A couple things to consider. A nail, such as you are using with a pointed end can create a split in your log. Most people doing this method use cut peices of rebar with a flat/perpendicular cut end, which pushes through the wood without splitting; it takes more work but eliminates this potential. The other is to ensure that you have a window and door plan, or really map out where your spikes or metal pins are so that you do not hit them with your chainsaw when you cut out your openings. The Butt and Pass method is indeed very fast, and it is great to see you using Aspen as well, as many do not think it is a great source for building.
Yes, I agree. Ive built 4 different styles of Log homes. The butt and lap method is my least favorite because of the extra time spent chinking the corners. The saddle notch looks better but even tho you dont have to chink the corners there is still lots of chinking to be done on both sides of every wall log. The full scribe does take a bit longer but no chinking needs to be done at all and no nails, spikes or re-bar is required. The butt and lap method has the advantage of being sturdier and goes up quicker at the start, but it takes the same time down the home stretch because of the massive chinking at the finish. You are correct about the re-bar being better than the nails. The proper way is to use 1/2 in re-bar (far cheaper than nails) and drill thru the upper log but not so much in the lower log. Logs never do stop shrinking in diameter so the re-bar will never move. This makes for a sturdier setup, if a person can get past the "looks difference" and the extra chinking, then so be it. Ive seen some builders spike the saddle notch and even the full scribe. Bad idea, as the logs will continue to shrink and the likely hood of gaps showing up increases.
@Haun Lou you don't get lose fits if you know what you are doing you pre drill a size smaller than the nail so it fits snug and doesn't split the wood, as well drilling isn't really that hard and doesn't take that long or very much effort so i'm not sure what you are taking about and many master craftsman build their log cabins in this respect so for you to sit back and call it stupid doesn't mean much
Honestly. I was worried when I saw him pull out that framing hammer, but when I saw him wail on that thing accurate as hell it was definitely something
This is one method they used in way back in the 1600's and 1700's and probably before that precisely because it it simple and fast. When a family moved onto a piece of land they had to have something to live in and they needed it soon. Also, you are absolutely correct about the orientation of the logs (fat side, thin side, ect.) for this kind of structure, but when the trappers built their 'trapper' cabins a lot of the times they would orient them in the same direction front to back and then when it was high enough they'd put a flat roov on it and it would already have the angle it needed. Good very information and educational vid. I actually watched these vids of your on my other account but I enjoyed them so much when I saw it come up on my feed in this account I wanted to watch it again.
As long as you're not a dumb weirdo and you spend enough soul bonding time with them then your animals will trust you and your dog will be your most loyal friend.
Simple effective method and well explained without extraneous chatting. Hate to sound like the old guy lecturing but please consider eye protection and chaps. Split my cornea from a chip in the eye while hewing. It can just happen in an instant and you're on the ground wondering what the hell just happened. The bright clean wood of the Aspen looks great. Good on you man
actually Kyle, those are some beautiful chickens. They look happy out there with you, scratching around amongst the fall leaves, for bugs and things. Looking for to more cabin progress too! thanks for sharing. Camarillo grammy. So Calif.
This is my dream for me and my daughters to build our own little log cabin. Glad you are showing a video step by step! Thanks this is very interesting!
How does this channel not have at least 100k subs? Constantly amazing cabin building content. Maybe there is a better way to word the videos to be more relevant in searches? "Free log cabin build" idk either way awesome work man!
Haha I’m sure we will get there some day. I don’t worry too much about being a big channel it’s just fun to share some of the stuff I’m doing. I appreciate you saying that though. Thanks for watching!
@@KYLESCABIN, you'll get there soon! It takes time, but you'll get there. You do a really nice job, and you're thorough with explaining things. Thank you for sharing your journey and experiences with us.
I read your comment and just looked to see how many subscribers Kyle had. Looks like it took Kyle 4 months to break 100k! Another remarkable achievement for this fine young lad.
I'm attempting to make this myself... honestly don't understand how you're carrying these by yourself lol. My 6" Diameter logs are stupid heavy, maybe cause they're maple?
How do you keep from bending your spikes. Some of my wood is oak. I'm building a hunting blind from fallen and dead trees on a hunting club. Any ideas or advice. Your cabin and ideas are awesome.
Instead of butting both ends of a log, you could butt one end and pass the other end. (This is similar to the alternating rows of bricks in stretcher bond brickwork. ) In that way you could cut the passing end when you are finished pinning the butted end. Alternating the direction with thick and thin AND with butt and pass will give you an even faster method and easier working - especially when working alone. It will also eliminate that gap between the ground and the row you butted both ends.
You should get yourself a proper beater. As an Ironworker, I've always made my own. 8 or 10lb head on an axe handle cut down to anywhere from 15 to 20 inches. Cut the axe handle down to where it becomes round to fit the head. Use an axe handle that has that nice outward curve at the bottom for some extra leverage. Wrap some rubber just under the head and some rope about the thickness of your pinky finger down the handle with about 1 to 2 inch spacing. Then wrap it all up with hockey tape. In my experience, the best legnth is the top of the head to the end of the handle from your fingertips to your elbow. It's your preference, though. The weight depends on your swing. 10 lbs for overhead and 8lbs for swinging from the ear or from the side. But again... preference. After you find exactly how you like it, your new beater will be your most valued tool.
Another down to earth video, thanks for sharing your build. It’s good to hear that your goal is $500.00 total cost. Just shows you that with some hard work and determination it’s possible. Good job! -Ken
I’m building my nephew a little cabin. He wants to leave the big city and live in the bush. I’m building him it with butt and pass. My other cabin I’m building for myself is a full scribe log cabin with saddle notches. Butt and pass is WAY faster.
You're doing a great job with the build, Kyle! Dodging chickens and keeping Skeeter's approval keeps your work honest. It's a simple process, and a very physical job, but you're doing it! Being a simple design with a lot of repetition gives you time to think ahead. I could really enjoy that kind of stuff! I spend a lot of time in my head. Thinking, thinking, thinking. Yes I'm an introvert. You're inspiring me to build my own log cabin from trees on our property. Thanks, Kyle! I really like your videos and the information and experience you share!
I love seeing Skeeter and the chickens just hanging out like their family now. Thanks for showing this all the way through one piece at a time. This method seems more tedious and depends on the spikes for structural strength. Whereas the traditional notch method provides strength naturally and just seems easier. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series, and if you could explain more about why this method is easier they would be amazing.
Great video, I have been following your channel for a while now. I am 66 years of age and wish I would have tryed to build one when I was a younger man. Keep the videos coming, I sure enjoy watching them.
Your very welcome. I live in South Carolina but one day I would like to live in Oregon or Montana up near the mountains around some beautiful water but in the woods. I am always looking forward to see what you’re doing next! Have a blessed week.
Man that’s an awesome build, wish I can do that, my dad was an excellent carpenter and I didn’t take up his skill and unfortunately I waited too long to try gain some carpentry experience but a log cabin is something I want for my family one day, good stuff man, subscribed
I've always wondered how log cabins were actually made. Closest I ever came to it was using Lincoln Logs when I was a kid. While I can see it takes a lot of physical work in cutting down and trimming and scraping the logs, the technique you show actually looks fairly easy. I image the first time one tries this it's probably harder than it looks here. Would it be possible to make a short video showing the different tools you use? How many chains do you go through with the chain saw? What size chain saw did you use? How do you sharpen your axes and the log scraper, that kind of thing. Handyman-type people might not need this, but any information can help. I've already watched the other videos for this cabin and I am really impressed with your skill. Keep up the good work!
Great build. Dependent on the lay of the land and it’s handling of water, I’ve always preferred a structure at least 4’-6’ in ground. (Even though it’s a bit more complicated having to bank earth up to the wall on the outside, char all logs that touch earth, fill & insulate gaps between walls & earth, etc.). But, it’s far more stable, much easier to roof & maintain the roof from the lower outside height, is much more resistant to nature’s elements, and much easier to maintain a comfortable living temperature. With little planning and effort, a normal ground level end allows for even better air flow, storage, or a lofted sleeping area. I love seeing the chickens. Having them, and guinea fowl, has the immediate benefit of them eating every parasite and small insect critters they can find. And if you plan to plant a garden for food, they will keep the insects off of those plants as well. Long term a great, near self-sustaining, protein source. (Eggs & meat). Feathers make a fantastic soft stuffing for bedding that is also insulating. They are also a super alarm system. In rural America, no matter how poor families are, you will almost always see them with chickens and/or guineas. For most of the year, when I was young, we didn’t have access to meat. During fall & winter, we killed hogs & hunted. When what was cured ran out or low, chicken was our “once a week” meat. Usually on Sunday. I don’t know if anything has ever tasted as good as that salty, crunchy, greasy fried chicken, with biscuits, gravy, boiled potatoes, and usually, home-canned green beans. I’m just rambling now, lol. All that to say “good job”. Sorry I waffled on so long.
The structural strength of this build is about 100 times less than a saddle build. No amount of big nails will change that. Although the build time is much faster, is that worth it? Although I gotta say those are some beefy nails.
I'm currently saving up to build my own log cabin. I've been looking at all the different ways to build them. I'm stuck between the Butt and Pass method and the saddle notch. I'd put them side by side when it comes to appearance in general. I like the tighter fit that the saddle notch provides, but I'm also inexperienced when it comes to building, so the simplicity of the butt and pass method is also attractive.
You do get a much tighter fit using saddle notches. Butt and pass is much easier and wayyyyy faster. Anything can be chinked though. If you look at the cabins the pioneers built they have massive gaps between logs, they just chinked them with a mud or mortar mixture. I think it’s all about personal preference. A saddle notch cabin with tight fitting logs is beautiful though.
@@bustabitwatcher5886 if you worked at it all day you could do it in a week. Took me a little longer cause I had to take time to film and move the tripod around, focus the camera, etc.. but I think I did it in about 10-12 days while filming. Peeling the logs takes the longest by far. Once you start building it goes very fast.
@@bustabitwatcher5886 I'm no expert by any means, but some says peeling logs makes the logs last longer and helps prevent fungi and bugs destroying the logs as quickly.
As you said, so many ways to build a cabin. I've always seen butt and pass done with one end of the log butting and the other end passing, not two but ends and then two pass ends as you've done it...that may be a sturdier way as it provides something to overlap at each intersection. Just a thought.
Thank you Kyle for explaining this type of build I can’t wait to see how you cut out your windows and doors . Just curious do you frame them with steel to hold logs in place? I want to use untreated landscape timbers as I am 59 and can’t pickup anything much heavier thanks again for this video
Creative , the guy I watched chiped the log with a curved blade saw , around a 180 degre cut so he could push another log in but that logs circle has to be almost exact for th other log to fit
This is the most clear and educational video I have ever watched about off the grid living. I didn’t even know you had to shave a log to eliminate gaps. I’m so happy to have this knowledge
@@lucaslock4298 Living without _(or even far away from)_ the amenities of civilized life. No running water, no electricity, no internet. Living in places where nobody _(= official bureaus)_ will inadvertently stumble over you.
Great video! You mentioned the large gaps in old pioneer cabins. I'm not sure about this, as I am not an expert, but I think they were done on purpose to save time and wood when building a cabin. The larger gaps meant for fewer logs needing to be cut and peeled etc. If you think about how many logs you would use in a cabin with 6" gaps that could be like 10 fewer logs required for example. When you had to use hand tools and cut trees in the spring and dry the logs in the spring/summer and have the cabin built by winter, saving build time was essential to survival. Typically these people were nomadic to the point of building their cabins, so they could not wait years for the logs to dry completely. Also, the large gaps may have been to allow for shrinking and movement of the logs as the wood dried after building, essentially it would be easier to keep some clay and moss around to repair holes in the gaps than to deconstruct the cabin and hew the logs straight. Large gaps were also required around windows to prevent the frames from being deformed by the sagging logs caused by gravity, so this could also be another purpose of the large gaps, to lessen the weight and potential for logs to deform window frames. If you look at some old cabins you will notice the bottoms of the windows may rest on a log but the tops are supported by the chinking, though some I have seen that had windows replaced and were not original to the era did not have this. Obviously, modern cabins are built with very dry logs so they can have very little gaps around windows and doors, but not so wise if using green logs that haven't dried very long.
Also, Aspen logs are really good for growing oyster mushrooms. I was thinking the butt and pass method could be used to make some oyster mushroom crop plots. Make small square crop plots out of the aspen and drill holes in the logs and get some mushroom plug spawn, you could grow oysters on the outside and fill the inside of the plot with leaves and brush for compost. It's a good way to make some rich soil and clean up brush and debris.
My only question is after you drive all those spikes where do you buy shirts that have a bigger right arm than the left ? 🤣 Looks like a great method Kyle,looking forward to watching the progress. Well done !!!
Really nice video. One thing though, “orientated” (2:52)is NOT a word. The logs are oriented to each other. If someone is lost in the woods, they are disoriented, not “disorientated” .The owl said Bambi was twiterpated, but that’s not a word either. Yes I know, maybe I need to chill. 😁
Awesome build! You're right, it is probably the simplest method to build with, no rocket scientist needed... Just a strong back and arms! Great stuff 👏
My wife and did a butt and pass cabin out of 4 bundles of landscape timbers, we used 6” galvanized deck screws with a bead of subfloor adhesive between timbers. Fun and beautiful results
Are you kidding? He's got it made with power chainsaw, metal spikes, snowmobile, gas, excetra. It's the younger generations idea of roughing it. But relaxing watching video and dreaming of the old days. Blessings your way...
Is this method suitable for a larger, long term structure; meaning, is it strong enough to be used for a long term home? Really something I am looking at... Man, you must be great at wack a mole.
You need a sawmill ! Make a D log cut on 3 sides. Great looking cabin. I'm still a little confused about the floor. Looking forward to more ! Cheers !!
Those are some nice looking hens! It's so relaxing watching you build things. You're a good teacher. Mostly I love the drama free, non political zone you have going on. Thanks! 😁 ❤
With the Butt And Pass method it would be easy to build prefab walls for people to buy and just place the walls up. Each wall would be staggered like you done so for a prefab wall would be 1 long log then one short log so it resembles a dovetail pattern. Then the other wall would just fit right in to the other walls. If you understand what I am suggesting.
You must be a pretty chill guy, pets usually reflect the moods of their owners; you ran a chainsaw right next to a couple of chickens, and they didn’t seem to care at all.
I was wondering why you used balsam fir? I always thought that wood was not good. Too soft or wet on the inside ? I have no idea...I just thought it was not a good wood for building anything.....I'm probably wrong.....thanks Kyle 😊
You've built quite a few now. First off, love watching the vids learning stuff! What makes you prefer this method over notches as in the 2nd cabin you built?
I’m in middle Ga. I’ve struggled to find someone that has a channel in the south building off grid log cabin. I’ve been in construction my whole life. Pine trees are everywhere here. It’s preserving the logs as you build. Bugs and rot are crazy in the south. Do you know of any methods that are natural as possible?
im 13 and im trying to build a little log cabin what i have is a hand saw hatchet machete and im trying to make a Lincoln log cabin and i came to this video to get an idea
Here in my region of Brazil there is almost no use of this simple, incredible technique. Here in my region there are large areas of Eucaliptus Grandis plantations. You inspired me to make a very cozy and natural home. You are incredible!!! Thank you very much!!
