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“…this book is the perfect companion for an architect, historian or novice.” –At Home Arkansas
“…a comprehensive look at the process of building and restoring with this staple of early American architecture…” – Kitchen & Bath Design News
From the Back Cover
Meet the Original Log Cabin
The hewn-log house is a classic of early American architecture, evocative of the pioneer experience and westward exploration. Charles McRaven has been building and restoring hewn-log houses for 60 years, and shares his wealth of knowledge in folksy narration accompanied by photography and illustrations that clearly show every step of the process. Whether you're restoring an old house, building anew, or indulging an interest in traditional building, you'll find much to learn from McRaven's experience, gleaned from a lifetime of trial and error.
I have several books on how to build a log cabin and I must say that this is my favorite. Why? Because this is one of the few books on the subject that you can sit down to read like a story book. It will is no wise bore you as I have seen with other books of its kind. This book is not about modern log building (ie. the 5000sq foot home made out of logs) It is about the historical log cabin and what you need to build one. It specializes in the half-dovetail, hewn, chinked log home. It is not a extensive and exhaustive how-to manual with endless calculations and diagrams. There are other books out there for that. But, this book is very simple, straightforward, and to-the-point. McRaven has been building these cabins for over 60 years ( more than any other log builder I have heard of ). The pictures of the stonework, hand forged hardware and the entire structural restorations really do prove that. While he points out what was authentic to history,he doesn't build with historical problems. He combines new and improved techniques with old style, antique beauty. He does a good job on explaining what to do and what not to do. He says it like,"Don't do this because years later you will have problems. But do this and your home will last longer and look better." The chapter on chinking is a gold mine. McRaven has created an improved way to put in that long plagued chinking. The design it so simple, yet again, is built to last for generations. I would not be surprised that 100 years from now, when these structures are still standing, that this style of chinking is called,"McRaven's Chinking." This chapter alone is worth the book. The book is an excellent choice. It is a simple read for those who do not want the exhaustive how-to manual. I highly recommend it.
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The hewn-log house represents early American architecture - and author Charles McRaven has been building and restoring these houses for sixty years: he's in the perfect position to illustrate each step of the process, from building from scratch to repairs. Learn how to replace rotten logs, notch logs, use vintage logs, or handle floor joists in this step-by-step guide, loaded with black and white photos.
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The reviewer entitled "hk537" must live on a different planet, (or maybe just jealous and insecure). Not only is McRaven's knowledge of building and construction with both stone and wood exemplary, but in addition, he adds his own touches of humor in the manner of old yarn storytelling. He also includes a large amount of historical information which I found to be endlessly fascinating. If someone were looking for an instructional book with "just the hard facts", be aware that this author's books go way beyond that. A wonderful, educational, and enjoyable read!
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I thought I would provide excerpts from this authors books. I will not take away that he has been a..."contractor"....for a very long time and I find his masonry work of "average ability," compared to those like Dan Snow, et al, yet understand that is a subjective view. Because certain mean, methods, and material suggestions in this book are poor guidance in "good practice," for restoration or even proper care of wood (vintage or otherwise) I felt it necessary to publish this review.
"Building and Restoring the Hewn Log House," 1994 was the original tome to be reprinted later as: "The Classic Hewn-Log House: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building and Restoring," 2005. The same information can be found in both books.
McRaven wrote:
"...There are a lot of different mixes, which combine everything from clay to lime and horsehair...I use a mix that's a lot like masonry mortar. I use one part lime, two parts Portland cement, and nine parts sand, mixed to a stiff consistency...As waterproofing, we apply two coats of the...masonry sealer to the cement chinking as soon as it's dry...Sealing exterior chinking Is crucial. Sealing Interior chinking keeps down dust but is optional. After a season.....caulk any cracks with high.silicone caulk....Mortar is troweled onto the tucked under slope of the wire lath The mortar must be pressed up under the top log and into the bottom log to bond with the wood of the logs If the lath is installed property, the outside mortar chinking will protect both the tog and the chinking sure face from rain and wind..."
Sealing, opc cements, etc...are not any form of restoration nor proper practice...to suggest such modalities is simply "bad practice," no matter what any author claims.Read more ›
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This is a good book for someone who has prior knowledge of hewn-log work. For the beginner this book could have been a little more indepth. Lots of good information. Covers a lot of topics but none too indepth.
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i keep very few books, but this one, i will keep. it is one of those rare gems where a true master has offered his time to share his perspectives, approaches, tactics and strategies. that is a powerful resource. i do a lot of building on my farm (windmill, root cellar, gardens, barn, etc...) and i plan on building a hewn log home. i was waiting for a construction system that would work with what we have (pacific northwest -- means douglas fur) and that would give us the results that we want. this is that gem. i found an old, heavy broad axe for 30.00 and it is unreal how easy it is to cut the flat sides. like i said, i am "fresh off the boat" on the hewn logs approach, but from the start i would say a very heavy broad axe and soft wood (e.g. cedar, fur) makes the hewing job a breeze...
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This item: The Classic Hewn-Log House: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building and Restoring
