Replies

1. 
   junkhound | Sep 08, 2005 03:34pm | #1

   Edit pps: see this is your first post, welcome.

    

   Biggest contribution from me is to peel (freshly cut) the logs in the spring when the sap is rising, 500% easier than trying to do it now (been there, done that). 

   No idea where to get logs in NE, here in NW I just go into the 'back yard' <G>

   Used 21ea 14" dia to 30 inch dia DF logs in own house (7 posts, 14 beams), cut off the area where the house went. In the basement for the posts, there is a  30 inch by 30 inch foot thick reinforced concrete pad under each post with 2 ea 2 inch by 1/4 inch steel plates that bolt to the post ,  Alum. plate under the end of the log on raised 8 " high concrete pedastal keeps end of log from rot, termites. Small notch in sides for first floor, 2nd floor intertie to 2 ea 2x12 something like you pix.

   FWIW, the ultra low cost light fixtures in the pix would benefit aesthetically from a simple wooden box around the octagonal steel box.

   Edit PS: I can post some pix of the basement details this evening if you like? One item to remember is that in the first 2 years you will occasionally hear a loud 'snap' where the timbers dry and a crack appears.

   :

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   Edited 9/8/2005 8:36 am ET by junkhound

   
   

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   Edited 9/8/2005 8:38 am ET by junkhound

1. 
   BoringMachine | Sep 08, 2005 03:44pm | #2

   Please do post a picture if you can, thanks.

   Not sure I understand what you mean about what's happening at the top end of the column - is there something bored into the top end of the logs?

   thanks for your reply -

    

    

1. 
   junkhound | Sep 09, 2005 01:28am | #3

   Here are some pix for your reference.  Try calling some tree trim or small logging outfits and see if anyone will sell you logs. Frenchy on this forum is bulding with oak and walnut logs and timbers, maybe VaTom also, possibly they will reply to you also.

   footing is raised pedastal that sits on a foot deep 30 inch wide full house length reinforced footing on hardpan.

   notched support is of inset 2x8s that main floor joists sit on

   top end tenon is a 6" thick tenon with another set of 2x8s bolted

   peeled beams is what stained d fir logs look like.

    

1. 
   BoringMachine | Sep 09, 2005 04:21pm | #5

   Hey Thanks, Junkhound!   I really appreciate the pictures.  Thanks for the references too -

   Wow, those are some big logs - pretty amazing! 

1. 
   JoeBartok | Sep 13, 2005 08:04pm | #6

   Log builders routinely use logs as columns. Settling is a major issue so the columns are supported on screw jacks sitting on a reinforced concrete pad in the basement.

   The column in the attached image supports the stairs, it goes from the basement through the second floor and continues up to support the Valleys and ridge beams at the roof peak on the third level.

   Joe Bartok

   Edited 9/13/2005 1:07 pm ET by JoeBartok

   Edited 9/13/2005 1:09 pm ET by JoeBartok

2. 
   JoeBartok | Sep 13, 2005 08:44pm | #7

   The column in the photo of the log roof also passes through three levels. It supports two Valley rafters, three ridge beams and a common rafter. (The column is barely visible to the right of the Valley; sorry! That's the only picture I've got!)Joe Bartok

3. 
   BoringMachine | Sep 13, 2005 09:37pm | #8

   How do you know how often (if at all) to adjust the screw jacks?  Do you just tighen them up every couple months, as much as they will go?

    

    

4. 
   JoeBartok | Sep 13, 2005 09:55pm | #9

   Adjustment every six months is sufficient. It takes about five to seven years for a log building to settle. The figure for settling is generally given as 6% (about 3/4" per foot) but we allow a bit less at 1/2" per foot. How much the jacks are adjusted at any given time is a judgement call; the post is lowered until the joints appear tight.Joe Bartok

5. 
   BoringMachine | Sep 13, 2005 10:12pm | #10

   Where would I find such a thing as these "screw jacks"?   Boy, I can tell you, those aren't two terms you want to type into a search engine together -

   Thanks,

   C

6. 
   JoeBartok | Sep 13, 2005 11:33pm | #12

   The screw jacks can be custom made at any local metal/weld shop. The size of the jacks is the big question: that's determined by the expected forces imposed on the column. If I recall correctly the columns in those images were supported by four jacks with 1" threads and a metal plate installed between the jacks and the wood.

   Bill: Its the walls that settle and the post has to follow.

   Joe Bartok

   Edited 9/13/2005 4:34 pm ET by JoeBartok

   Edited 9/13/2005 4:35 pm ET by JoeBartok

7. 
   BillHartmann | Sep 13, 2005 11:28pm | #11

   Is it the post that are settling?Or is it the stacked walls that shrink and the post need to follow them?

2. 
   Piffin | Sep 09, 2005 02:35am | #4

   That is sure an eclectic mix of modern materials and styules juxtaposed wioth primitive.

    

    

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