All the news about fits

December 2002
Inside
this issue
Letters to the editor
Traveling logsmith will
be missed
Page 2
Like math? This issue
is for you!
Two approaches to
complex joinery:
Algebraic method
Page 4
Geometric method
Page 9
Tech Talk
Take the frustration out
of leveling a log in blocks
Page 15
Another Perspective
Using the past to
learn and grow
Page 16
More Tech Talk!
Lots of holes to drill?
Try this handy tool
Page 21
Update from the
ILBA office
Page 22
Committee reports
Page 23
Agreement Number 40707514
Number 40
Summit a positive step
SUMMIT ATTENDEES included (from lt to rt): Risto Vuoelle-Apiala (Finland), Robrt Savignac (ILBA), Raimo Tikkanen
(Finland), Pekka Ruokonen (Finland), Reidar Johannessen (Norway), Roger Porrenga (Switzerland), Berndt Berglund
(Sweden), Henrik Tikkanen (Finland), Bengt Ager (Sweden).
By Robrt Savignac
This October marked the first Interna-
tional Summit meeting of Log Building
Associations held in Europe. In answer to
the call I put out, representation from Swe-
den, Switzerland, Norway and Finland
attended the event. Despite some language
difficulties, speaking log was our common
denominator and we were able to focus on
thermal performance and other R & D
projects which are topics of international
importance. As national log building
associations we are all found to
deal with many of the same issues.
Many individual countries have had
recent struggles justifying their log build-
ing programs and methods, especially
with regard to acceptance of industry stan-
dards and thermal performance require-
ments. In various parts of Scandinavia, the
heart of log building is being challenged by
energy performance requirements, thus
resulting in testing research data requests.
To assist with this R & D, which is invalu-
able to the industry worldwide, the ILBA
has made a formal request for any and all
technical research papers on the structural
and thermal performance evaluations of log
homes from each participating country.
Once received, we will then compile this
information as a universal resource on log
home construction. The scope of this col-
laboration was not limited to the half
dozen participating countries at this Sum-
mit meeting, but is open to as much input
as possible.
In light of the spirit of cooperation and
the friendships established, it was moved by
participants that a European Log Builders
International Conference be organized for
the fall of 2003. The ILBA, in collaboration
SUMMITContinued on Page 3
2
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Log Building NEWS
I am saddened to share this news
with you. Tom Bachman, the
Traveling Logsmith, one of our fel-
low ILBA members, passed away in
the middle of October. Tom was
enjoying some time off in one of his
favorite spots, Thailand. Tom will be
deeply missed. His love for life and
our craft enriched each of us that
had the pleasure of knowing him.
Toms friends and acquaintances will
also remember him when we think
of any one of his many quotes such
as
Anything that's difficult to build
will take some time anything
that's impossible will take a little
while longer.
Jeff Patterson
As the ILBA prepares to wel-
come aboard its newest directors,
its thanks goes to those who served
over the past year.
Our appreciation goes to Jerry
Wait and Murray Arnott for their
contributions while on the board of
directors.
We would also like to welcome
Ryan McBride and Katarina Koelbel
to the board and extend our thanks
to Elaine Nosaka who is continuing
her work on the board.
The upcoming years promise to
be filled with exciting changes with-
in the handcrafted log home indus-
try as a whole and within the ILBA.
Our board will lead the way.
ILBA Staff
The Log Building News welcomes letters from the members of the ILBA. Letters will be edited for
clarity, length and libelous content. Letters must be signed by the author and include a phone number
and/or email address in the event the writer must be contacted. Send letters to Bettyann Moore,
N8879 Cty. Hwy.Y, Seymour,WI 54165 USA or email them to betiam@athenet.net.
Letters
Traveling Logsmith will be missed
Thanks for all your hard work
#40 December 2002 2
Issue #40December 2002
Published six times a year
2002 International
Log Builders Association
P.O. Box 775
Lumby, British Columbia
V0E 2G0 Canada
800-532-2900 toll-free
250-547-8776 phone
250-547-8775 fax
www.logassociation.org
Cathy Hansen, Executive Director
cathy@logassociation.org
Robrt Savignac, Executive Director
robert@logassociation.org
Ann Miks, Administrative Assistant
ann@logassociation.org
Contributors to this issue:
Joseph Bartok
John Boys
Dave Gardner
Dalibor Houdek
Ed Levin
Elaine Nosaka
Jeff Patterson
David C. Rogers
Robrt Savignac
Ed Shure
Log Building News Editor
Bettyann Moore
N8879 Cty. Hwy.Y
Seymour, WI 54165 USA
920-833-6127
betiam@athenet.net
TO THE EDITOR
Log Building
NEWS
Professional photographs sought
The ILBA is seeking professionally shot photos
of work for use in ILBA promotional materials.
Photos should represent workmanship that
reflects the ILBA log building standards.
Materials will be used to promote the entire membership, so no
company names will be identified on the photographs.
Contact Cathy or Ann at 800-532-2900 for more details.
Log Building NEWS
3 December 2002 #40
with the Association of Swedish Log
Homes, is now planning such an
event, to be held the last weekend in
September, 2003. There will be a two
day pre-conference workshop on
truss systems, leading into a two day
conference, followed by a tour of two
regional visits to the log home
regions of either Norway and Swe-
den, or a second option of Finland
and the Baltics. Both tours will hap-
pen concurrently, and participants will
be required to register in advance for
their choice of tour. The conference
will be held in the Dalarnas region of
Sweden, two hours north of Stock-
holm, believed to be the highest con-
centration of log homes in Europe.
My very brief day tour of the area of
the fall 2003 conference area, was
overwhelming with log structures
EVERYWHERE, some dating back to
the 12th century!
During this brief trip to Sweden I
also had the opportunity to visit a
couple of log building construction
sites as well as with a log building
apprenticeship class. Most log con-
struction done in Sweden is of a par-
tially profiled log, flattened on two
sides and re-profiled on round sur-
faces to ease the scribing process.
Most structures are built of either
140mm diameter or 200mm diameter
for residential construction. The
notching found in these structures
closely resembles the kind of work
seen in buildings hundreds of years
old, a testament to the phrase if its
not broke, dont fix it.
Many of us are still trying to define
what works and what doesnt, and yet
there remains technical advances and
improvements in log building systems
that generate interest and controver-
sy worldwide!
It was, however, very curious that,
at least in Sweden, round log struc-
tures were very rare and not to the
general acceptance of Swedish stan-
dards. It seems ironic that those rus-
tic elements are exactly what afi-
cionados of modern log homes in
North America are seeking to
expound. I also saw examples of log
homes built from Russian, Estonian,
and Latvian origins, all depicting a
common origin of development.
In North America our handcrafted
log craft is often referred to as using
techniques ascribed to its European
origins such as the Swedish cope
and Scandinavian full scribe and
Norwegian notches which are com-
mon examples of this.
The tour options available at the
end of this European Conference will
be of tremendous interest to all log
builders seeking answers to the histo-
ry of our craft, as well as gaining fur-
ther inspiration into techniques and
building styles. Ironically, I heard
round log homes referred to as the
SUMMIT
Continued from page 1
SUMMITContinued on Page 25
Log Building NEWS
#40 December 2002 4
In Salt Lake City and, more recently at Rendez-Vous, Frederic
Brillant presented well-attended workshops on complex roof
joinery using the French Scribe method, which does not rely
on mathematical calculations. We now offer two comple-
menting approaches to log and timber joineryone with an
algebraic approach by Joseph Bartok and the other by Ed
Levin taking a geometric tack (Page 9).
By Joseph Bartok
As an amateur mathematician, I am asked now and again by
our local log builder, John DeVries Log Homes, to design joints
for timber framed and log roof systems. Sometimes, solutions
that appear straightforward can prove to be challenging. Con-
sider the interlocking truss system shown in the Isometric
Projection, Diagram 1.
Two 8/12 rafters meet two beams at each corner of the
structure. Since the faces created by the compound angle cuts
are visible, the adjacent faces must match.
Entering the pitches and total deck angle values (Diagram
2) in a spreadsheet designed for this purpose quickly generat-
ed a list of layout and saw bevel angles. Experimenting with
some dowels and cardboard models just as quickly showed
that working to standard plumb and level reference lines pro-
duced badly mismatching faces.
This wasnt going to be as easy as it seemed!
First, a word about the math. The reader needs some famil-
iarity with linear algebra and trigonometry. The equations nec-
essary for a solution will be given without proof. Any text on
vectors, matrices, or linear algebra has more detail for anyone
who wishes to pursue this subject. In addition, while the theo-
ry is not complex, the computations can be tedious. A spread-
sheet to solve the required vector quantities and trigonome-
try, or a programmable calculator that can solve matrices, is an
asset.
Going back to the problem of matching compound faces: A
plumb line of convergence was not the answer. However, it
seems reasonable that there must be some line, tilted with
respect to plumb, where, with correct cutting, the logs of equal
diameter could meet and adjacent faces match. To begin solv-
ing this problem, we need to be able to calculate values of
angles for cutting and dimensioning. Normally, angles
expressed in terms of arctan are more useful for timber fram-
ing, since tangent = rise/run and translates directly to meas-
urements on a framing square. Referring to Diagram 1 for defi-
nitions of the angles:
tan(HIP) = tan(PITCH)sin(DECK)
tan(DECK) = cos(PITCH)/tan(ROOF)
However, since the subject is linear algebra, here are some
equations initially solved using vector cross and dot product
formulas; note that they use arcos or arcsin:
cos(BACKING) = cos(PITCH)/cos(HIP)
sin(DECK)/cos(ROOF)
sin(ROOF) = cos(DECK)cos(HIP)
cos(DECK) = sin(ROOF)/cos(HIP)
Here is a list of the angles; these would be the standard val-
ues used to frame to plumb and level lines. In this case, the
8/12 pitch angle also serves as the hip angle. Diagram 2 shows
the calculation of the pitch angle for the corner plane.
However, we need another set of angles calculated with
A linear algebraic
approach to joinery
The trusses shown above are the result of using the equations dis-
cussed in this article.
Isometric Projection
Details omitted for clarity
Definitions of Angles
DIAGRAM 1
ANGLES with respect to ACTUAL DECK
ANGLE 8/12 SIDE 11
5
16/12 SIDE
(CORNER)
PITCH 33.69007 43.31386
DECK 90.00000 45.00000
HIP 33.69007 33.69007
ROOF 0.00000 36.03989
BACKING 0.00000 29.01714
Log Building NEWS
5 December 2002 #40
respect to a the-
oretical oblique
line to which
the rafters con-
verge. (For the
next set of cal-
culations, Im
going to call all
four members
rafters). This
line is perpendi-
cular to some
plane; lets name
this plane the inclined deck. If the rafters are to meet equal-
ly, their diameters, lengths, and pitches with respect to this
plane must all be equal. Let all the lengths equal one unit, an
easy number to work with.
We also need a frame of reference against which to meas-
ure and calculate values for our points, lines (vectors) and
planes. The roof system may be positioned against the mutually
perpendicular x, y, and z axes in whatever manner is conven-
ient and simplest, therefore the logs are oriented so that the
beams lie on the +x and +y axes, and the z axis is plumb. Since
the lengths all equal one, some simple trigonometry (Diagram
3) will show that the feet of our rafters now lie at the co-
ordinates shown in Diagram 4.
Subtracting the values of the co-ordinates, beam minus
rafter, yields the values of the components of vectors a and b;
note that both lie on the inclined deck. The cross product r =
a x b yields a vector perpendicular to the inclined deck (Dia-
gram 5). In terms of the components of a and b, r = (yazb -
ybza)i + (zaxb - zbxa)j + (xayb - xbya)k
Now that we have direction numbers that define our
inclined plane, its time to do some checking. In this case, our
intuition tells us it is possible to create an inclined deck that
cuts all four rafters. However, if the inclined plane tilts in a
more complex fashion at a compound angle, or if there are
more logs converging at odd angles, we need a better method
of testing our work for accuracy.
The components or direction numbers of r are also the
coefficients of the general equation of any plane perpendicular
to r:
1.01624x + 1.01624y - 3.35641z + d = 0
If d is assigned no particular value, there are an infinite
number of planes defined by this equation. The value of d
Plan: 8/12 rafters meet beams
DIAGRAM 2
SUMMARY OF VECTOR QUANTITIES
VECTOR COMPONENTS or DIRECTION NUMBERS
a 0 1.83205 .55470
b 1.83205 0 .55470
r = a x b 1.01624 1.01624 -3.35641
ALGEBRAContinued on page 6
Log Building NEWS
#40 December 2002 6
determines the specific plane we are working to and is found
by substituting the initial co-ordinates of Diagram 4, ( 0, 1, 0 ),
( 1, 0, 0 ), ( 0, -.83205, -.55470 ), ( -.83205, 0, -.55470 ), in turn,
for x, y, and z in the general equation. In this case, the points
all lie on the same plane, and d is the same for all the sets of
co-ordinates substituted. Given a scenario where multiple
rafters converge, only four initial points to determine one vec-
tor cross product and general equation are needed to imple-
ment this test; the remaining points representing the rafter
feet we need only substitute. If the points do not all lie on the
same plane, the values of d will not be equal. This also means
there is no possible point of convergence, and it is time to
abandon this attempt at a solution, and try something else,
perhaps re-sizing the rafters.
Assuming the results of our tests are satisfactory at this
point, we can rearrange the dot product equation to give a
formula for the angle between two vectors.
The direction numbers for plumb, unit vector - k on the z
axis, are ( 0, 0, -1 ), and we have solved r. Therefore, the angle
between plumb and r, which equals the angle between the
inclined deck and the actual deck, is equal to:
arcos(3.35641/ 3.65116) = 23.18011 degrees.
Diagram 6 shows the calculation for two of the pitch angles
with respect to the inclined deck. The values of the roof plane
angles are half the total angle between ridges. Using the for-
mula tan(DECK) = cos(PITCH)/tan(ROOF), the deck angles
with respect to the inclined deck can be determined (Diagram
7). Much as the deck angles with respect to the actual deck
are used to set saw bevels if framing to normal plumb and
level lines, the deck angles just calculated are the saw blade
settings to make cuts when working to the inclined deck.
The BACKING angles may be solved: cos(BACKING) =
sin(DECK)/cos(ROOF)
Calculate the HIP angles using any of:
tan(HIP) = tan(PITCH)sin(DECK)
cos(HIP) = cos(PITCH)/cos(BACKING)
cos(HIP) = sin(ROOF)/cos(DECK)
Any of the above formulas, using either corner plane angles
between the rafters or the angles between the beams, (using
them consistently, that is), gives a value for the HIP angle, with
respect to the inclined deck, as 16.16075 degrees.
The resolution of the angles required for the two remaining
equal planes is left as an exercise for the reader. Hint: All hip
angles are equal; the total roof plane angle divided by two
equals 45 degrees. The equation cos(DECK) =
sin(ROOF)/cos(HIP) solves the deck angle. Here is a summary
of the results: The planes bounded by a rafter and beam are
named COMMON Planes, since they are shared by both mem-
bers. The remaining two planes are named for members they
lie between (see Diagram 5 and Diagram 7).
In this case, note that the BEAM Plane and the two COM-
MON Plane values are equal, creating three equal sets of
angles.
The inclined deck sets of angles have to meet certain crite-
ria:
(1) Since the overall shape of the inclined deck in plan is
a quadrilateral, the sum of all the deck angles must equal 360
degrees.
(2) All HIP pitches are equal.
(3) All dihedral or DECK angles are equal at matching
faces.
(4) The sums of the ROOF PLANE angles remain con-
stant for both sets of calculations.
(5) The sums of the BACKING angles remain constant
for both sets of calculations.
Conditions (2) and (3) actually govern mitre and bevel;
meeting these criteria means that cutting the compound
angles will produce matching faces if the log diameters are
equal.
Conditions (4) and (5) ensure that the logs conform to the
initial design parameters after the backing angle cuts, which
brings us to the next topic.
Refer to Diagram 8, Layout of Backing Angles. The view is
from the foot of the log, looking toward the peak. An imagi-
nary plane of convergence passes through each log; these
planes intercept at the peaks to form the line of convergence,
or convergence vector, where all the logs meet equally. This
arcos((XrXk+YrYk+ZrZk) Xr2+Yr2+Zr2 Xk2+Yk2+Zk2)
ANGLES with respect to INCLINED DECK
ANGLE RAFTER Plane BEAM Plane COMMON plane
PITCH 20.13375 23.18011 23.18011
DECK 52.22562 42.59146 42.59146
HIP 16.16075 16.16075 16.16075
ROOF 36.03989 45.00000 45.00000
BACKING 12.17209 16.84504 16.84504
ALGEBRA
Continued from Page 5
Coordinates of end-
points of unit rafters
and unit beams.
DIAGRAM 4
DIAGRAM3
Log Building NEWS
7 December 2002 #40
plane of convergence creates a line on the log cross-section,
and passes through the maximum log diameter. Starting at this
line, lay out the complements of the convergence or inclined
deck backing angles, making sure that the angles are on the
correct sides of the log. The backing planes (or roof planes)
can now be cut. Measuring from the backing planes, lay out the
complements of the backing angles generated by the initial cal-
culation with respect to the actual deck; again, ensure that the
angles are on the correct sides of the log. There is now anoth-
er line created on the cross-section of the log, in this case tilt-
ed at 16.84504 degrees with respect to the line of conver-
gence. The value of this angle is the difference between the
two backing angles. This line will become the plumb line, rotat-
ing to position when the logs are assembled, and any layout or
cutting at the foot of the log is done with respect to this line
using actual deck angle values. Note that throughout this
process, the ridge line remains constant, as it must if the roof
is to conform to the original specifications. Diagram 9 shows
the relationship between these quantities.
If you are still with me, that covers the theory. In practice, I
did the first sets of calculations manually, using a programma-
ble calculator. This was time consuming and created an
increased chance of error if different scenarios needed to be
tested; a worksheet specifically tailored for this purpose now
does all the number crunching. All that need be done is enter
the HIP pitches and TOTAL DECK angle, and a set of angles
with respect to the actual deck is generated. A feedback cal-
culation then re-enters half the total ROOF PLANE angle
complements as PITCHES, the sum of the BACKING ANGLES
as TOTAL DECK, and the inclined deck or convergence angles
are automatically calculated. The linear algebra convergence
check, criteria for conformance to original parameters, and
drawings of layout and cutting angles are all done in seconds.
To double check the calculations and make it easier to visual-
ize the final product, I also construct 3D cardboard models of
the proposed joints.
Speaking of the final product: there was no way to avoid a
little work with a drawknife, but otherwise the results were
gratifying. The compound faces converged with little or no
measurable error. A powerful and versatile mathematical tool
provided a solution to a difficult problem; investing time in
mastering these techniques is well worth the effort for any
timber framer or log fitter.
Inclined or Convergence
Deck Projection
DIAGRAM 7 a = (0, 1.83205,.55470
b = (1.83205, 0,.55470)
r = axb = (1.01624,1.01624,-3.35641)
DIAGRAM 5
Plane of Convergence thru
axis of log, at diameter
1) Layout complements of
inclined deck backing angles,
starting at this line.
2) Lay out complements of
actual deck backing angles,
starting from roof plane.
Ridge line is constant;
reference for both
backing angles
True Plumb:
Rotates to position
when logs are assembled.
Any cuts required at
rafter feet are with
respect to this line.
Side toward rafter
Side toward beam
DIAGRAM 6
Section P-P thru Corner Plane between 8/12 Rafters
More diagrams and photos on next page
Log Building NEWS
#40 December 2002 8
DIAGRAM 9
Assembled Joint:
Plan & Revolved Sections
Ridgeline, sum of
backing angles and
sum of roof plane
angles remain
constant
Joint Details
Beam
8/12
rafter
View of trussed roof from above
Not shown: 8/12 roof planes
produce four 5
21
32/12 hip rafters
convergent @ peak
5
21
32/12 rafter
converges w/two
beams (see photo
on page 4)
Two 8/12
rafters converge
with two beams.
Learn about timber framing
Experience the joy of building
community through craft
Timber Framers Guild
education inspiration
888-453-0879
www.TFGUILD.ORG
8/12
rafter
Beam
A geometric approach to joinery
9 December 2002 #40
Log Building NEWS
By Ed Levin
The following exposition presents
another approach to the joinery prob-
lem posed by Joseph Bartok in the pre-
vious article. This alternative treatment
might be dubbed the math lite method,
as it eschews algebra and trigonometry
in favor of pure geometry.
Apart from reader susceptibility to
math phobia, there are excellent rea-
sons to adopt a
geometric
approach.
Historically, carpen-
ters have been
geometers rather
than mathemati-
cians. While many
of the builders of
the great works of
timber framing
were illiterate (and
largely innumer-
ate), they were tra-
ditionally well versed in the use of
dividers, straightedge and related draw-
ing tools. Armed with this simple kit
they could lay out and construct aston-
ishing compound/complex structures
without resort to cosines, calculators
or computers. And we can do the
same.
Once the geometry is established,
one can then generalize the problem
and devise a
mathematical
solution that
works for vary-
ing roof pitch-
es, member
sizes and
lengths, etc. But
any such set of
parametric for-
mulas must be
based on prior
drawing and
development of
the essential geometry.
We begin with a quick review of the
essentials: A central square tower is
capped by a regular hip roof. A lower
roof skirts the tower with four 8:12
pitch abutting roof slopes alternating
with hipped corners, giving the building
an octagonal footprint. The building is
framed with logs of uniform diameter.
The eave corners and peak of the
upper roof are known quantities. Our
concern lies with the peak corners of
the lower roof, specifically the log cor-
ner joint where two rafters rise to
meet two level wall plates. The pure
geometry of this joint indicates a five
or six-way connection, depending on
whether the posts are continuous
through the plates. To reduce conges-
tion at the corners, the centerlines of
Octagonal footprint
GEOMETRY
Continued on page 11
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Log Building NEWS
11 December 2002 #40
Spider Plan View Low Pitch Roof 3-D Low Pitch Plan
the inner corner posts and surrounding
lower roof top plates are offset in plan
so that the plates notch through and
bypass the posts, leaving a four-way
meeting of plates and rafters at the
corner. The issue is how to determine
the correct angles at which to cut the
log ends so that they mitre together
[Spider and Spider Plan View].
To make sense of this joint, we skew
our perspective, recasting the connec-
tion as a hip peak by building a new vir-
tual floor under it (Bartoks inclined
deck), which cuts each member one
length unit (foot, meter, whatever) away
from the peak. Redefine the ground
plane to coincide with this floor, and we
have transformed our wall corner into
a miniature, low pitch hip roof [Spider,
Low Pitch Roof 3-D].
Before proceeding further with
this analysis, lets revisit the basics
of hip roof geometry. The num-
bered panels illustrate the devel-
opment of a hip roof. Panel 1
shows a birds-eye view of the
roof. All the information needed to
derive lengths and angles for com-
mons, jacks and hips can be found
in the irregular tetrahedron
bounded by vertical sections cut-
ting through the midlines of the
hip and a full-length jack rafter.
This shape (highlighted in Panel 2)
is known as the hip kernel. We
extract the kernel from the roof
[Panel 3] and begin the process of
developing or unfolding it [Panel
4], hinging along the sides of the
triangular deck plan and along the hip.
The fully developed hip is shown with
GEOMETRYContinued on page 12
Spider GEOMETRY
Continued from page 9
Log Building NEWS
#40 December 2002 12
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faces labeled in Panel 5. Lengths and
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and by their symbolic names in the
Hawkindale Angle system used widely
by timber framers and log builders.*
Relative lengths of parts for an 8:12
regular pitch hip roof are shown in
Panel 7.
A primer on kernel development:
Start with the plan triangle, then add
the rise (its the same in both common
and hip sections) by drawing perpendic-
ulars to common and hip runs. Connect
the dots to delineate the common and
hip rafters. At this point you have three
adjoining triangles with the deck plan
sandwiched between common and hip
sections. The roof surface triangle is
constructed by arcing the eave length
from the hip foot and the common
length from the hip peak. Draw lines
connecting these two centers to the
intersection of the two arcs and label
appropriately. Note that in the roof sur-
face triangle, the eave and common
meet at right angles.
Referring back to Low Pitch Roof -3D
our reborn hip rafters follow lines CK,
EK, GK & JK. We know from their pre-
vious life that angles CKE, CKJ & GKJ
are all 90. By the same logic, we can
find angle EKG via the geometry of the
original lower roof: Panel 8 shows a
developed kernel for the hip corners.
Here we start the drawing with the
known 8:12 hip section (the pitch shed
roof commons serve as regular hip
rafters in the hip corner roofs, hence
R1=8:12). With the hip section drawn,
you can add the 45-45-90 plan trian-
gle, then the section at the common.
Since the Hip Run is 12.0000, the com-
mon run equals 1212 or 8.4853
which, taken with the rise of 8.000,
GEOMETRY
Continued from page 11
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13 December 2002 #40
Log Building NEWS
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yields a common pitch (SS) of 8:12/2
or 43.3139. With deck plan and sec-
tions established, the roof surface trian-
gle is laid out as per the previous para-
graph. Since this roof surface triangle is
congruent to triangle FKG in Low Pitch
Roof 3-D (and to its mirror image trian-
gle EKF), we know that
FKG = EKF = P2 = 36.0399
and
EKG = FKG + EKF = 2 x P2 =
72.0798
We can further exploit the devel-
oped hip corner to produce a section
through the inclined deck. Joseph
Bartoks unit length hip rafters are too
short for accurate drawing, so lets
scale up one order of magnitude. From
the hip peak in the hip corner devel-
oped kernel, measure down ten units
along the hip. From this point drop a
perpendicular to the common length in
the roof surface triangle.Via trigonome-
try, direct measurement or similar tri-
angle proportion, we determine that
the length of virtual common rafter FK
[Low Pitch Roof 3-D] is one tenth of
8.0861, and mark off the distance down
from the peak on the common length
in both roof surface and common sec-
tion triangles.
To represent common BK, we raise
a perpendicular to the rise at the com-
mon peak. Since CKJ is a 45-45-90
triangle with lengths of 1.0000, 1.0000
and 2 or 1.4142, and line BK bisects
CKJ, then the length of line BK is 1/2
= 0.7071, or 7.0711 in our 10X scale
model. By connecting points F and B
and dropping a perpendicular from K to
BF, we can derive lengths and angles for
the section through the inclined plane,
shown at 10:1 scale in Panel 9 and at
1:1 in real world orientation in Panel 10
(note the similarity of the latter to
Bartoks Diagram 6).
GEOMETRYContinued on page 14
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#40 December 2002 14
Log Building NEWS
One other item remains on the
agenda, determination of the backing
angles for the hips [see Spider and log
cross-sections in Panel 11]. Panel 12 illus-
trates a geometric solution to this
problem. Using the appropriate devel-
oped kernel, from the square corner
where eave and common run meet,
strike a perpendicular to the hip run,
then continue on at right angles to the
hip length. Centering on the intersec-
tion of these two new lines, arc from
the hip length down to the hip run,
then connect the free end of the arc
back to the eave/common run corner.
The angle between the two lines origi-
nating from this corner is Hawkindale
C5, the backing angle.
Returning to the original question,
inspection of Spider, Spider Plan View and
Low Pitch Roof 3-D shows that the mitre
angles we seek are equivalent to deck
angle D in the plan triangles 1-8 as indi-
cated in Low Pitch Roof Plan At this point
we know the lengths of all the con-
stituent parts of the inclined plane hip
roof: hip lengths are all 1.000, common
FK measures 0.8086, common BK
scales out at 0.7071 and, by symmetry,
is identical to commons FK and KH.
From Panels 9 & 10, the rise measures
0.2783, run AF 0.7592 and the lengths
of runs AB, AD & AH are all 0.6500.
Plus we also know and/or can easily
determine all the relevant angles.
Symmetry of parts also tells us that tri-
angles 1, 3 & 7 are identical, and are
mirror images of triangles 2, 6 & 8. The
odd men out are triangles 4 & 5, which
are mirror images of one another.
Therefore we need to develop two dif-
ferent kernels for a complete solution.
Results are shown in Panels 13 & 14.
*For more information on Hawkindale Angles,
see the articles Hip and Valley Framing II and
Hip and Valley Framing III in Timber Framing,
issues no. 19 (March 1991) & 21 (Sept. 1991), also
reprinted in the Timber Frame Joinery & Design
Workbook, published by the Timber Framers
Guild, and available at www.tfguild.org/pubpg.html.
Material from these articles along with a spread-
sheet available for download can be found on the
Guild Web site at: www.tfguild.org/tool2.html.
GEOMETRY
Continued from page 13
Log Building NEWS
Tech
TALK
By John Boys
Leveling a log in blocks by yourself can be
a frustrating experience. This modification to
my level allows me to pin it
onto the level line on the
end of a log while I run the
peavey.Years ago I tried
drilling 2 holes in a level
and nailing it to the level
line but that proved to be
almost as frustrating as the
original problem.
What makes this modifi-
cation work is the 3" planer blade that is bolted to the side of my
level. By using a lock-washer or a ny-lock nut I can keep the connec-
tion stiff enough to hold the blade in position and still allow me to
rotate the blade to store flush when not in use. To use it, engage the
blade into the level line on the top of the log, align the level and pin
the bottom in place with a short stiff nail. When not in use the nail
stores on a rare-earth magnet (available from Lee Valley tools) epox-
ied to the level.
John Boys
15 December 2002 #40
#40 December 2002 16
Log Building NEWS
Another perspective
Over 20 years ago,
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By Dave Rogers
I had the opportunity and great
pleasure to attend the Rendezvous this
year. Discussions on
many topics were
engaged. Mary
Mackie brought us
remembrance of
the School and the
energy that swept
many of us up and
carried us along.
Still does. The
Mackie School made available to us the
traditional ways of log building. Not
only the construction techniques but
also the accompanying lifestyle that tra-
ditional thinking encourages. Many
things converged at the School, as if the
Time had come for this particular
Inspiration to be visited upon our
world. Those of us that have read the
literature made available in the last 30
years concerning log buildings can
probably trace the path back to some-
one who was inspired at the School, if
not Allan or Mary themselves. The
introduction of the double bubble
scribers has probably led to more inno-
vation than any other single tool. I men-
tion this because a renaissance of sorts
occurred in the last 30 years that has
propelled us into a powerful industry. A
modern era of building with logs.
There are two very different ways of
thinking about the building trades. One
way is Forward. Always endeavoring to
improve. Inventing and creating new
systems and pushing the envelope of
ideas. The other way is in the Past,
endeavoring to accurately portray what
was. This is done with research and the
study of the methods, styles and the
tools that were used on the surviving
examples.
It is one thing to build new struc-
tures with familiar tools. It is another
thing to rebuild the work of builders
from the past generations. Fine lines
exist between attitudes of approach to
the repair and preservation of older
structures. Historic buildings were an
integral part of the lives that once
depended upon them for protection
and shelter. They are all that remain of
those who built them. Lifetimes are
dedicated to remembering the ways of
how we got to where we are now.
Historic architects, anthropologists,
archaeologists, historians and those of
us who value and appreciate the effort
made by the workmen who fashioned
the structures that remain on the land-
scape, all share an interest in under-
standing and preserving our past, intact.
Preservation and Conservation have
Dave Rogers
Log Building NEWS
17 December 2002 #40
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similar definitions. The idea has to do
with protecting and maintaining some-
thing. The Preservation field of educa-
tion has a vocabulary that is quite spe-
cific. Terms such as rehabilitation, reno-
vation, restoration, reconstruction,
repair, reproduction, preservation, sig-
nificance, integrity, and context all have
definitions that provide for a more
exact communication and therefore an
ability to define methods and proce-
dures for protecting and maintaining
something.
The following selected terms and
definitions may help to illustrate this:
Rehabilitation: the process of
returning a property to a state of utili-
ty, through repair or alteration, which
makes possible an efficient contempo-
rary use while preserving those por-
tions and features of the property
which are significant to its historic,
architectural, and cultural values.
Renovation: to make sound again
any structure involved under the vari-
ous definitions hereunder by cleanup,
repair or replacement of deteriorated
detail or structure.
Restoration: the process of accu-
rately recovering, by removal of later
work and the replacement of missing
earlier work, the form and details of a
structure, together with its setting, as it
appeared at a particular period of time.
Reconstruction: the process of
rebuilding a non-extant structure or
portion of a structure to its original
appearance through archival and
archaeological investigation. Although
parts of the original structure are
sometimes included in the reconstruc-
tion, the process usually involves new
construction materials.
Repair: the reconstruction, renova-
tion or renewal of any portion of a his-
toric building for the purpose of its
maintenance.
Reproduction: a duplication, copy,
or close imitation of the original.
Significance: importance of a his-
toric property as defined by the
National Register criteria in one or
more areas of significance. An associa-
tion with an event or individual, archi-
tecture or landscape qualities, or
archaeological importance.
Integrity: authenticity of a proper-
tys historic identity, evidenced by the
survival of physical characteristics that
existed during the propertys historic
or prehistoric period.
Context: an organizing structure
for interpreting history that groups
information about historic properties
which share a common theme, com-
mon geographical location, and com-
mon time period. The development of
historic contexts is a foundation for
decisions about planning, identification,
evaluation, registration, and treatment
of historic properties, based upon com-
parative significance.
Usually, efforts to preserve some-
thing from the past are concentrated
on examples that represent features
with some connection to what is
termed significance. Once the signifi-
cance has been established, the con-
text of its significance is determined.
These initial considerations lay the
PERSPECTIVEContinued on Page 18
Log Building NEWS
#40 December 2002 18
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foundation on which a treatment strat-
egy is based. It is important to interject
here that a little knowledge in this field
can be a dangerous thing. Well inten-
tioned advocates of a certain point of
view can destroy the greater context of
what they thought they were protect-
ing. It is also true that one has to start
somewhere and a little knowledge is
better than none.
Without the existence of examples
of architecture from the past, we would
be subject to a constant cycle of
repeating design concepts that are pret-
ty to look at but become the reason
for structural failure. Although bark-on
construction, unprotected extensions,
earth foundations, etc., were common
practices at one time, we can see that
such methods are not done with
longevity in mind. Suffice it to say that
even bad practices have an important
role and should be remembered lest
they be repeated.
When it comes to questions about
log and timber structures, we, as expe-
rienced and skilled builders, can discern,
perhaps better than others, how and
with what tools the olden buildings
were built. The unique aspects of
understanding the craft of our trade
are vital to relating to the intent and
skill level of the original builder, and
therefore vital to the how to of
repairing parts that have failed for one
reason or another.
One hundred years from now, we
will be studied as builders. Some of our
work will need repairs. Questions will
be asked such as: Is this building signifi-
cant? Was such and such a good idea?
What went wrong and why? How diffi-
cult will it be to do any repairs or
replacement? What method of con-
struction was used? What tools were
used? Is it worth the effort to rehabili-
tate?
As long as there are those who
want to ask these kinds of questions
and seek out the answers and learn the
various techniques to repair or replace
in kind, and use the tools of the peri-
od, there will be a need for an educa-
tional facility to address this soon-to-
pass moment of this culture. Our
responsibility is to share the knowledge
we have and educate those who are
interested in learning. The ILBA has an
awesome responsibility to make avail-
able the education so badly needed. But
education must also be an advocate of
freedom. Its strength is in the access to
all ideas. The ideas that are sound
endure, the ones that are flawed
become known as such. The choice as
to which is followed is a personal one.
The key is knowledge. Education is an
ongoing process for the duration of our
lives.
See: The Secretary of the Interiors
Standards for Rehabilitation. Revised
1990; US Department of the Interior;
National Park Service; Washington DC.
Washington State Historic Building
Code; Department of Community
Development; Olympia, Washington.
PERSPECTIVE
Continued from Page 17
Log Building NEWS
19 December 2002 #40
Enhancing the Tradition
April 5-7, 2003
ILBA 30th Annual
General Meeting & Conference
Chateau Cartier, Alymer, Quebec, Canada
Current seminars and workshop topics planned include:
Log Grading, Marketing, Notching Techniques, Crane Safety,
European log building styles, Restoration and much more.
Registration packets coming soon!
Log Building NEWS
21
By Ed Shure
A recent project required that we precisely locate
dozens of holes in 1" thick steel plates. A potential night-
mare was averted when a steel-working
friend told us about Hougen
Manufacturing in Flint, Michigan (810-
635-7111).
Their Model 10904 Rotabroach is a
lightweight, portable, magnetic base drill
capable of boring holes up to 1
3
8" diame-
ter through 2" thick steel plate. The cut-
ter, which looks more like an end mill
than a drill bit, has a pencil-pointed pilot which is aligned
with a punch mark on the piece to be drilled. A sensor
located in the base instantly shuts off the machine if any
unwanted movement is detected. A 1" hole through 2
plate only takes about 30 seconds.
This tool can pay for itself in very short order, espe-
cially for anyone using steel knife blades for post hold-
down or truss connections.
Westwood
Custom Windows & Doors Ltd.
Box 216 Armstrong, B.C.
Canada V0E 1B0
www.westwoodwindows.com
Tel: (250) 546-2966
Fax: (250) 546-2932
Excellence in
Craftsmanship.
We specialize in
log homes.
December 2002 #40
Tech
TALK
The Model 10904
Rotabroach is capable of bor-
ing holes up to 1
3
8" diameter
through 2" thick steel plate.The tool and a close-up of its underside
are shown above, at left.
M
o
r
e
Ed Shure
Log Building NEWS
#40 December 2002 22
Update
Seasons Greetings from the ILBA
staff.
Wed like to extend our warmest
wishes for a holiday season filled with
peace and happiness to you, your family
and friends.
Its been a busy year in the industry,
which has kept us hopping here in the
office!
The upcoming year is also filled with
lots of exciting plans and opportunities
for networking, starting with our
Conference near Ottawa in early April,
followed by a Rendez-vous or two, and
then our European Conference in
Sweden next September.
Some enhancements are planned for
our Web site as well; watch for them
online at www.logassociation.org.
Current ILBA Company members are
also welcome to use our logo in their
promotional info and on their Web
sites to inform
clients they are a
proud members of
the ILBA. Links from
the ILBA Web site
to current company members are also
in place, and will continue to be with
2003 company memberships. Many Web
sites are also linking back to the ILBA
Web site! Just give us a call if youd like
us to email you the logo!
Enclosed with this newsletter is your
2003 Membership Application, please
complete and forward to the office
ASAP, as all memberships for 2002
expire at the end of this year.
As of Jan. 1, 2003, memberships will
run for one year from the month a
member enrolls and dues will then be
payable in that month on a yearly basis.
Faxing in your application is the quick-
est way at this point, and we do accept
Visa and Mastercard for payment. If you
have any questions, just give us a call.
The office will be working on reduced
hours over the holidays, but well be
checking in for messages!
With the new board sworn in (see
list of new board pg. 27) and a full slate
of activities planned for this next year,
we welcome you to contact the office
and get involved.
Take care and have a great holiday!
Robrt Savignac Cathy Hansen Ann Miks
R.C.M. CAD Design & Drafting Ltd.
Exclusively designing log homes
& Post and Beam since 1994
Bus: (604) 702-1188 Fax: (604) 702-0022
E-mail: rcmcaddesign@shawbiz.ca
Web Page: www.rcmcaddesign.com
Check out our Web page to learn about us & our product
STAVEBOLT

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Tel: 705-721-1911 Fax 705-721-4798
Web site: www.stavebolt.com
U.S. distributor:
Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc.
800-359-4803 or www.loghelp.com
The hidden tension connector with defined
performance values for log & timber framing.
FROM THE ILBA OFFICE
Registration packets for the
30th annual general meeting in
Aylmer will be mailed soon
register early!
Log Building NEWS
ILBA
COMMITTEE REPORTS
STANDARDS & LOG GRADING
CONFERENCES
MEMBERSHIP & PUBLICATIONS
EDUCATION & TRAINING
FUNDRAISING
PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING & WEB SITE
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
CERTIFICATION
23 December 2002 #40
Membership Committee
This is an exciting time of year for
most of us when we get to plan for
the projects and
commitments for
the upcoming year.
This holds true for
the ILBA staff and
Board of Directors.
Right now, one of
the most important
tasks that we focus
on is the continuing
growth of the membership in the
ILBA.
This past year our membership has
grown substantially and now repre-
sents over 500 members. This coming
year we expect to see another sizable
increase due to greater member bene-
fits and a stronger international inter-
est from abroad.
Each member of the ILBA will
receive even more member benefits
than last year, including six newsletters
a year, a membership card, and ongoing
discounts and promotions that we
obtain throughout the year for ILBA
members. Other future benefits we
continue to work on include insurance
packages for members dealing with
issues from company owners to an
employee benefits package. Discounts
from our industry suppliers should
also be forthcoming this year. Watch
the newsletters for these details and
other upcoming benefits.
On the enclosed Membership
Application, you can read the list of
benefits for each of the Membership
categories. We like to see all new and
renewing members get their applica-
tions in as soon as possible. A com-
plete, updated membership directory
will be available to all members in the
Members Only area of our Web site.
Company members will continue to be
listed in the public viewing area of our
Web site.
Many of our new members have
been introduced to the ILBA through
existing members. We encourage each
member to share the benefits of being
an ILBA member with other log
builders and professionals and encour-
age them to join the Association. This
will help ensure that the ILBA will best
represent our industry. If you know of
someone who is interested in becom-
ing a member, please feel free to con-
tact the staff at the ILBA office and
they will gladly send out an application
to your referral.
Please feel free to contact the ILBA
Staff or me with any questions.
Research & Development
Committee
R&D committee
is in the process of
developing new
proposals for vari-
ous funding agen-
cies. Recently a
proposal was sub-
mitted to the ILBA
office focusing on
Finishes for Log
Homes. The
research aims to
provide compara-
tive test data for
various finishes
commonly used in
the log building
industry, and to
demonstrate the
life span and failure
modes of finishes
applied to log
walls. Secondary
objectives are
determination of
the effect of vari-
ous sealing materi-
als used in the lat-
eral grove on the
state/deterioration
of the wood inside
the long groove
(moisture conden-
sation, mold/fungi
development etc,
and the effects of a
presence of
through-bolts in the log wall after pro-
longed exposure to the elements.
It is expected that the proposal will
be submitted to Forest Innovation and
Investment in BC for funding in
February 2003. At the same time ILBA
will be submitting other proposals
addressing issues from the ILBA wish
list. The R&D committee continues to
Jeff Patterson
Dalibor Houdek
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Continued on page 24
Iormo Indusfries, Lfd.
SpecioIi;ing in 8uiIding Logs
0reen or dry
Whife spruce & LodgepoIe
Truck or roiI orronged fo Conodo & fhe US
Don & Deb Possmon
780-o74-o3Zb
drossmonphrd.ob.co
Log Building NEWS
#40 December 2002 24
pursue funding opportunities for
research on log homes, however it is a
rare occurrence that the funding agen-
cies would provide 100 percent of the
research costs. With every project, an
industry contribution is required in
order to receive additional funding
from the agencies. If you wish to par-
ticipate or contribute to any R&D
project, please contact ILBA at 250-
547-8776 or Dalibor at 780-413-9031.
Public Relations & Marketing
Committee
Exciting things are happening with
the associations public relations and
marketing activities!
We are producing,
with the help of the
office staff, three
new brochures; an
updated member-
ship information
piece, a sponsor
benefits package
and a consumer
information piece about the handcraft-
ed log home industry. The consumer
information brochure will be available
for your use with prospects for a small
charge in the near future. We are
accepting photography and writing
submissions for use in the consumer
brochure. Please call Elaine Nosaka
800-826-3893 ext. 275 to submit
materials or to become a member of
this committee. We want your input!
Certification Committee
Several years ago, the ILBA mem-
bership decided to embark on a certi-
fication process to meet what we saw
as a growing demand from consumers
for industry control of standards. Prior
to that, the Standards document had
been vigorously debated and imple-
mented as a core belief of the mem-
bership of our association at that time
and it still is.
We embarked on a process that,
last year, saw us phase
in the Certification
process with the
Pledge. In the absence
of a structured and
mandated program,
the Pledge essentially
asserts that a builder
will build to the spirit
and intent of the Standards and that
they will inform their clients of their
existence. This step seemed to be a
logical bridge to the next step of the
program and demonstrated commit-
ment to raising the bar in log con-
struction. A committee was formed to
look into this in greater depth with
the ultimate goal of bringing back
implementation recommendations to
the Board. The committee has been
meeting and debating over the last
couple of years and in a recent LBN
article (Issue 37), had proposed an
overview for Certification and
timetable for implementation.
As the process has evolved, more
questions have been raised than there
are answers for and we, the board,
want to proceed with care and cau-
tion. In light of the fact that more
work needs to be done before imple-
menting Certification program, it is the
decision of the board to proceed with
the Pledge program as follows, for the
year 2003.
To be enrolled in the 2003 ILBA
Pledged Builder Program:
You must be a company member
in good standing. Companies listed in
the following categories can enroll in
this program: handcrafted log home
building company, architects, designers,
engineers, consultants, and log building
schools.
The pledge agreement is now part
of the 2003 Membership application,
whereby participants complete and
sign the Pledged Company portion to
enroll in this program.
As a Pledged ILBA Company
member you agree to use the Log
Building Standards of the ILBA as a
guideline to ensure the logwork your
company creates is of the highest stan-
dards and to inform your clients of
these standards.
The pledge fee remains at $200
CDN for 2003.
Pledged members will provide
access of the Log Building Standards to
their clients. The standards are avail-
able on line at the ILBA Web site at
www.logassociation.org under the
Resource Section. Each member also
receives the ILBA Standards with their
membership package.
It is recommended and encour-
aged that Pledged Members provide a
link on their Web site to the ILBA
Web site www.logassociation.org
Pledged Members will be listed on
the Pledged Program page of the Web
site, along with two listings in the
Company Membership Directory
Section. There will no longer be a
color distinction in the Company
Membership Directory Section.
Pledged Members will receive
their Membership Certificate with a
seal indicating Pledged ILBA Member.
Pledged Members cannot refer to
themselves or their businesses as
Certified. The ILBA does not cur-
rently certify members or their busi-
nesses. This program is a Pledge
Program. As a pledged member you
may refer to yourself as a Pledged
Member of the ILBA.
As a Pledged Member you can be
removed from this program if you are
not meeting the guideline(s) as set out
in this Pledged Program.
All other items referred to in LBN
37 are under discussion and may be
accepted and implemented in 2004.
We felt it would be premature to
implement the next step in this
process before careful consideration of
all the issues. New issues seem to be
coming forward on a regular basis. The
Certification committee will continue
to discuss and debate and plan for a
program that they can bring back to
the ILBA membership for a decision.
Currently, the Pledge program is
voluntary and has some benefits. In an
environment where builders and con-
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Continued from Page 23
Elaine Nosaka
Dave Gardner
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Continued on page 26
Log Building NEWS
25 December 2002 #40
SUMMIT
Continued from page 3
THIS old
Swedish home
is typical of the
architecture
found across
the Swedish
countryside,
especially in
the area of the
upcoming
European con-
ference.
The Log Connection
Log Home Specialist
The Log Connection is proud to announce Dave Sutton
as
Computer aided log home design and drafting.
S
the newest member of our design team.
pecializing in construction details and shop drawings.
Toll Free: 1-888-207-0210
www.thelogconnection.com
Canadian-style of log building.
This first Summit Meeting was a great success with neigh-
boring countries opening doors to each other. It will remain
an ILBA priority to represent all of our interests, and contin-
ue to share technologies and information the world over. In
a world of diminished resources, trees are the answer, and
log structures will continue to live on as long as there are
people who appreciate fine work and a healthy home. The
upcoming European Conference is an exciting opportunity
to meet with the people who come from such an historic
precedence of log construction, right across Europe, and dis-
cuss the influences that have affected all of our building
styles.
On behalf of the ILBA and its members, we would like to
extend a warm thanks to our hosts in Europe for this recent
visit and look forward to working on this International event
with our fellow log crafters in Europe!
Log Building NEWS
#40 December 2002 26
HAND PEELERS WANTED Neville Log Homes
has employment opportunities available for log handpeel-
ers. Full time or part time positions. Interested parties
please call toll free 1-866-573-1866 and ask for Linda
Cody.
LYRA PENCILS and MARKERS have arrived in
Canada. Its about time we have a HIGH QUALITY PEN-
CIL for writing on everything from glass to wet wood.
Carpenter pencil: 10-Inch long, dry & wet. Contact
Northwood Log Homes, Phone: 867-872-4261; Fax: 867-
872-4645; email: logdognwt@hotmail.com
For the Love of Working with Wood Training Log
Builders for tomorrow See them off to a great start with
our Entry-Level Trade Program Del Radomskes Okanagan
School of Log Building International. Phone: 250-765-5166
Email: radloghomes_school@telus.net
Accutech Innovations Inc., manufacturer of the Chain
Saw Micro Mill, has expanded operations and moved.
Please update your records with the new address. 816
Falcon Blvd., Burlington, ON, Canada L7T 3B3. Phone:
905-631-1149. Fax: 905-631-9734. Email: dz@accutechin-
novations.com. WATCH FOR OUR NEW PRODUCTS
AND ACCESSORIES. Tool case for Chain Saw Micro Mill
90" aluminum extrusion to replace the 2"x 6" for
increased precision. Watch for the launch of our new
chain saw jig at the ILBA Conference in April 2003. Were
excited!
LOG BUILDING TOOLS - STARRETT & MACKIE
scribers; heavy duty drawknives up to 30"; peeling spuds;
chopping & finishing axes; broadaxes; adzes; GRANSFORS
axes; ENGLISH slicks; ROBERT SORBY, HENRY TAYLOR,
FOOTPRINT & PHEIL chisels and gouges; JAPANESE
slicks, 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;
Diamond whetstones; NORTHWEST calipers, tenon cut-
ters & long auger bits; ship augers; chainsaw mills & attach-
ments; MAKITA & MAFELL planers, saws & chain mortis-
ers; MACKIE log building books & videos. FREE 32-page
catalogue, MAGARD VENTURES LTD, 8365 Domagala
Road, Prince George, B.C., Canada V2K 5R1; Phone: 250-
962-9057; Fax: 250-962-9157Maurice Gardy.
C l a s s i f i e d A d s
sumers seem to desire something like this, we can get the
message out there about the standards. It gives both con-
sumer and builder a standardized reference document but is
not intended to constrain and limit good building practice
and technique but rather to give some structure and defini-
tion to it. Some might even see it as symbolic program that is
a necessary marketing expense. The bottom line is to
increase awareness of good building practice and bring
greater credibility to handcrafted log building. Even in a buyer
beware world, I dont agree with the notion that a consumer
deserves what they get as an association, we have a respon-
sibility to foster an environment of continuous improvement.
It now seems an inevitability that Standards will be
entrenched in building codes the ILBA standards are
accepted word for word in the Alaska building code and
were a strong reference document for the Japanese building
code. Discussions are in a mature stage with the new ICC
building code people. As log building grows in popularity and
when standards are entrenched in more building codes, it is
increasingly likely that a third party (like government) would
demand that log builders be certified. If we arent proactive in
this process, its conceivable that standards will be imposed
without our input and will handcuff us all. A process is
already underway in British Columbia for an apprenticeship
program where log builders have been front and center in its
design.
We need to hear from as many members as possible
about this issue when governments, certifying authorities,
building jurisdictions etc. come looking for information and
direction, they will look to the ILBA first. Make sure you are
part of the process.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Continued from Page 4
Enhancing the Tradition
Current seminars and workshop topics planned
include: Log Grading, Marketing, Notching
Techniques, Crane Safety, European log building
styles, Restoration and much more.
Registration packets coming soon!
April 5-7, 2003
ILBA 30th Annual
General Meeting & Conference
Chateau Cartier, Quebec, Canada
Log Building NEWS
27
How to get Log Building News
Log Building News is mailed to all ILBA members. Articles, photos and
letters are welcomed. Contact the ILBA office for the LBN 41 deadline.
If you submit articles in Microsoft Word

on CD or by email, send
them directly to the ILBA office.
Back issues of Log Building News are available from the Association
office. 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, dis-
tributed or republished. Contact the ILBA office 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 responsibility for the
accuracy of the information contained herein and does not edit or inves-
tigate any article or ad for that purpose.
Log Building Standards
The ILBA Log Building Standards, the building code for handcrafted,
scribe-fit 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.
Advertising
The Log Building News welcomes advertisers. Please contact the ILBA
office for deadlines.
Advertisers can send files in QuarkXpress format (Mac preferred, but
PC is acceptable) with the appropriate fonts (screen and printer), images,
and graphics included. All images should be scanned at 266 or higher and
in an EPS or TIF format. Ads can also be sent as PhotoShop (6.0 or
below) or Illustrator (9.0 and below) EPS files or as 300 dpi greyscale
TIFs. Submissions can be made on Zip disk, CD-ROM, floppy disk or via
email. Compressed .sit, .zip or .sea files are acceptable.
Editorial submissions can be made in MicroSoft Word, Works,
Simpletext, PDF, or QuarkXpress formats and can be sent as above. Any
line drawings should be sent in TIF format scanned at 1200 dpi or as orig-
inal art for scanning.
Contact the ILBA for other digital file information by email at
cathy@logassociation.org.
Log Building News is a great way to contact the best log home builders.
The ILBA is the largest group of builders of handcrafted 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 specifica-
tion sheet and ad rates.
Joining the ILBA
Membership in the International Log Builders
Association is open to any interested person. Members
get one year of Log Building News, membership certificate,
voting privileges, discounted conference registration, a
listing in the Annual Directory, a copy of the Association
Constitution and Bylaws, use of computerized help want-
ed and work wanted ads, and all ILBA mailings and
notices. Company memberships have additional benefits.
Company members can consider becoming Certified &
Pledged Builders. The ILBA accepts Visa or MasterCard.
For more information on dues and member benefits,
please call the ILBA office at 800-532-2900.
President
Dave Gardner
Ph: 250-547-2400
Fax: 250-547-8888
djg@uniquetimber.com
Vice-President
Dalibor Houdek, PH.D.
Ph: 780-413-9031
Fax: 780-413-9032
dalibor@edm.forintek.ca
Treasurer
Jeffrey J. Patterson
Ph: 208-676-0422
Fax: 208-676-9129
jeff@edgewoodlog.com
Secretary
Mark Fritch
Ph: 503-668-7130
Fax: 503-668-3285
mfritch@loghomz.com
Cathy Hansen, Executive Director
cathy@logassociation.org
Robrt Savignac, Executive Director
robert@logassociation.org
Ann Miks, Administrative Assistant
ann@logassociation.org
International Log Builders Association
P.O. Box 775
Lumby, British Columbia
V0E 2G0 Canada
800-532-2900 toll-free
250-547-8776 phone
250-547-8775 fax
www.logassociation.org
For more information
2003 ILBA officers
Directors
Dr. Edwin Burke, PH. D
Ph: 406-251-6189
eburke@bigsky.net
Katharina Koelbel
Ph: 011499791501339
katharina.koelbel@klafs.de
Elaine Nosaka
Ph: 703-227-5275
enosaka@loghomeliving.com
Kurt Overholt
Ph: 406-821-4602
logcrafter@earthlink.net
Jeffrey Patterson
Ph: 208-676-0422
jeff@edgewoodlog.com
December 2002 #40
TM
Log Home Design Ideas 2003 DESIGN GUIDE
The January issue of Log Home Design Ideas is our
annual DESIGN GUIDE. Distribution of over 180,000
copies with accompanying CD-ROM is sure to make
this our biggest seller of the year. January would be a
great time to introduce our buyers to your new
products, logo and Web site.
Call 800-279-7361 and reserve your space today.
WEB SITE DESIGN SERVICE
Having a Web site has become a measure of
credibility in todays marketplace and it offers a
conduit of communication with your customers.
Since the ILBA conference, we have been busy
putting together an outstanding Web site
promotion for ILBA members and the deal
we have for you is unbelievable:
Basic 1 page site with up to
4 photos and 200 words . . . . . . $150
1 year hosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $120
Your own domain name
(optional but a good idea) . . . . . $50
Additional pages with up to
4 photos and 200 words . . . . . . $150
Check out this site to get an idea of
what your own Web site could look like:
www.pacificommultimedia.com/bkcypress/dealerdemo.html
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Let Log Hom
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The Garlinghouse Com
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