Dovetail notched log cabin with D logs.

Re-uploaded to fix volume issue.
In this video I demonstrate how to notch cabin logs when building with "D" logs and no gap between the logs. I show you how to check your dovetail jigs for accuracy and describe how to fine tune the saw guide spacers to produce a clean, no gap fit.
You can get custom log dovetail jig plans at logdovetailjig.....

[@TheBeardedCarpenter]

Howdy Brother- great video with great information. I certainly agree with you on having at least a little bit of a gap to help keep the corner notches tighter. I like the notch extensions- it seems to make the notch more pronounced. The back ground in this video is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing this. Take care and have a great weekend. God bless you

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Thank you Paul. I have another video in the hopper I think you will like.

[@johnnyspot783]

Great information Fred, I took your advise and thickened my guides to produce a small gap. Even though I'm milling my own 7x10 logs, they are not always perfect. I also like your explanation of the corners being tighter with a gap compared to zero gap, didn't really think about it before. Thanks again.

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Thanks. Send me photos of your project. I would love to see it.

[@francoisbouvier7861]

Worth the listen. Carpenter that's not real big on log construction but I do think this would have a place a d purpose. Thank you

[@johnnycash5079]

Thanks for explaining. if your logs were not all the same height how would you scribe them to do a tight fit ? do you have a video on that ?

[@elissatwal6462]

Nice job explaining the joint.

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jimc336]

Thanks for sharing your time and talent!!!

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Welcome!

[@kevinmccoy5213]

Thought it was good Job all levels of explaining ! Thank you enjoyed !!

[@junkremovers5825]

I have started a small log shop build with field stone foundation, I appreciate you putting information out like this, its very helpful for others. I am curious why you suggest chinking over no gap? Is thr another reason besides it being more difficult and if so i would love to hear your perspectives on that.. Thanks!!

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Having a small chinking gap allows for you to more effectively seal the gap, allows the weight of the cabin to bear on the notches, keeping them tighter.

[@narrowstripsawing9595]

Awesome video! Thank you! I'm sawing logs now for a tiny log cabin (6×10) and planning to do zero gap but also cutting a 1 inch groove top and bottom of each log to put a 3/4 inch board and insulation to seal the logs. Also planning to dovetail the ends so I'll be ordering your plans in the near future. Thanks again!

[@frictionhitch]

Couldn't you put a 2x4 on top of the lower dovetail on each corner put the log on the 2x4s and then set a log scribe and scribe that line?

[@alexl9701]

Does chinking reduce the amount of heat you would be able to retain in a cabin, or would you retain more heat if you had no gaps?

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Good question. It would be interesting to see a thermal image of a cabin wall to find out.

[@jasonbroom7147]

Seems to me like you want the dovetails to be TIGHT and going for a zero gap between the logs risks creating gaps between the dovetails, which could cause those to rot at lot faster.

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Yes, I prefer a small gap between the logs so the joints are tight.

[@plantbasedprepper]

I love the look! Would it be easier or harder to leave the inside face of the log like the outside instead of flat?

[@OnBeaverCreek]

The jig mounts to the interior flat face so to use the jig system, it needs to be milled.

[@bard44]

How about using half a log for the first log on the floor?

[@OnBeaverCreek]

You could do that too.

[@SusanneBark]

Lovely dog, could I ask what breed is it? Love your work btw. Nice video. Thank you.

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Thanks. I have a couple. One is a border collie (mix I think) and the other is a lab/pitbull mix.

[@colbiecolbie6979]

Ordered plans from Fred,I cant say enough about the service , quality , experience.12 out of 10. Can’t recommend him enough ! Unheard of in this day and age. Absolutely awesome! Thanks again from eastern Canada

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Thanks man!

[@acerjuglans383]

I'm a journeyman cabinetmaker, and I love jigs. Your dovetail jig and chainsaw guides are awesome, good work!

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Thanks man!

[@alexs3119]

Great idea,......awesome job......good on you......

[@davidmitchell3671]

I’m trying to get my head around whether such a jig could be used with whole round logs to build similarly. I have a lot of poplar on my land that needs to be thinned and ranges from 5-10 inches in diameter mostly. I’d like to build some small lean to shelters in the woods and wondering if using such a jig on a whole log that size would work.

[@OnBeaverCreek]

You could use it for round logs that have the interior face milled flat.

[@ChileExpatFamily]

Ya making me appreciate Metric for sure. Also I get a kick out of seeing snow. Yall got snow. Man we do not do that here. Just cold. Jim in Chile

[@johntillotson4254]

Great instructions. I learned one key angle cut. I was not sure if both cuts were angled but it seems like one is 90 degrees and the other is angled. Thank you!!!

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Glad it helped!

[@georgeshotrodbarn2113]

Thats neat

[@yzuaf15]

Wonderful Indonesia 🏖️🌅🇮🇩👍

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Thank you

[@ABC-oo4vm]

What’s interesting is, we been making log cabins since we stole this country and didn’t have the tools we have available to us today. Those cabins are still standing. We over think a simple process that has stood the test of time.