E N C E 2 0 0 7

Auction NewsSpecial Items for Advance Biddin


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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

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 andhave 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 thefamous Open Air Museum.

Registration fee is 110 Latvian lats (about USD$210); accom

modation is available. More information at the English-langua

website: http://www.lak.lv/pub/index.php?id=154 or by emai

(also in English): [email protected]

International Conference of Log House Buildersand Wood Construction SpecialistsRiga, Latvia, from June 2 to 7, 2007


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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 ratherCant 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 systemsare 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 ar

replaced by axe heads wel

onto the shaft. Not only th

though, the entire sapwoo

also is being removed by a

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 bo

in material and labour, and

built entirely out of larch

heartwood: exactly what t

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 lead

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 ide

as scribers with bubble levels. Russia, a country where building

with logs at least is partially originating from, sure will be up f

some surprises in the future concerning our craft! If only the re

of the world cares to notice.

Large in Larch Report From RussiaBy Nick Berwian

TOPUsing an axe to remove all the sapwood from hewn lar

logs. BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHTAfter sapwood has been removed,

the axed surfaces are re-shaped with planers; building big

scalea 1200 square meter larch loghouse is getting starte

PHOTOS NICK BERWIAN


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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 SponsorD & L Timber Technologies

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

InsulspanSupporting Sponsor

Nicola Log Works Ltd/Sof

Rod Log Home Gasket

Supporting Sponsor

Joe Scaffold

Auction Contributor/Sponsor

Baileys


Magard Ventures Ltd.


C O N F E R E N C E 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 [email protected] or

250-374-3557.


8/24


The Itgel Foundation is an international non profit organization that conducts sustainable developmen

projects in Mongolia. We serve struggling rural communities through health initiatives, training programseconomic development activities, and more. In 2006, we worked with the Tsaatan reindeer-herdin

community of northern Mongolia to establish a community & visitors center that enables impoverishe

Tsaatan herders to have a participatory role in tourism, gain access to educational opportunities, an

generate sustainable income. Currently, the TCVC is housed in a small cabin, but a larger facility is neede

to accommodate the growing activities at the center. To meet this need, The Itgel Foundation, in conjunctio

with the Tsaatan community, will be constructing a log structure in summer/fall 2007. We will be usin

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

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 o

service are flexible anytime between June 1 and September 1, 2007.

Position: Crew LeaderDuration: 8 weeks minimumRequirements:? 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 conditionsIncentives:? 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 wor

as a team, adaptability to rugged conditionsIncentives:? 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 [email protected]


9/24


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 IssueAccutech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BC Log & Timber Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CBR Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cowls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Curio Scriber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dietrichs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emseal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Foard Insulated Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Good Shepherd Wool Insulation . . . . . . . . . . .GRK Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Insulspan Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .J. Rouleau & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joe Scaffold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Log Home Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nicola Log Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P.A. Drafting & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pat Wolfe Log Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Perma-Chink Systems Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Precision Structural Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . .RCM Cad Design & Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . RSM Drafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Schroeder Log Home Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Streamline Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Summer Beam Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Continental Products Company . . . . . . . .The Sansin Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Timber Framers Guild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Timmerhus Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wayside Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


10/24


TechTalkM O R E T I P S A N D T O O L S

Padded ChainsawGraeme Mould demonstrates a simple setup he uses for cutti

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 choos

and no deeper.

Choose a thickness for the hardboard that makes the cut t

desired distance from the 2x4 guideto match the thickness

of the wall covering material to be used. After cuts are made

each side of the 2x4 (photo 2), Graeme removes the 2x4 and

makes another two passes (without the chainsaw pad) to wid

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 surfac

the log wall, and then the scribed shape is modified to accou

for future settling of the wall. If you usually make a wall slot t

has a plumb surface at the back of the slot, this method diffe

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.

RIGHTHow to NOT do this method.

The slot depth mirrors the shape of

the walls surface (correct), and thesheetrock 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 PricesIf 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 SupplyJohn 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 SupplyWhile we are on overseas tool sources, its definitely worth

checking out Hirspek's website. They have the Vuolu-Kalle ch

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 di

mond wheel that allows fast sharpening combined with grea

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


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April 26 29, 2007

ILBA 34th AGM

and ConferenceAbbotsford, BCwww.logassociation.org

April 26 29, 2007

ILBA 34th AGM

and ConferenceAbbotsford, BCwww.logassociation.org


12/24


B O O K R E V I E W

Log Houses of the WorldReviewed by Robert W. Chambers

Log Houses of the World

Abrams $45, 2006

ISBN: 0-8109-5746-9

285 illustrations, 235 in color240 pages, 914 x 1114"

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 substantialaddition 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 architect

giants are homes designed by ILBA me

bers Jean Steinbrecher and Katrina Koe

and one built by Ed Shure (one of the f

homes in the book that was not archite

designed).

Log to the author includes all man

of log: post and beam; milled; full-scrib

handcrafted; chinked; and even Le

Corbusiers tiny cabin with milled half-l

siding and plywood interior.


13/24

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 housesposts 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.


W E L C O M E !

N E W C O M P A N Y

M E M B E R S

Apex Engineering Services, Inc.

D & L Timber Technologies

Lignomat USA Ltd.

Log & Cottage Shows

Long Woods Log Homes

Stockade Style Log Homes

Wurth

R E N E W I N G

C O M P A N Y

M E M B E R S

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 HomesCanadian Shield Log Homes &

Winterwood Timber Frame Co.

Cannon Bar Works Ltd

CBR Products

Chilliwack Mountain Log HomesLtd.

Constructions en bois rondAmishk inc.

Cowls Lumber and Sawmill

Daizen Joinery Ltd.

Davidson Log & Timber ArtisansInc.

Dietrich's North America

Discovery Dream Homes

Eagleridge Log Homes

Eastern Adirondack Home and

DesignEmseal 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-FabLtd.

J. Rouleau & Associates, LLC

Jean Steinbrecher Architects

Jeffery Sharpe PE

John DeVries Log & TimberHomes 2000 Ltd.

Kootenay Lake Log StructuresLtd.

Koski Log Homes

Laverty Log Homes

Lee Valley Tools Ltd.

Legendary Logcrafters Limited

Log Cabin Homes Ltd.

Log Home Store Inc.

Log Homes Illustrated andTimber Homes IllustratedMagazines

Logmaster Log HomesMagard 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.

Pacific Log Homes Ltd.

Pine Ridge Handcrafted LogHomes

Pioneer Log Homes of BritishColumbia Ltd.

Precision Craft Log & TimberHomes

Professional InvestigativeEngineers Inc.

REB Properties LLC

Red Willow Rustic Log Homes

Sansin Corporation

Sellman Log Structures Inc

Shuswap Log HomesInternational

Sikkens - Akzo Nobel Coatings

Sitka Log Homes Inc.

Sperlich Log Construction Inc

Streamline Design Ltd.

Summer Beam BooksSummit Handcrafted & Milled

Log Homes, Inc.

Sun Valley Log Homes

Swiss Mountain Log Homes, Inc

Team Kanadablockhaus GmbH

The Continental ProductsCompany

The Wooden House Co.

Timber Wolf Handcrafted LogHomes

TIMBERLINX

Timberwize ConstructionServices Corp.

TJ's Wood Products

True Log Homes, Inc.

Twin Butte Log Homes Ltd.

Whiteman LumberWiens Log Homes Inc.

N E W I N D I V I D U A L

M E M B E R S

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 MEMBER

Adrian, StuartArtmanis, 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, EricMueller 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, NabilTerry, 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


14/24


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 arequite 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 astrong 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 negativework 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 justdont feel like paying the bill.

Quotes From Construction HellI 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 other25 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 disappoi

ed of their dream, because it ends up n

being their dream but someone elses.

The contractor I have chosen does no

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 th

burns though 3 or 4 general contracto

and many sub-trades because they wer

not competent.

You say it takes 9-12 months to build

small or average size home, but this on

not a complicated project and you cou

have it done in 3 months. The client w

unrealistic deadlines and expectationsdrastically raise level of danger by push

some to the point of exhaustion and/o

cutting corners.

Move this door over here, add a wind

there, and put on another small bump-

out (translates to an additional wing) o

there. When the client is constantly

changing plans during mid-constructio

Some changes are normal within any p

ect, but the client that is not willing to

down and have most of the changes inadvance on paper becomes a high risk

consistent changes thought out the pro

ect or a design as you build scenario

This raises the cost of construction as w

as causing confusion between the trade

You would not believe the deal I got o

my new car, new furniture, and househ

accessories. You would not believe ho

many times the a client has told us the

of items they purchased along with the

grand total of all the items.about at t

same time they told us they do not hav

the money to pay our contract. I foun

this wonderful chandelier for a steal at

only $10,000 This is often from the

person that complains and does not wa

to pay for adequate electrical wiring

because they feel its the cost of wiring

home of $8,000 is too much and expe

you to cut back.

Clients from HellBy Robbin Obomsawin


15/24


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 youdo 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 o

make you nervous, and you dont know

why? This is your intuition. Once in a

while a normal client will go off the edThere 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 bad

under stress.

To survive clients from hell, have you

business in order; do not over extend

yourself; do not take on too many proj

at once; evaluate each clients personal

as well as their project; do not underbid

you must make a profit. It is the stabilit

and health of your business that gives y

the ability to say no thanks to a projethat is likely to go in a wrong direction

Being desperate for work, any work, wi

cause you to take some jobs that will h

towards hell.


16/24

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 resolutio

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, the

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 revision

and the new Code of Ethics can be foun

in the Members Only section of the I

website (www.LogAssociation.org). The

you will also find explanations for most

the proposed changes.* We thought it

would be good to talk about the reason

for a revised Code of Ethics here.

Why Have a Code of Ethics?A code of ethics for any organization is

set of written statements that commun

cate the common values and business

standards that are embraced by the

members of that organization. They tel

the worldincluding new members,

potential members, and those organiza

tions that we wish to influencewho w

are. A well drafted code of ethics should

only address the behavior to be regulat

that is relevant to our organizations pupose and mission. In other words, it wo

not attempt to legislate the morality of

members.

The ILBA Board has spent many hour

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

principles which communicate our

specific, common ethical goals of follow

ing the law and behaving toward eachother and towards the public in a fair a

truthful manner.

A code of ethics can be written in tw

ways. It can be solely inspirational, or it

can be a very specific statement of min

mum acceptable behavior. Those that a

written as solely inspirational statement


Notice of Special Business to be Conducted at the 2007 AG


17/24


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-profit association in British Columbia), and two

booklets written by British Columbia lawyers concerning thelegal duties of the Association and of the Directors and officers

of a non-profit 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

office to make other arrangements.

Passports RequiredA passport is needed for all U.S. citizens arriving by air into

Canada, as required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Securit

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 whic

also has information on how to apply for your passport:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_ 2225.html

Treasurers Report, March 20Short and sweetBy John Boys

2006 was a year for retrenching. Our primary focus was

reducing operating expenses. General and administrative cos

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 firmlyin the black with revenue in excess of expenses of $69,280 fo

the year. All in all a good year.

See you at conference!


18/24

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 & scarf slicks,drawknives & draw-gouges; BARR Specialty Tools;peavies; cant hooks; lifting tongs; log dogs &cleats; log horses; water stones; Diamondwhetstones; 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 5R1Tel: 250-962-9057 Fax: 250-962-9157Attn: Maurice [email protected]

1975 Bantam S588 18 ton RoughTerrain CraneVery good working condition.Builders that know Bantam Cranes will tell youabout their ease and simplicity to operate,maintain and repair compared with Grove,Linkbelt, P&H etc. as well as availability and lowercost to parts. Very strong, quick and fuel efficient.Rated for lifting 1610 lbs. at 85 feet or 5600 lbs.at 50 feet. 72 feet of hydraulic boom or 92 feetwith jib. Very sound value at $32,500.00Canadian plus GST. Located west of CalgaryAlberta Canada. Phone toll free: 1-877-932-3992or email to: [email protected]

1979 Bantam S688 20 ton RoughTerrain Crane Very good working condition.Builders that know Bantam Cranes will tell youabout their ease and simplicity to operate,maintain and repair compared with Grove,Linkbelt, P&H etc. as well as availability and lowercost to parts. Very strong, quick and fuel efficient.60 feet of hydraulic boom or 80 feet with jib.Priced very low at $22,500.00 US. Located inwestern Illinois USA. Phone toll free: 1-877-932-3992 or email to: [email protected]

Great yard crane: 78 Koehring ConventionalTruck Crane, 35 ton, 110 ft boom. Asking 45,000Contact: Brian Campbell 250-955-2485

Dry House Logs Available 30+ loads permonth of 10-12" top sort, 30' to 50'+ lengths.Smaller diameter or larger top sizes than ournormal sort can be requested. Logs sorted fortaper(1"/10'), spiral, rott, bow, crook, etc. Specsheet can be provided if requested. Please feelfree to contact us with any any questions.Mark Workman, Montana Dry Log,93 5th Lane, Fort Shaw, MT 5944Tel: (406) 467-3199 www.houselogsales.com

For Sale Drafting Service Specializing in Logbuildings. Over 200 sets of building drawings.Call 250-212-3212

H E L P W A N T E D

Log Crafters Wanted Mid-level (3-5 yearsexperience) to entry level (students from acourse) needed. While dual US & Canadiancitizenship or Class 1 truck drivers licensewould be a benefit, it is not necessary. Anotheroption, we will offer to subsidize training costsof non-experienced dual citizens in our nextlog building course. Applicants must haveCanadian citizenship or Landed Immigrantstatus.With Moose Mountain you will beinvolved in patented and warranted air andweather tight fully scribed joinery, excitingprojects and the possibility of travel with acompany that is almost 30 years in business.Earnings dependent on skill and experienceplease call to discuss.

Call us toll free at 1-877-932-3992 or [email protected] you know Environment Canada has

determined Alberta enjoys Canadas overallnicest climate and we are situated in the mostmoderate area of Alberta all with the RockyMountains at our doorstep. Alberta has one ofthe lowest costs of living plus the very lowesttax, where do you want to have your future?To see the caliber of projects Moose Mountainbuilds, visit our photo gallery at:www.moosemountain.com

Lead Timber Framer Two Dog Timberworksis looking for an experienced TFer with at least 3years full-time, professional experience. Must be

able to demonstrate experience with Westernsoftwoods, layout on dimensional & organicmaterial, cutting proficiency, machinerymaintenance, job leadership, and strong raisingknow-how. We are a smaller innovative companythat strives to attract challenging projects all overthe country. See our work atwww.twodogtimberworks.com. Join us in thebeautiful NW corner of Washington State and bea part of a great team that loves what we do! PayD.O.E., full benefit package, rewarding work.Contact Laurel or Pete Slisz at(360)-366-5350 or e-mail us [email protected].

Need Two Log Builders for Permanent FullTime Work. Required Now.Located in Quebec.$18 to $28/hr + benefits; depend on experience.Join Us and Enjoy Quality Building and ComplexRoof Structure. Call Jean or Nancy Rodrigue at819-832-2167 between 6 to 8 pm EST.

Motivated individual with constructionexperience, graduating top of the class from theUniversity of Wisconsin-Stout with a Degree inConstruction looking for a position within the logbuilding industry that will allow me to grow intoa management position. Very determined, self-motivated, and willing to relocate. Can becontacted at the following:

Josh Peck, 29003 Long Lake, Danbury, Wiscons54830, Phone 715 (259-3220) or [email protected]

Experienced full-scribe log builderwanted for year round, full-time work. Big WhitPine logs. Good working conditions, minimaltravel, good pay and benefits. Rural and beautifNorthern Vermont near Connecticut River andWhite Mountains of New Hampshire. 3 hoursfrom Boston, Montreal and coast of Maine.Outdoors oriented person with goodwoodworking and math skills. To apply send oremail resume and references. The Wooden HouCo., Ltd., 3714 North Rd., S. Ryegate, Vermont05069 Phone: 802-429-2490 email:[email protected]

Apprentice Timber Framer Two DogTimberworks is looking for an Apprentice TFer.Must 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 and ba part of a great team that loves what we do!Pay D.O.E., full benefit package, rewarding worContact Laurel or Pete Slisz at(360)-366-5350 or e-mail us [email protected].

The Log Connection is currently seekingthree - four highly motivated, enthusiasticindividuals to become part of our design team.Two positions are available for drafters with aminimum of two years architectural CADDdrafting. Two positions are available foraccomplished drafters/designers with ability tocomplete highly detailed log home constructiodrawings within a specified time period is adefinite asset. Duties will include the creation ofworking drawings for custom log homes basedon preliminary designs, production design anddetailing, shop drawings as well as modificationto existing designs. Scope of work may rangefrom medium sized residential to largecommercial projects. Preferred experience wouinclude log home design/drafting. Provideresume and samples of past CADD work,attention to: Mr. Dave Sutton, The LogConnection, 129 Nanaimo Ave. West, PentictonBC Canada V2A 1N2


Classifieds continue on page 2


19/24


PA DRAFTING & DESIGN

e-mail: [email protected]

WAYNE BRUNN

RIDGWAY, PA. 15853

Tel : 814-772-9184

Custom Log Home DesignsWill travel to your job site

22 years of experience

Support the advertisers who support Log Building News. Its a win-win situatio

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 positionthan 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, 2005By Mira-Jean Steinbrecher


20/24


H E L P W A N T E D A N N O U N C E M E N T S A N N O U N C E M E N T S

C L A S S I F I E D A D S

Experienced Log Builder Wanted forpermanent full time position. Send resumes withreferences to [email protected] orfax 613-756-6186. See our work atwww.coyoteloghomes.ca

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] orphone 604-836-8315 and ask for Gerhard.

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

Handcrafted Log & Timber FrameBuilders Edgewood Log Structures, a successfulHandcraft and Timber Frame company in Coeurd'Alene, is looking for both experienced andapprentice log and timber crafters. Wages areDOE. 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. Wagenegotiable, depending on experience. Pleasesend resume with references to: Whitevalley LogHomes Ltd., Cherryville, BC Attn: Eric Ph/Fax:(250) 547-6666 [email protected]

Log Craftsmen Needed for Scott HayHandcrafted Log Homes Inc. located nearFlesherton ON. I am looking for an experiencedLog Home Builder with a minimum of 2 yearsexperience. I am a small company with about 3full time workers and we build 4 to 6 log shellsa year. Wages are based on your commitment,ability, and productivity. Contact Scott Hay at519-924-2797 fax [email protected]

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

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 anduse 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 who wouldbe interested in taking (for free) about 80,000trees (and about another 150,000 trees in thenext few years) within the city of Detroit. The cityhas maps of the location of the trees. Interestedparties can contact him and he will connect theparties to the appropriate city office. The contactinformation is: Steven K. Leggat, Assistant Chief,City of Detroit, Building & Safety EngineeringHousing Inspection Division, Coleman A. YoungMunicipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite412, Detroit, Michigan 48226.Phone: 313-224-3155. Fax: 313-224-2745,[email protected],www.ci.detroit.mi.us

New Timber Truss Book available fromThe Guild The Timber Framers Guild has justpublished one of its finest books and anotherinvaluable reference for timber framers, designers,preservationists, architects and engineers. HistoricAmerican Roof Trusses (2006) is a compilation ofsix articles which originally appeared in the TFGsquarterly journal, Timber Framing, plus newmaterial. Primary author Jan Lewandoski coversthe principles of building various trusses,including scissor trusses, kingpost and queenposttrusses, and compound and raised bottom chordtrusses, using historic examples. Ed Levin providesstructural analyses for each type, and Jack Sobonprovides detailed drawings. New materialincludes an introduction to trusses by notedtimber engineer Dave Fischetti, a treatise on theevolution of trusses by Jan Lewandoski, and acomprehensive glossary and bibliography. Theoriginal research for this book was partiallyfunded by a grant from the National Park Serviceand the National Center for PreservationTechnology and Training.Price: $30 US, plus postage and handling.92 pages, 9"x12", color, Smythe sewn binding,ISBN # 0-9706643-4-6Available from the Timber Framers Guild atwww.tfguild.org, or TFG, PO Box 60, Becket, MA(USA) 413-623-9926

Ole Getz Log Building, horse logging andselect logging. Carpentry, log furniture and logstructures 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 ResolutionVernon, B.C.Tel/Fax 250-549-3545email [email protected]

The Great Lakes LogCraftersAssociationwill meet and their conference dates are 21,22,23 June 2007 in Marquette, Michigan. Thursdais the day for pre-conference classes, andFriday/Saturday are the main GLLCA meetingdays. There might be pre-pre-conference onWednesday, 20 June. For more information:www.GLLCA.org or 651-464-6506.

Ed Shure and Architect Paul Froncekhave teamed up to provide you and your clientwith beautiful designs that begin with a structusensibility. Our 23-year professional relationshipenables us to provide site specific design, as weas coordination with timber craftsmen,contractors, engineers & building officials toinsure a seamless (and mostly painless) process.We have the experience to create log & timberdesigns 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 analysisFor more info contact:Ed Shure at Timmerhus Inc.303-449-1336 or [email protected]

E V E N T S & T R A I N I N G

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Ann Miks, Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

International Log Builders Association

P.O. Box 775

Lumby, British Columbia

Canada V0E 2G0

800-532-2900 toll-free250-547-8776 phone

250-547-8775 fax

www.logassociation.org

F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O NHow to get Log Building NewsLog 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 office.

Back issues of Log Building Newsare

available from the Association office.

Call 800-532-2900 to order.

Copyright noticeLog Building Newsis 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 office for details.

DisclaimerThe views and information expressed in

articles and ads appearing in Log Building

Newsare 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, thebuilding code for handcrafted, scribe-fit &

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

file.

AdvertisingLog Building Newswelcomes advertisers.

Please contact the ILBA office 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 files.

300 dpi greyscale TIFs or high resolution

JPGs

Microsoft Publisher files 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, floppy disk or via email. Com-

pressed .sit, .zip or .sea files 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 file infor-

mation by email: [email protected]

Log Building Newsis 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 office

at 800-532-2900 for an advertising specifi-

cation sheet and ad rates.

Joining the ILBAMembership 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, mem

ship certificate, voting privileges, discounted con

ence registration, a listing in the Annual Directo

copy of the Association Constitution and Bylaws

of computerized help wanted and work wanted

and all ILBA mailings and notices. Company me

berships have additional benefits. The ILBA acce

Visa or MasterCard. For more information on du

and member benefits, please call the ILBA office

800-532-2900.

PresidentEd Shure UNTIL [email protected]

Vice-PresidentPat Clark UNTIL [email protected]

Clerk/SecretaryRon Brodigan UNTIL [email protected]

TreasurerJohn Boys (Finance*, Ethics) UNTIL [email protected]

Directors

Egils Artmanis UNTIL [email protected]

Robert W. Chambers (Log Building News*)UNTIL 2007

[email protected]

Rick Hall (Ethics*) UNTIL [email protected]

Kevin [email protected]

Jean Rodrigue UNTIL [email protected]

ILBA Board of Directo(Committees in parentheses; * indicates chai

I N O U R N E X T I S S U E


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!


23/24


A Boys Big Book of JigsA Log Builders Reference to Jigs, Tools and Techniques

An informative book on jigs and work methods

specific 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 office at 1-800-532-2900 or

250-547-8776 or email [email protected]

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 unknownto 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 logcraftsmen 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 canre-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 Machinesfrom page 2


24/24

log building news issue no 62

Documents

hell page

march2007 page

advancebidding page

log post

log houses

log buildimachine

the2007 agm page

tech talk page