let season 6-8 weeks as logs
First of all I really don't understand the logic in this at all. And I don't know where you got this idea from. But let's say you do this, that is cut the trees down and make logs late winter, and let them set for 6 to 8 weeks. Once the weather gets above 60°F the bugs are out, and that means they are attacking your logs. Unless of course you have debarked them.
So besides waiting 6 to 8 weeks (in my opinion a complete waste of time) you've got to spend some time debarking your logs so that the bark beetles won't attack it and again more wasted time and added work for what?
What is aging logs 6 to 8 weeks going to accomplish? How is this going to improve your logs? It's only going to make the harder if they should dry out any. And believe me if they are logs they aren't going to dry out any; other than the very ends.
cut to timber dimension, layout and cut joints immediately , seal all end joints, raise frame in spring, roof over the frame, allow to breathe, admire, enclosure, cure slowly. Does this sound right on?
Depending on what your building is and what the purpose of the building is you may need to enclose as soon as possible. Each frame and each use may have a different time table.
If raising will be delayed for some time, perhaps it is better to let timbers cure and to cut joints just before raising even though the cutting will be more difficult?
When you have a pile of timbers all fresh sawn, and you start cutting joints by the time you get to the last timber the "curing" will be enough so that if there are problems with bowing or twisting it will show up. Curing timbers? I really, again, don't see the logic in doing this. Don't you need this building? Build it and get it done....
Another question is what if the frame were cut in stages for example foundation 1st stage: sill timbers, 1st floor, then 2nd stage:subsequent framing and roofing? and what adjustments to be made?
I can see framing the sill timbers and assembling them right away over your foundation to get a deck on (if it were a house) so that you could work on the deck and cut joints and assemble bents and/or walls for test fits, but again it all depends on what the frame is for and how soon you need it done.
I think it is an ever interesting topic on when, how , what is the best time to log cut, raise, breathe, in this craft. Anyone else any ideas? tb
I think it really depends on what the frame is for(again me beating a dead horse). The time table and needs of the client will dictate how long it will take to construct your building.
You can debate this topic to death because there probably isn't one solution or timetable that will suit all needs. Each is different and therefore each may need to be handled differently.
Jim Rogers
