(CLOSED) DOVETAIL LOG CABIN CLASS

We have been honored with the opportunity to teach a Dovetail Log Cabin class at the historic Pine Mountain Settlement School, a national treasure and true gem of the Appalachian mountains.
This class will be from Nov 1st-5th and will be a hands on workshop where students will build a scale model playhouse of the historic Creech Cabin. We are personally preparing the traditional hand tools which will be used in this class. Students should walk away with a firm understanding on every aspect of design and having hands on experience.
www.pinemountainsettlementsch...
pinemountain...

[@joshuamayo9732]

The fact that there is no commentary is one of the main reasons I enjoy these segments. Hearing the wildlife and sometimes rain etc is awesome.

[@MRrwmac]

All my best to you and the classes! I know the attendees will enjoy and learn from every minute of it!

[@singers1954]

You are a gifted man. i've seen a lot of people work wood and none of them get as close to the old skilled men of past as you do. That is some inspiring work.

[@MrJsteed2009]

Sounds great; what a treat that would be. May you and your class have a great time!

[@leapinglemurcraftworks6426]

That's FANTASTIC - Congratulations and a well deserved honor. Scott

[@baitammo4652]

watching your traditional woodworking gives a grown man the warn fuzzies!! Thanks for what you do

[@kutzbill]

I build one house from rock, now I'm figuring out a 6 sided barn/garage to build. If I can build the garage with the hexagon shape, I can use the shorter logs I have and still get the square footage I need. Excellent skill! Lots of good info in a short video. I am surprised at the people who try and work with dull tools. Thank you for posting. Smiles.

[@drochon6672]

You're more precise with an axe than I am with power tools! Kudos

[@twistertechnology9367]

When I see someone cutting dovetails with an axe I can't help think about Roy Underhill popping the big chunk off of a joint rushing to try and get so much done in one show. First season I believe. My hero.

[@MrChickadee]

His first season is my favorite.

[@domenicmichaeli7028]

Awesome ax skills. I thoroughly enjoy your video's. Thank you for making these.

[@DwightMS1]

You're a 19th century guy. I like it. Beautiful work! We needed you back in the "Whole Earth Catalogue" days.

[@williamwoody7607]

Fantastic axe work, I’m surprised it wouldn’t have been done with a handsaw though.

[@connorelias8941]

Fantastic work as always, thankyou for sharing with us. I wish you the best of luck with your class I'm sure it will be full!

[@thomasarussellsr]

Great looking dovetailed logs. But who would expect anything less from Mr. Chickadee.

[@massimoserra4787]

What a great chance to learn from the best. I wish all the best for this event. I admire your skills on every single video. Greeting from far over the ocean, from good old Germany.

[@monicalynnjames]

Crazy awesome and thank you for sharing this amazing technique.

[@kentuckyraised8910]

I've watched your videos for awhile now and had a feeling you were close to me. I am in Hindman, Ky. Your work is amazing.

[@nathanielgonzalez151]

I cannot believe you got it that straight with an ax!!!! Awesome shit man! 👏🏿

[@davidbarnes9944]

Surgical precision with an axe! WOW!

[@grebdnulyrag]

If you had time I would love to see you make a video of the layout of that dovetail joint. Gary

[@stephenlewis4872]

Awesome! Coming to my home town. Maybe I'll get to see you there. This would definitely be a great class to take, and a beautiful setting to take it in

[@gra643]

Es realmente emocionante ver como trabaja y el resultado. Felicidades y le deseo muchos éxitos.

[@dananelson3534]

Great opportunity Josh, congratulations.

[@LucasRichardStephens]

Best of luck with the class, drive them hard....

[@SpicyAl3000]

Wow! Great skills.

[@born4thstime]

We just dismantled some logs that were left under an old house on our land. The dovetailing was very crude, especially compared to Mr.C's here. Records had shown ours was a civil war cabin.

[@MrChickadee]

most were pretty crude

[@mramanya]

Awesome, thanks.

[@tennesseewebb2651]

I was there! One of the coolest experiences I've ever had. Thumbs up if you were there too!

[@MrChickadee]

So glad you enjoyed yourself!

[@tennesseewebb2651]

Mr. Chickadee You are a good guy and a natural teacher. Thank you

[@Chris-yo4ks]

I sure wish I could attend. For now, I'll just have to learn through this venue

[@JDK45ACP]

Great tutorial. Semper!

[@jjurksztowicz]

Hope you get to teach more classes, I'd love to join you next year!

[@calumblair]

Incredible craftsmanship

[@js8039]

Fantastic I would love to attend. I would encourage you to seriously consider starting your own school.

[@danbraun3780]

The angles of the dovetails seem to me to be the best construction for shedding water and preserving the wood. But what do you do about the huge gaps between the timbers?

[@michaelball7440]

When I look up the term 'sharp axe' it says "See Mr. Chickadee".

[@robertpot-roastpiezuch5448]

nice, glad you are sharing your knowledge

[@fernandolobaoemoficnadeapt9197]

A sua habilidade causa muita admiração, meus parabéns, aproveito para sugerir que faça um vídeo como usar este modelo de esquadro que você usou em todos os vídeos anteriores, abraço !

[@tothemoon1897]

You sir amaze me much respect

[@MartyBacke]

Will there be any talking? ;-)

[@Oldhillbilly]

That's pure artwork

[@4wheelsonmywagon733]

Wow..... love your videos 🤠

[@randyl1224]

Love dovetail cabins

[@Theoutdoorproject80]

I hope this is the beginning of a new build series

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

2:10 - 2:25 How so accurate when you are working blind?

[@filthymcnastyazz]

Becoming obsessed with these joints...

[@forrestaddy9644]

Dang, Josh. You been cutting all those expertly crafted log saddle notches for years and now you shift to wall built of dovetailed cants? Thinner walls make the interior hotter in summer colder in winter and you have to hope the endgrain on all those half-lap dovetails doesn't blow out and leave you with no more than stacked lumber. Yeah, I'm hassling you. I've made a couple of wrap-around fireplace mantles using that same joint finishing them out with a slick. I like the way you get multiple uses from your ax as a marking out tool, a hewing tool and as a chisel or slick for detail fitting including precise square shoulders. Nice work. Gonna take one tool into the boonies to survive for a year starting from nothing , better make it an ax.

[@MrChickadee]

You? Hassle? never! haha I like vernacular architecture as it evolved in a given time and place. Normally there is a reason to this. If I were in Canada Id do the saddle notch with chinless round logs. My gut tells me there is a reason this dovetailed and chinked cabin dominated here in Appalachia, and I think it has more to do with the subtropic climate than anything…wheres a dendrologist when you need on eh? In any case, Id always heard the old pioneers did their homes with only an axe, and I had to give it a go, turns out, like most things, its not that bad really, just takes some practice.

[@sixdsix5028]

lovely work, mate

[@JacobvsRex]

So much awesome Mr. chickadee.

[@juanrivero8]

Iconic is the word, That is a very difficult cut with axe alone. I couldn't do it! Wish I could join you but Alaska is a bit yoo fas away.

[@grooverjamesr]

Hey just for quick suggestion, someone should put the Angles and measurements for creating a dovetail notch in the description area possibly or the about section of this video this way we can cut down all the questions about. How do I cut a dovetail in a piece of wood?

[@LanceSheppard]

I didn't know your a Marine. I was an Army infantryman. Brother I wish I could join your class I saw it's in Kentucky. Not to far from from Virginia but still far enough away I won't be able to make it. ( I'm now a stay-at-home dad of three children 4,2 and almost 4 month old.) I wish you luck and a full class! God bless.

[@js8039]

Lance Sheppard {Little River Lawn Care} come on how could you miss it? I mean a man that works that hard and doesn't get dirty has to be a Marine.

[@LanceSheppard]

Shannon smith I did I totally missed it. Now me on the other hand I swear I'm as filthy as a hog whenever I work lol!

[@SauronsEye]

Completely off topic on this video but I stayed home and exclusively cared for my 3 children for the period they were aged 6 months to 12 months, while their mother went back to work. Absolutely recommend it for all new Dads to get that involved. It really is awesome seeing your children grow because they really really do grow fast. Also take lots and lots of photos and videos to the point everyone is sick of it because the time they're young is so so fleeting. ....and sorry for ending on this downer but when you get divorced and 50% of you who are parents reading this will get divorced, you still get to see your kids because you can show the Family court Judge that you're an involved Father.

[@gregcale5388]

I came across Mr. Chickadee while I was a stay-at-home dad as well, and the sound of the rain and birdsong and soft working of tools would help my infant son drift off to sleep while I would feed him. Now, I'm back to work, but I'm a carpenter now, so it's a channel I'd recommend to any stay-at-home father. Blessing to your family!

[@LanceSheppard]

SauronsEye I love my job it's the most rewarding one I've ever had. My 2 year old just developed a seizure disorder I was in the hospital for a week with him.

[@jessegraham537]

I wonder if it was just a personal challenge to cut the joint with an axe instead of showing off his skills with a crosscut saw? Impressive whatever the reasoning.

[@battmann678]

I'd be willing to bet you're a great teacher.

[@JeepTherapy]

Batt Mann just don't make him mad. He's pretty darn accurate with that axe!!!

[@johntillotson4254]

Thank you

[@robertbrunston5406]

Awesome! I was wondering where you learned your woodworking Mr. C ! Thank you.

[@MCK1981]

So cool! I would really like to go to the class! I was wondering if you might possibly be doing this class regularly? Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@canaldaluz1592]

I really would love to attend your class, but im too far away (Brazil). Me and my husband love your videos (and sometimes use it as asmr to sleep because its so relaxing).

[@josecallard]

A master of wood

[@TheGogeta222]

that loocs a little bit like the bavarian joint we use but we tilt it at one more direction so it ceep itself in place from the own weight so nobody can pull it out from anny direction^^

[@belfordlancaster6818]

I love your work and ability and videos. But, I think that when the tails extend beyond the side of the log above it; it is an open invitation for water infiltration even if sealed with silicone or some other sealant. Certainly much sooner then if the tails were flush. Nevertheless it seems to be the prefered method in these days.

[@JeepTherapy]

Man I wish I could go. I hope you have way too many students!!!

[@michalk1975]

good work with the axe -hard work

[@petergillock9533]

I so wish I could go!

[@badw01f23]

how are you suppose to make a cabin if there's giant empty spots on the wall?

[@KelikakuCoutin]

Good job. Keep up the good work. Thanks for the great content. בס״ד

[@stickman9572]

0:41 what kind of grinding stone is that?

[@BobBlarneystone]

If you live near Philadelphia Pa, here's a link to a cabin built with this joinery along about 1640 or so. It is one of the oldest pioneer cabins in the United States. I lived quite close nearby, and used to go and look it over when it was decrepit and open to the weather, and nearly burned down by vandals and squatters in the early 1980s: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Swedish_Cabin

[@patrickcleburneuczjsxpmp9558]

In log structures like in this video it seems like the two vertical faces of the logs are always sawed and hewed flat but horizontal faces (the top and bottom) are left round. Why is that? What's the point of hewing/sawing any of the faces?

[@MrCadronboy]

It removes the sap wood that rots easier as well as having flat walls. This type of log construction came to the US by northern european settlers where the craft had been refined for 100's of years. See the book by Hermann Phleps - The Craft of Log Building

[@tennesseewebb2651]

I'm really excited about this. My best friend also subscribes to you and hopefully he will come with me.

[@MrChickadee]

It would be great to have you

[@cherylstraub5970]

I am curious as to why you don't saw the shoulders of the dove tail? I know that you are up to doing the fiddly work of cutting the tail out using only an axe. I don't know if most people are though.

[@Crewsy]

Cheryl He is showing how it was originally done when a settler built his first cabin. Very few at the time had much more than an axe for tools.

[@MrChickadee]

Wayne hit the nail on its head! In the class we will use hand saws and chisels as well, but for the record and posterity it seemed good to show how with only the axe.

[@cherylstraub5970]

Thank-you for your explanation

[@youllregretit]

the axe has traditionally been the more respected/nobler tool. axe's and chisels also don't leave fuzzy surfaces for water to soak into. Water can also get into a poorly chopped joint. to each their own. sometimes i think we should always strive to make the most rot resistant construction. But i also think their is something sacred about decomposition of materials. And for the continuation of knowledge, it may benefit to make shorter lived buildings so that we keep passing on the skills to our children.

[@kalev60]

Even when sawing the notches either with powertools (chainsaws electric battery or engine) or with handsaws many professionals would say saw so that you leave enough to cut it with axe or chisel or planer, something about saws cutting woodcells in half and axes chisels and such tearing the wood inpart in such a way that individual cells stay intact. Basically like mentioned before me, better water resistance. To lifespan well in Skandiavia 500 year old log buildings aren't unheard of, and they still know how to make those, so I'd say the longer you can keep your carbon in a shape of log in your wall the better...

[@jsmcguireIII]

Mr Chick, Are you laying the notched pieces over the boards to scribe the matching notches? Are you using a jig or template to scribe the first notch? Where saws not used in early construction like this? Thanks

[@MrChickadee]

Most historic cabins were scribe fit, each log notch carved to fit the one below it by trial and error, this leaves a cabin where each log can only go where it goes, and wont fit elsewhere. I chose to combine center line layout practices, as I use in timber framing, with a simple template to achieve identicle notches. Saws were used, if people had them! Many did not, and with enough skill only an axe can be used, thats what I wanted to show in this video, that you can cut perfect notches with just a sharp axe.

[@jsmcguireIII]

Thanks, this has always interested me - my early ancestors built cabins along the Clinch River in SW VA. There are some examples at the Crab Orchard museum in Tazewell VA. I am interested in how this skill may have been shared among settlers. Do you think there were certain men who shared with newcomers or did pioneers bring the knowledge with them? Was there uniformity in techniques across wide geographic areas or is there evidence of alternative techniques? I would imagine hewing and notching timbers would take a lot more time than notching and fitting round logs. So perhaps urgency for shelter would dictate the method.

[@jsmcguireIII]

Thanks for the thoughtful response - I suppose in the historic cabin world there are factions and competing arguments like anything else. Some of my distant relatives in the Clinch and Big Sandy River valleys still live on land settled in the late 18th century and have evidence of a progression of structures as more land was cleared and they gradually upgraded as their families grew. In several well-documented cases, the cabins served as critical refuges from native American attacks, and folks from around the areas would "fort up" together in the more substantial cabins until the war parties moved on. Others were not so lucky. Take care Mr Chick.

[@ohske]

😯👍👍👍👌👍

[@asanoen1777]

Do you season any of the logs you use ? or do you apply a special preservative on the wood ?

[@MrChickadee]

no, fresh as possible. Traditional natural oils later as they dry such as flax and or pine tar blends.

[@asanoen1777]

Thank you for clearing this up all the hype about special secretive techniques and one year drying time secial temperature settings and here you are no bs just right down to building thank you..

[@MrChickadee]

I follow traditional building practices as close as possible. Many modern builders try new ideas that may or may not work. I know of one person at least who lost over 100 logs to rot because they left them "to season" for one year at the advice of some log builder. Any tree dries one inch per year, on average, a year drying won't d much at all, and it gives time for bugs and fungus to get inside. Better to work the wood green and fresh, and put it up high and dry where it can season in the final place over then next decades as you are living there.

[@Maxid1]

What we know as an axle (derived from axis) is not the true 'axsel'. An ax, sharp enough to be used as a chisel. The wheel is pretty important, but I'm thinkiing the axsel came first to carve the axle. (This sounded a lot more clever in my head. Maybe I should have left it there...)

[@JamesEnTennessee]

I would really appreciate it very much if you (or someone) could explain the "layout." How do you layout the cut on the end of the log and is the layout different if the flat side (height) is different? I wanted to attend the class this year, but it was filled by the time I called. Thanks for your help.

[@MrChickadee]

I use snap lines as in timber framing line rule layout which Ive shown in many videos. Then I use a simple template with end of dovetail profile aligned to these snap lines to give consistently same angled dovetails. This is my own method I developed to aid in repeatability and cut down on guesswork.

[@JamesEnTennessee]

Thank you. I appreciate the reply. I am going to see if I can work that out on a couple of 6x8 cants. I'll let you know how it works out, here on the channel.

[@youllregretit]

woodwrights shop season 1 log cabin. it's 5 bucks for an episode. 30 probably for the season.

[@JeremyB8419]

How do you check for twist in your work? Never see winding sticks or anything

[@MrChickadee]

Well in green timber work, I dont, I use center line layout, as seen in this video too, and twist be damned. In furniture work with dry lumber I use winding sticks, or my eyes.

[@JeremyB8419]

@@MrChickadee so basically, the plumb line being your initial reference line for both sides gives an identical reference for each side?

[@trouts4444]

Very nice.

[@johnm.515]

Barry Bonds also choked up on the handle but I think your aim is even better than his

[@whatthefunction9140]

damn son!

[@gomertube]

Is there a video of the class or at least the final product? Thanks.

[@MrChickadee]

mrchickadee.wordpress.com/2017/11/11/fifteen-came/

[@gomertube]

Aww, it's cute!

[@rickydeez7251]

I wish you could have explained what you where doing, and the purpose of the center mark and how to use it for dummies like me. I guess ill keep looking for a better explanation.

[@MrChickadee]

I use center line layout with templates to ensure repeatable dovetails.

[@jeffspradlin5195]

If I was physically able to do this. I would be there in a heartbeat. I hope you're blessed with a full crowd. Thank you for your service and good luck with your class.

[@josecallard]

N ever good teacher 👨‍🏫

[@Heugh1]

man I wish

[@adambaird5283]

Wait a minute! You can speak?

[@iedogglb]

Adam Baird his cat will do the talking, lmao....good luck mr.chickadee

[@Maxid1]

Adam Baird He will explain to you the nuances of fine woodworking and carpentry with an interpretive dance...

[@KelikakuCoutin]

Not without his ventriloquist. Roy Underhill. בס״ד

[@Zimmy9020]

can I ask where the class might be located? I'm from western Massachusetts...

[@MrChickadee]

For now we are having two classes on timber framing per year, spring and fall. See links below. mrchickadee.com/ kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZvSm4GJnKiWers

[@rickyboyz1006]

I thought I saw Ned Beatty!

[@dcred123]

Do you make your own metal tools? Or is that for another video down the line?

[@MrChickadee]

I've made some, another video my friend.

[@dcred123]

Mr. Chickadee can't wait to watch It! :)

[@rabbidjones8174]

Unrelated but that chickadee got my cat's attention

[@MMASulu]

Why this axe? Why not a hewing axe or something with a chisel edge? Very nice work btw

[@MrChickadee]

Several reasons. One, I find double bevel axes more versatile. Two, most pioneers would have only had one good felling axe like this, I wanted to show how they could have done this with only that axe.

[@GrinfilledCelt]

Did you hew that log with a felling ax too?

[@user-cx5rs2kq2c]

The fact that you can make an ax such a lock is cool. But is not it easier to use this as a saw?

[@MrChickadee]

original pioneers often had only an axe to use, we wanted to show how this is possible.

[@user-cx5rs2kq2c]

Clear. We have also had masters in Russia, and now they meet, which can house with the help of an ax. With a floor, windows and a closed roof of a hedge. By the way, I always wondered why such wild cracks between logs? Are such problems with the forest that you need to save? After all, the fattened log from the logs is much warmer?

[@MrChickadee]

That is very interesting, I would love to see these houses you describe made with only axes. Yes the cracks in the walls, that would seem odd to many no? This style of log building evolved here in the United States from original settlers who came from Northern European countries. There is much debate and speculation on the how and why this style evolved as it did, we may never know all the truth, but what is known is the oldest and best preserved houses which lasted the best were in this style. For my part, I would guess this style helps the wood to dry out between rain as the clay in between the logs sucks the moisture out and evaporates it, you see, this part of the US is much warmer and more humid than norther Europe where the logs are close together, I believe here its better for the logs to be separate for this reason. In any case, it is never my place to say what is the truth of the past, or why exactly such things were done, my job actually is to learn from the past, to watch and see what techniques and buildings lasted the longest and proved by time to be the best, I then only have to follow this example.

[@user-cx5rs2kq2c]

Yes, you have great videos. I look and the soul rejoices. Perhaps such a traditional standing and better in your places, but for me, living where the mammoths froze wildly. I do not know if I can find something quite exactly in the houses cut down by an ax. But for example, you can look at KZbin: kzbin.infovideo This is the official page of the museum-preserve of traditional Russian wooden architecture. Maybe it will be interesting to you.

[@jvalencia4]

Are you having another class anytime soon?

[@MrChickadee]

yes, a few this year, we will let everyone know as soon as arrangements are finished!

[@coopermosshart]

What do you do about the gaps?

[@Crewsy]

Free ventilation. 😂 They get stuffed with moss and covered with mud sometimes.

[@athhud]

Not bad for your first time swinging an axe. :P

[@rlharmon1972]

Will you be doing more classes?

[@MrChickadee]

We may in the future, well let everyone know if and when.

[@stefantwotimes]

dont you have a saw?

[@normankeena]

the vikings would not trust them with a saw. look how he is spoiling that wood

[@shanek6582]

Is that hemlock wood?

[@MrChickadee]

yes

[@boyinjuly1]

Man I would love to do this but I live in the UK :(

[@Thisisahandle701]

Could you elaborate?

[@kennethjohnson9169]

I am challenged to get it that square with a saw and chisels and you did it with just an ax. I hate you. Nice work

[@thyandyr7369]

I'd come but I'm in Europe :(