Log Construction Manual: The Ultimate Guide to Building Handcrafted Log Homes

I just finished reading this book, and I have to say that it is head-and-shoulders above every other log home construction book I've read. The illustrations are superb, and the tone of the text is very objective and factual. In contrast to books with the "this is how I've been building log homes for XXX years" attitude, Chambers' approach is "I didn't invent it, but so far this is the best way I've found to do this particular task. If I find somebody else doing it a better way in the future I'll start doing it that way." Chambers not only isn't afraid of not-invented-here ideas, he positively embraces them! There is even a chapter on the structural engineering of log trusses, written by a structural engineer (fancy that).Chambers also covers the subject comprehensively, from the highest-level ideas (his chapter on settling is fascinating) to the lower-level details (proper chainsaw stance for cutting the lateral groove, for instance).Let me contrast this a bit with Mackie's "Owner-Built Log Home". Mackie's book is a good read, because he's a terrific wordsmith and he really conveys the pleasure of building your own log home. But his illustrations aren't nearly as clear as Chambers', and he tends to write for an audience that already understands a lot of wood joinery terminology and procedures. "Then we did this, and this, and this," and I'm like, "whoa, did you skip a few steps there?" I often found myself re-reading a page several times because I just couldn't envision what he was doing in my mind's eye. Chambers never leaves you wondering.I think both books have a place on your bookshelf, but if you really want to learn the most hands-on information in a single book, this is the one.

This book is with out a doubt the single best source of information out today regarding the techniques of modern log structure construction.anyone interested in building or owning a log home needs to have this book.I've been in construction for 30 years and needed to be educated about log construction for a job I had coming up.Mr. Chambers book along with his videos set, quickly did just that. I'm in no way a master log builder now, but I learned about the things like settling, shifting, shrinking, proper sizing for window/ door openings, pre drilling for wiring, etc. that contractors who finish log shells, turning them into homes need to know.EVERYONE INTERESTED IN LOG HOME CONSTRUCTION NEEDS THIS BOOK AND HIS VIDEO SET!!

I really liked the way this book is written. So easy to read and learn. I would love to build a log home for my family one day, and this book really inspires one to grab the chainsaw and start notching logs! It also surprised me that Robert Chambers devoted a section of the book to other great authors and resources on log homes. The book was so great, I decided I would bite the bullet and go ahead and get the dvd set on log walls. It hasn't arrived yet, but if it's half as informative as the book is I'm sure I won't be disappointed!

This book is definitely head and shoulders above almost any other "how to" book I've ever read, regardless of subject. The text and pictures are well coordinated and easy to understand. I am traditionally one of those kind of people who do better with "hands on" experience, but this book gives you the confidence to at least understand the process and feel comfortable enough to actually do the project. The related reference list at the the end of the book is great, giving an honest appraisal of other books on the market, saving you money and time. The "tool" section is also an excellant resource list.Throughout the book Mr. Chambers refers to his "how to videos" and I believe at some point in the near future, I will be ordering those as well to compliment the text. If they are as clear and concise as the book, I will consider that a good investment as well.

First off I probably have or at least have seen every log home book there is over the last 25+ years and this is the best book by a mile that I've EVER seen. I am a log home builder and this covers pretty much everything and it does it VERY well I might add. If you're looking for a book to teach yourself the utmost aspect of log home building this is your book! It covers (unlike so many others) how to really build a up to date quality log home, and maybe the only book I actually learned things from....! Many books have some nice pictures of log homes that are $$$ and many have rustic building techniques of a time long gone by but not this one, in short it's as good as it gets. I even ordered his DVD set with confidence,, you can never know enough about building log homes.

In the first days after receiving the book I've already read through a third of it and looked through the rest - it fully satisfies my expectations and is very EMPOWERING in the nature - helps to convince that even though complicated as the log building is, with detailed, patient and informative step-by-step guide it's possible to do it yourself (with some previous basic skills and passion for wood crafts). Hopefully the practical work on my log sauna this summer in Latvia will prove this right. Thank you, Mr. Chambers!Elgars Felcis

Best suited to those wishing to build a scribe-fit shell. No info given on alternative shell systems, post to purlin roofing, and alternative roof systems that do not rely on one roof support system. No info given on how to attach posts to purlins - had to buy another book to discover this info and more.

This is an excellent "Manual". Most all the info you need if you want to build a hand scribed round log cabin,but no color pictures. If your looking for technical building info this is your book. I bought almost every book available on log homes building and I wouldn't be with out this if you plan to build one yourself. Not much on house plans or pic's though.