If you are building on the same site as where you have sourced your logs from, you should make sure there is a clear path to move your logs to the storing place. The logs for the top plates should be cut two feet longer (minimum) than the other logs to support your gable end support logs.ĭon’t cut too many trees down from the same space, the remaining trees will benefit from the extra light and space. Keep the four logs with the largest diameter and length for your sills and top plates. I would recommend over-cutting them by a few inches so you can make a more accurate cut later on. Once you have all your trees down, you can take your measurements and start cutting the logs to size. I would recommend cutting 3 or 4 extra trees down as a backup plan – in case some split or are infested.
You should make this cut about 1/10th of the tree’s thickness.Īt this point, the tree should start falling, however, if it doesn’t you can drive a wedge into the last cut you made to help the process. The third cut to make is on the opposite side about 2 inches above the horizontal cut you first made.
Next, you need to make a 45-degree angle cut upwards, to meet the end of your first cut. When you’ve established which way your tree is going to fall, on the side that the tree will fall, make a horizontal cut about a 1/3 into the tree no higher than your hip. If weather conditions are not ideal, come back another day. You will need to make sure you have a clear area/pathway for you to move out of the way of the tree once it starts to fall – you want to stand well clear of the tree in case it lands on another tree as it falls and kicks back or doesn’t fall as your thought it would (ideally you will have avoided this by checked there is nothing in the surrounding area the falling tree could damage.)ĭO NOT cut trees down on windy days. It is best to check which direction the tree is leaning, and cut it so it falls down in the same direction that it leans. Helmet with a face screen to protect your eyes.When looking at trees, make sure you check they are straight from every angle, and that the diameter of the logs is as similar as possible at each end.ĭepending on your preference, your logs should be around eight to ten inches in diameter, with only minor tapering, for example in a sixteen foot long tree, the tapering should be no more than 2 inches. Spend time walking around the plot of land and deciding which trees you will use, it is useful to keep note of them, number, and mark each tree as you go. The cold weather also minimalizes the likelihood of them becoming insect-infested and subject to both fungal growth and mildew. Cutting logs in the winter will also reduce the likelihood of cracking and splitting as the cooler temperatures allow for a slower drying time. If you choose this option, you will want to cut your logs in early winter when the sap levels are low. This can be a much more rewarding way to building your log cabin, knowing you have chosen the logs and prepared them with your own hands. There are several options to sourcing your logs, the easiest, but more expensive is to purchase your logs from a sawmill or find a tree feller.Ī sawmill will be able to cut your logs to length although this will most likely come at a premium rate.Īlternatively, if you want to keep costs down and happen to own land with trees on it, or have access to cut trees down on land, you may want to consider cutting your own trees.
Things to make from 8 foot peeler logs full#
Remember, you don’t need full logs for each wall, if you have a window or door opening, you can either use parts of logs or cut a full log into lengths.īy making sure you plan properly at this stage, you can make the most of all the trees you fell and even make use of a tree that curves by using only the straight bit.
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