Off Grid Log Cabin Build – Scribe Fit Part 1
Part 1 – Scribing and Notching
Part 2 – Chainsaw work on lateral and saddle notches
The foundation and floor are complete now it’s time for the labor intensive but rewarding task of building the walls. In this two-part video, I’ll show you how I’m using the scribe-fit technique to construct my off-grid log cabin.
Scribe-fitting is a time-honored method that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Here’s how it works:
- One log at a time, a log is placed on top of another.
- Using a scribe tool (a divider equipped with bubble levels), the unique contours of the bottom log are carefully transferred onto the log above.
- The top log is then carved to match the exact shape of the log beneath it, ensuring a tight, custom fit.
While this method is undeniably meticulous and not the fastest way for one person to build a house, it offers unparalleled results. If you’re racing against the clock to get a roof over your head before Winter like I am, you might want to consider a faster log-building technique. However, if you’re after a tight fit, superior insulation, and a beautifully handcrafted look, scribe-fitting is hard to beat.
Join me as I take on this traditional method, one log at a time, and bring my off-grid cabin to life.
