As we are working on the foundation preparations the log shell for the Yellowstone Log Home Plan is being started. Scandinavian Full Scribing is a difficult process that takes years to master. It is most cost effective and time effective to have master craftsmen do this part of the project for us. This saves us about four months of time on the job site plus they are equipped with cranes to handle these large logs. When this handcrafted log home arrives on the job site there will be NO cutting. All of the chainsaw work, scribing, cutting, beveling, recessing, peeling, sanding, notching, drilling, etc is done ahead of time. We will not have to pick up a chainsaw to fit this home together!

First all of the Douglas Fir logs are selected for this particular home. Then the logs are hand peeled with the draw knife pattern. The exterior bar is shaved away exposing the inner beauty of the logs.

Next the outline of the log shell is laid out in order. The logs are handled with slings to prevent marking and scarring to the logs. Two yellow sling straps can be seen on the logs. The log are also beginning to be scribed. You can see the intersection of this log has one recessed place in it already.

After the first row of logs is laid down the whole structure is squared. This is a vital step to prevent the walls from deviating. A sure foundation must be established from the first row of logs. This photo is taken from the back left corner of the log home. The seven foot extension on the great room is in the center front of the photo behind the craftsman. The wing directly in front of the camera is the bedroom #2 and #3 wing. The logs furthest away are for the master bedroom wing.

The end of the log reveals the darker interior. The log is shaved in specific places. The wider butt ends and narrower crowns are being built into this home instead of being milled away like a milled log home. The bottom log of the left to right runs are cut in half. The other logs are left as full logs. so that the one will fit over the other.

Here is one of the craftsman using a scribe to mark the log before it is cut. The scribe transfers the shape of the lower log to the upper log. Then the chain saw is used to cut the saddle notched corner.

This is an up close look at the scribing on another log home. As the log walls climb higher the scribing is done to each log. This photo also shows the window opening being recessed for exterior trim.

Snow here in Bozeman, Montana has delayed pouring of our foundation walls. By starting ahead of time we will still be ready for the log delivery at the end of June.

Cowboy Log Homes