Virginia City Institute
Hewn-Log Training
Log Structure Stabilization & Preservation Techinques For Historic Structures
This training course took place May 6 to May 10, 2002. Participants came from as far as Louisiana, California, and Alaska to learn round log structure stabilization and preservation techniques. Topics covered during the class included:
- Proper and safe methods of jacking and cribbing round log buildings
- Scribing and measuring techniques
- Accurately reproducing corner notches
- Sill log replacement
- Proper and safe log hewing techniques and styles
- Log repairs to sills, wall logs, and crown ends
Dutchman
Face splicing
Epoxy - Foundations
Footings
Stonework - Specialty tools for an efficient and professional job
Various hewing axes and adzes - Historic preservation ethics
Identifying architectural character-defining elements
Sensitivity to historic structures
Working with Section 106, the State Historic Preservation Office, and Programmatic
Agreements - Various round log structure preservation techniques
Timber frame
Steel structure
After the class participants had learned the methods of replacing sill and wall logs in a hewn log structure, they began a log replacement project on a hewn log building, the Lawyer's Office, in Nevada City. Participants dug out the decayed sill logs and removed them. Next, they measured the decayed logs and selected matching replacement logs. The class measured and scribed the corner notches and cut them out, using a combination of hand and power tools. The logs were then fitted into the building. A total of four wall logs were replaced during the week-long class.
Round-Log Training
Log Structure Stabilization & Preservation Techinques For Historic Structures
This training course took place April 29 to May 3, 2002. Participants came from as far as Louisiana and Alaska to learn round log structure stabilization and preservation techniques. Topics covered during the class included:
- Specialty tools for an efficient and professional job
- Proper and safe methods of jacking and cribbing round log buildings
- Scribing and measuring techniques
- Accurately reproducing corner notches
- Sill log replacement
- Log repairs to sills, wall logs, and crown ends
Dutchman
Face splicing
Epoxy - Foundations
Footings
Stonework - Various round log structure preservation techniques
Timber frame
Steel structure - Historic preservation ethics
Identifying architectural character-defining elements
Sensitivity to historic structures
Working with Section 106, the State Historic Preservation Office, and Programmatic Agreements
After the class participants had learned the methods of replacing sill and wall logs in a round log structure, they began a log replacement project on a round log building, the Opium Den, in Nevada City. Participants dug out the decayed sill logs and removed them. Next, they measured the decayed logs and selected matching replacement logs. The class measured and scribed the corner notches and cut them out, using a combination of hand and power tools. The logs were then fitted into the building. A total of five logs - four sill logs and one wall log - were replaced during the week-long class.
