After building the log notching jigs, I decided to start over on the little log cabin. I took down the logs and cut off all of the notches. Then I used the jigs to cut new ones. The fit is much better this way.

I hired Kevin Jagoda to help me yesterday and we got alot done. We sawed about 12 logs, plus we re cut the logs I already had so they would be the same size- 7"x9". I also worked on it today after church. All total this weekend, we cut, notched and stacked 28 logs. That's pretty good for one weekend! I plan to sell the cabin logs. If they don't sell, we'll have a little guest cabin I guess.

Trial run with new camper

Fred and I went for a short camping trip Friday night/Saturday morning to try out the new camper. Everything seemed to work. We found out things that we need to take on future trips.

If you watch the video closely, you can see a fish jump and swim away. Shadow had a wonderful time playing in the creek as we took a little walk Friday night.

Dovetail jig for log cabin notches

Up until now, I have been marking out the logs and then carving the notches with chainsaw/hatchet and chisel. I got the idea to build a jig that would guide the saw bar to make the job a lot easier and faster.

The notches I have been using on this cabin and the one I built in Alabama are called half dovetail. They interlock with no need for nails and any water that may get to the notch drains outward to the outside face.

To cut the notches now, I just have to mark a line down the center of the log and mark the length. Then I attach the jigs with some screws and am ready to go. The chainsaw bar has a couple of small blocks of wood attached to prevent the chain from touching the jig.