I have a question about a log cabin I plan on building this summer. I ordered a tractor trailer of 6″x6″ square timbers over the winter and it will arrive in may. I also purchased a dual bevel dovetail jig for my timbers.
I did some cuts on timbers I had leftover at the sawmill and this jig is the bees knees! Now for my question, I plan on staggering all butt joints and the butt joints will be half lapped.
I was thinking of nailing down each course of logs every 24″ with 12″ spikes to hold down each course. I figure this along with the dovetailed corners and interior walls should be sufficient to secure the building together. I only plan on 8′ walls, slab on grade. The gap between each course of logs is 1/4″.
Overall the cabin will likely be 24′ x 32′.
Opinions??
Replies
another option...
They make screws specifically for log fastening that drive easily with a good sized 1/2" drill.
Stronger no doubt but better? Hard to say unless you have wind or other concerns in your climate.
log fastners
I built my log home 25 years ago ( 2500 sq ft 8" logs) and I used 12" spiral shank spikes which at that time was about the only thing available, if I were to build another log home I would definetly use threaded rod or screws, they will hold your logs together better then nails, even after using a setting tool on the spikes in my log home I still had some separation.
Xtra Long Screws
Long screws are the ticket for log/timber construction. They are available up to 16", with a T40 star-drive head and can be driven with an 18v cordless drill. Here is a link: http://www.screwsolutions.com/Bronze-Star-Three-Eighths-Inch-Lag_c_109.html.
Also, a hex-head screw, up to 14": http://www.screwsolutions.com/Timber-Hex-For-Log-Timber_c_98.html.
The star-drive screws have a better coating and are a better screw, a little more $$. You will have no problems pulling your timber down tight and holding them in place.
Good luck on your project!!
The screws you show look very similar to what I have driven many buckets of in the past except the color. An impressive fastener for sure.
But I can't imagine driving them all day with any cordless tool. We used a Milwaukee hole hawg after trying everything from cordless impacter on up. Even a 9 amp 1/2" Mil. electrician drill would quickly heat up.
Also though the screws really did an incredible job of pulling the logs down sometimes the log would win, leaving a suspect gap. Never under estimate the power of wood to move.
Cordless
While the longer screws do use battery power fairly quickly, we have driven buckets of them with an 18v Porter Cable. The advantage to cordless is ease of use in hard to access areas. In a lot of cases, the 1/2" Milwaukee electric might be the way to go. And yes, sometime the wood wins!
Thanks Gary, I do believe I will be placing an order once my timbers arrive!
Star-Drive Screws
Pinky,
Give us a call when you are ready, mention that you saw us on FHB Forums for a discount.