Using A Saddle Notch To Build A Wood Structure

This huge choice of log cabin notches can create confusion about which notch to use. Picking the right corner, including scribe and notch type, for your log cabin is crucial as it will affect pricing, weatherproofing, and visual appeal.

If you’ve not already read about the various log cabin construction techniques, begin by reading this article on using a saddle notch to build a wood structure.

Why are notches critical

If you are new to constructing a log home, then scribing is a method used to make a notch. When you build your log cabin, where every log wall connects, a notch is scribed to help with the wall locking process. Notches are best when joining the corners of your log cabin.

Usually, every notch is scribed by hand or using a template/jog, to make an air-tight seal stopping air infiltration and weatherproofing your cabin. If you’re thinking about building a log cabin, you’ll have to know how to scribe logs. Mostly, you’ll do scribing for saddle notches which are used to join two logs perpendicularly (cabin corners).

How to scribe a saddle notch

You can scribe with a carpenter’s compass. It has all the necessary parts, including a point for scribing.
Once you have the preferred depth of the notch, put your compass at that distance. Put the log to be scribed precisely where you want it. If one end of the log won’t be scribed, even it out with blocks to the height of your compass.

Drive a screw to keep the log in place while you scribe. Next, holding the compass still, follow the outline of the bottom log and scribe the top log. Go to the other side and repeat. Before you move the log, scribe the other end if you have one more notch to cut there.

Once you’ve created all your scribing marks, release the log and turn it over. Gently unite the scribe marks on every side, so you see where to start your cut. Create straight cuts each half inch to the deepness of the scribe marks. Turn the log over and fit it into place.

Practice before you begin working on your log cabin. It takes a while to get the just of cutting and scribing. If you want professional help, contact a York arborist.

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