making log cabin saddles and notches

Off Grid Log Cabin Build – Scribe Fit Part 2

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:

  1. One log at a time, a log is placed on top of another.
  2. Using a scribe tool (a divider equipped with bubble levels), the unique contours of the bottom log are carefully transferred onto the log above.
  3. 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.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply