Log Construction Manual: The Ultimate Guide to Building Handcrafted Log Homes [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Robert Wood Chambers (Author) "Log homes have a bold and distinctive appearance..." (more)
Key Phrases: professional log builders, log builders association, log building tools, Log Building Standards, British Columbia, Log Building News (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"An indispensible guide for those who are going to build . . . by the leading log building instructor in North America." -- Log Home Living Magazine

"An indispensible guide for those who are going to build . . . by perhaps the leading log building instructor in North America." -- Log Home Living Magazine

"Fantastic ! Chambers casts light into some of the darkest corners of log building. Buy it. Read it." Bill Olsen -- Log Building News

"Fantastic! In one book Chambers casts light into some of the darkest corners of log building. Buy it. Read it." -- Log Building News

Product Description
The Log Construction Manual tells you what you need to know to build your own handcrafted log home shell. This is a comprehensive and thorough guide to how to scribe-fit logs to each other, cut notches, and build roof support systems of large, round, naturally-shaped logs.

The Log Construction Manual is packed with information that is available nowhere else — including the Log Selection Rules, Chambers' brilliant and simple method for choosing which log to use next; detailed instructions for building handcrafted log roof trusses; step-by-step directions for laying out sill logs for any design or floor plan; how to cut state-of-the-art compression-fit saddle notches; methods to keep notches and grooves tight over time; allowing for settling and shrinkage of log walls; scribing tips that pro's use; and much more.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 260 pages
• Publisher: Deep Stream Press; illustrated edition edition (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971573603
• ISBN-13: 978-0971573604
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #142,009 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The State-of-the-Art, July 12, 2005

By	Empire Builder (Boulder, CO) - See all my reviews

I just finished reading this book, and I have to say that it is head-and-shoulders above every other log home construction book I've read. The illustrations are superb, and the tone of the text is very objective and factual. In contrast to books with the "this is how I've been building log homes for XXX years" attitude, Chambers' approach is "I didn't invent it, but so far this is the best way I've found to do this particular task. If I find somebody else doing it a better way in the future I'll start doing it that way." Chambers not only isn't afraid of not-invented-here ideas, he positively embraces them! There is even a chapter on the structural engineering of log trusses, written by a structural engineer (fancy that).

Chambers also covers the subject comprehensively, from the highest-level ideas (his chapter on settling is fascinating) to the lower-level details (proper chainsaw stance for cutting the lateral groove, for instance).

Let me contrast this a bit with Mackie's "Owner-Built Log Home". Mackie's book is a good read, because he's a terrific wordsmith and he really conveys the pleasure of building your own log home. But his illustrations aren't nearly as clear as Chambers', and he tends to write for an audience that already understands a lot of wood joinery terminology and procedures. "Then we did this, and this, and this," and I'm like, "whoa, did you skip a few steps there?" I often found myself re-reading a page several times because I just couldn't envision what he was doing in my mind's eye. Chambers never leaves you wondering.

I think both books have a place on your bookshelf, but if you really want to learn the most hands-on information in a single book, this is the one.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars log construction manual, February 3, 2003

By	John R Boys (Merritt, British Columbia Canada) - See all my reviews

I've been a professional log builder for 20 years and this is the only book that I recommend without hesitation as a text to our apprentices. Mr. Chambers has distilled a lifetime of building and teaching into one masterful volume.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Look no further for a book on this subject...., June 28, 2003

By	mike mongan (Green Bay, WI USA) - See all my reviews

If I were allowed to have only one book on logbuilding this would be the one I'd keep. It is without a doubt the best written instruction guide I have found. Robert Chambers is one of those guys who seems to be able to explain complicated tasks in a very plain english kind of way. This makes it very easy for somebody like myself with no experience in logbuilding to be able to step outside and try some of the techniques on practice logs. He covers the very simple to the very complex and if you take your time and read it carefully you will understand both. If you are hiring someone to build your home this is still an excellent book for you. It educates the reader on where and how to look for good craftsmanship in a log building. I have read enough material on this subject to honestly say that all the others have left me with the question mark over my head. Good Luck and God Bless.....