Natural Log Homes In Association with Log Builders Association of New Zealand Introduction to Log Building Techniques Level 3 Jan 14-Jan29 Introduction to Log Home Construction Level 4 Jan 31-Feb 13 Enrolments close Nov 25th Be in Quick Course Information 1
Welcome Welcome to this Log Building course a joint education programme between Natural Log Homes and the Log Builders Association of New Zealand. We are offering two courses. "Level 3" course, is 12 days and "Level 4" is 10 days tuition. Course 1 Introduction to Log Building Techniques "Level 3": This is an introductory course suitable for those who have had no previous log building experience. It is an advantage to have had some practical experience with timber and using a chainsaw. Course 2 Introduction to Log Home Construction Level 4: To enrol on this course you need to have completed the earlier course, or be able to demonstrate to the tutor that you have sufficient skills and knowledge to undertake this course. For each course you can expect two weeks of intensive learning and demanding physical work. Your tutor is one of the most experienced, professional and internationally recognised log builders and teachers in the industry. We hope you enjoy the course and leave satisfied with the skills and knowledge you have gained in this 800 year old craft. Why do people build a Log Home? There are many reasons people want to live in a log home, but one out weighs all others wood. People want their homes to reveal wood, not conceal it. It s incomparably beautiful and rich with character. Wood s qualities are made all the more wonderful by the fact that it was once alive. The log home comes from a tradition of building that is centuries old, now perfected by modern techniques and tools, in the hands of experience craftsman. Natural logs are carefully scribed one to another a slow and precise way to fit the unique contours of two logs together. Then the logs are carefully shaped using chainsaw, chisels and sanders. The result is fits that are so tight the logs look like they grew together. This is the craft of log building. The natural logs and craftsman s skill combine to make the unmistakable look and feel of a log home: warm, comforting, inviting, solid, quiet and sheltering. The builder s craft shows in every joint. A log home is a heritage, an enduring home that can last for centuries. 2
What the Courses Cover: Introduction to Log Building Techniques (Level 3): By the end of this course the students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate safe use of a chainsaw for basic log cutting 2. Apply safe work practises on the log building site 3. Use a range of hand and power tools appropriate to log buildings 4. Demonstrate the following log building techniques: Notching, including Cutting, Carving and Brushing Ripping Slabbing, including laying out Lateral groove cutting Scribbing Rough notching 5. Create a log inventory and use it to select suitable logs 6. Demonstrate use of the parallel wall concept 7. Fit a log onto a wall. Introduction to Log Home Construction (Level 4): By the end of this course the students will be able to: 1. Apply safe work practises on the log building site 2. Use a range of hand and power tools appropriate to log home construction 3. Demonstrate the following log building techniques: a. Fit a log floor joist or beam into a log wall b. Lay out a plate log correctly c. Lay out and cut door or window headers d. Lay out a log ridge or purlin beam 4. Make a basic roof layout drawing showing log beams and plate logs. Course Enrolment Contact Angie On 021 2339507 or at lbanz@xtra.co.nz 3
Course Location The courses will be held in the South Canterbury town of Geraldine, South Island, New Zealand. You will need to be in Geraldine the evening before the course commences for a pre course briefing. Briefing will be at the Geraldine fire station (Talbot street) at 6.30 pm. Air travel If you are arriving by plane the closest airports are Christchurch (then a 1 1/2 hour drive south) or the smaller airport at Timaru (then a 15 minute drive to Geraldine) Connections to Timaru are through Wellington, New Zealand s capital city. Road Travel From the north Travel south on SHW 1 until you cross the Rangitata river bridge. Turn right at the sign to Geraldine. This is SHW 79 (the Rangitata-Orari Bridge Highway) and leads you into Geraldine. From the south- travel north on SHW 1 through Timaru, turning left on to the Winchester- Geraldine Highway at Winchester. This road takes you into Geraldine. Tutors The courses will be tutored by either: Robert W. Chambers who has been building handcrafted log homes since 1983, and has taught hundreds of students since 1988. Or Graeme Mould, Owner / Manager of Natural Log Homes, who has been building handcrafted log homes for more than 25 years. Contact Graeme at graeme@naturalloghomes.co.nz These tutors may be assisted by experienced Natural Log Homes staff. Accommodation and Food You are responsible for arranging and paying for your own accommodation. Information on some accommodation options in Geraldine can be found on the following website www.southisland.org.nz. Billeting (staying with a local family) or shared accommodation in a rental home or at the Geraldine Holiday Park may be an option. Some contacts to pursue this are Shearers Quarters Liz 03 693 8076 shearwool@xtra.co.nz Shared holiday home - Kay Solomon phone 03 358 4831 Geraldine Holiday Park 03 693 8147 You will need to provide your own breakfasts and evening meals. Lunch will be provided as part of the course. 4
Course Structure The Level 3 course involves 12 days tuition and the Level 4 course 10 days. Each working day commences at 8am and finishing at 5pm. There will be morning and afternoon tea breaks and a half to one hour lunch break. Course Dates January /February 2013 Level 3 course Course days Days off Monday 14 - Friday 18 January 19-20 January (Sat/Sun) Monday 21January Friday 25 - January Monday 28 - Tue 29 January Level 4 course Thursday 31 - Friday 1st Feb 2-3 February (Sat/Sun) Monday 4 Friday 8 February 9-10 February (Sat/ Sun) Monday 11 February- Wednesday 13 One day of the Level 3 course will be spent travelling to view other log constructions. There will be approximately 6 hours classroom work per course. This may be covered on wet days, or in several evening sessions. The first two to three days will be spent working on disposable practice logs until the desired standard of workmanship is reached before any work is started on the actual project. What you need to bring 1. A High quality chainsaw around the 40-60cc range, not smaller, not too big It must be fitted with a working chain break. 1 piece of spare pull cord and 1 spare spark plug. Fuel and oil will be provided at a mix of 25:1 (if you require different than this then please bring your own.) * Overseas students do not need to bring a chainsaw (difficult to get through an airport), but please let us know, so we can arrange to loan or hire one for you) 2. A hammer 3. A 25mm chisel very Sharp 4. Your own safety helmet with muffs and visor attached. (Let us know if you cannot get one in time) 5. Your own chainsaw safety chaps, or trousers (we can supply, if you don t have any) 6. Steel toed shoes or boots 7. A chalk line and spare chalk 8. One 8-10m tape measure 9. Spirit level 600mm - 1.2 meters 10. One 8-12 inch inside measuring callipers (if you can get them) 11. A pair of leather gloves Optional 12. Camera / video (plenty of film) 13. Pen pencils and note book 14. Sun block 5
15. Wet weather gear 16. Flexible 12 inch ruler only if you can get one 17. Carpenter s pencils, black felt markers Text book The following text is required reading for the course: (Approximate cost NZD$70) Log Construction Manual by Robert Chambers We advise you to read as much as you can before your course starts. You will learn more if you are prepared ahead of time. Also, there is relatively little time to read during the 2-week courses. At the very least it will be helpful to be familiar with Chapters 6,7,8,9 before the course. The textbook can be purchased from the Log Builders Association of New Zealand. Or Natural log homes Email: Telephone: lbanz@xtra.co.nz Postal address: PO Box 167 Twizel.7944 South Canterbury 03 435 0071 (+64 3 435 0071 from overseas) We encourage you to join the Log Builders Association of New Zealand. The annual fee is NZ$45.00. This will entitle you to Discounted price for the course text book 3-4 informative newsletters per year Access to further publications Access to technical expertise and information Information about further courses Merchandise Attend Log building Conferences Significant discount on CD50 Log preservative. 6
Course Rules No alcohol No alcohol or substances which could cause even a moment mental confusion will be permitted on the site. No person who appears to be under the influence will be allowed on site. Safety Students are learning to work with high speed cutting tools in close proximity to others. You must stay alert at all times. There will be a great emphasis on safety throughout the course. Safety is each individual s responsibility look after those around you. The instructor will require you to have and to properly use eye and ear protection, cutting chaps and safety boots. Attend all Sessions Students are required to attend and fully participate in all sessions, unless they have permission from the tutor to be absent. Instant Dismissal The LBANZ and Natural Log Homes, reserve the right to dismiss instantly any student who in any way poses a threat to the safety or learning processes of others or themselves. No Pet/Guns No pets or gun will be permitted on site. 7