Dovetail Jigs for Your Log Cabin Build

[@johnnyspot783]

I wish this video was out when I built my jigs, lol. I got the 6x10 with zero gap from you a few years ago. Waiting for my logs to dry out some more to try out the jig. Thanks for the plans 😎

[@OnBeaverCreek]

You're welcome. Happy building!

[@shannonwhite4532]

This folks is a true life hack

[@marymontalvo4413]

Love it love it -straight to the point no Jibber dragon . I just subscribe and I plan to order.

[@DinorwicSongwriter]

Boy, you work fast!

[@farmerjoe4970]

Send me the link, please I'd like to purchase a few sets of those jigs 👍👍

[@gedaleite3464]

Muito bommm.!!! Parabéns

[@JamesEnTennessee]

Why would I need a right and left-hand jig? I will build a log home (I will use your jig) - but -it will be 24x48 and my longest 6x8 log will be 16 ft - so - I will never have a dovetail on each end of a log. Would I have to first cut with a left and and then turn the log over and put on a right hand?

[@OnBeaverCreek]

For half dovetail notches, you have to have two jigs that are mirror images of one another. You can't turn the jig upside down to use it on the opposite end of the log.

[@narrowstripsawing9595]

I'm getting ready to build a tiny log cabin and I want to do dovetails with 6x10 logs with no gaps. Will your jig work for this or do I need to leave a gap? Will be sawing my own logs.

[@OnBeaverCreek]

About half of my customers prefer to have zero gap. For my system, to have a zero gap you need to have logs that are milled to exactly the same height and the logs need to be very stable. By stable, I mean they should be kiln dried and sealed. Log dimensions can vary slightly and as wood dries & shrinks, the joints and/or logs may not stay tight. Having a gap allows for some variability in the logs. If the height varies some, the gap will just vary some. If the logs move some over time, the flexible chinking will accommodate that. To carry vertical loads, spacer blocks can be placed in the gap between two logs and hidden behind the chinking.

[@narrowstripsawing9595]

I built a solar kiln and planning to dry them to 12% and less and then seal them. Planning on screwing the logs together to keep them tight also. Now I'm questioning what would be the best option unless I do dovetails as a cosmetic look but they have a small gap. Thanks for the reply, any input I appreciate. Love dovetail looks!

[@georgeshotrodbarn2113]

I like it

[@Vincentfamfarm]

Hey, I’ll probably be reaching out to buy plans from you within the next year. I’m planning to start stacking my courses while green, but not chinking for a year or two to help with drying. Foresee any problems with this using your jigs?

[@OnBeaverCreek]

I don't see any problems. Green logs may twist some while drying. When the logs are stacked, the lower logs are held down and maintain their shape. The upper logs have little weight on them so they can move more. I would use log screws to fasten the upper 2-3 courses, or some other method of restraining them.

[@timgiles9413]

How did the builders figure this out in the 1800s? They never had formal training and they also used different size logs? There must be some secret that I can't even find with the use of the internet. So frustrating!!!!!! Log cabins/homes never had the same sized (sawmill cut) logs i.e., dimensional lumber. How did the old pioneers do it? They never had templates. I will be building a true hand hewn 1800s style half dovetail log home as soon as I find the secret. :( Any help would be appreciated.

[@OnBeaverCreek]

I built my first cabin that way. Cut down every tree. Hewed each one two sided with an axe then an adze. Started setting logs, notched by eye, test fit, adjust, repeat until it is good. Check the heights of corners every course and make adjustments on the next course to maintain level. Slow and tedious but you get better the more you do it. The jig method is much faster. Life is too short to spend 4 months setting logs.

[@timgiles9413]

@Fon Hollohan Thanks, I've watched every video. Love the guy :)

[@johnm.515]

Fon Hollohan the bearded carpenter is amazing but his method is not the end all. Agreed it can be complicated but anyone building with a jig should learn the theory behind his teaching. It will help a lot and make jig cutting even easier.

[@grmsk7584]

İ really dont get it you work fast and sir you dont tell the inches and the other things can you please tell me how long and you dont give the details while doing it

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Each set of jigs is custom designed when you order the jig plans. So, the dimensions I used on that set of jigs would be different than the dimensions you would have for your size logs and gap.

[@grmsk7584]

@@OnBeaverCreek First of all, thank you for your answers. I have a request from you. Can you help me with this? I want this device for myself, which is called the dovetail timber. I would like you to tell me the dimensions I want, the width is 20cm, I think 17cm upwards, how can I do this? If you could tell me this in written form in cm, I would be very happy. I wish I could wait with excitement now. 🙏🙏

[@OnBeaverCreek]

@@grmsk7584 Hi, you can order customized dovetail jig plans here: logdovetailjig.com/dovetail-jig-plans/ Please be sure to enter your log width, height, and the gap distance between the logs. Thanks!