Laying Out the Corner Notches

 We are now ready to lay out our first notch.
     A center point is found at each end of the log by measuring each ends diameter and transferring that center point to your flat milled surface.  A chalk line is snapped between these points. At a pre determined distance in from the end (18" here) a V notch is laid out using 45 degree angles off center line. (We have enhanced the lines on our picture.)

 Here we are cutting our notch using a beam saw attachment with our worm drive circular saw. Here is a link to take a look at a
Prazi beam saw.  

 A mating pointed log is made by transferring the inverted triangle layout to your butt log.   Your notched log is your "pass" log and your pointed log is your "butt" log.

 Kerfing a joint is to butt the two pieces being joined together until some part touches. Then a saw is used to cut thru the joint removing the obstructions to a fully seated joint. This is repeated until the joined faces make full contact with one another.
     The joint is scribed where the two logs meet and are drawknifed to match.

    Here we are squaring our corner using the Pythagoras triangle.
     In the photo we measure from where our lines connect. You mark a point up one line at 3 feet. Measure and mark a point up the other line at 4 feet. Your corner is square when you can measure exactly 5 feet from point to point. You could also use 6, 8 and 10 as your measurements.

 The building should be envisioned as a vertical stacks of chalk lines. These are the reference points that are used to keep the walls straight and plumb. Check them frequently for vertical alignment with what is below as well corner to corner measurements to assure squareness. The chalkline square atop each row is the same in all dimensions, no matter what the diameter of the log.

    The logs are scribed and then drawknifed to blend into one another. All remaining cambium should be removed at this point. You should drawknife the log and remove all machine marks on exposed faces.

     You should be left with only drip edges from one row to the next not ledges for moisture to accumulate.

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