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Figure 27.—Chinkless log cabin construction.
To fit a log, first frame it at the ends and then fit it down to within about 2 inches of the lower log where the opening is the widest It is difficult to do a good job of scribing when the logs are too close together. The scribe must then be adjusted at the point where the opening is the widest so that, when holding the tool parallel to the opening, the lower point of the scribe will ride on the surface of the bottom log. By exerting sufficient pressure, the upper point will score the top log. Repeat this operation to score the upper log on the other side. The corner tenons must be marked likewise. Next, turn the log over, work the tenons down and then cut a V-shaped groove to the marked lines in the remaining portion of the log, using a double-bitted ax. This groove should be cut deep enough along its center to permit the outer edge of the groove to rest continuously on the lower log. By removing the least amount of wood to make the smallest possible groove, the closest fit is obtained with the least effort.
Figure 28.—Fine example of milled-log construction—ranger’s dwelling, Whitman National Forest, Oreg.
The principle of the scribe is based on parallel lines, and it can readily be seen that if there is a hump on the lower log there will have to be a gouge in the upper one. When the work is done carefully, the space remaining is negligible. Where an airtight wall is desired, a strip of plumber’s oakum should be laid on the bottom log before the upper log is dropped into place. If this material is not available, dry moss is a fairly practical substitute.