Butt Ends..
The photos below show our techniques for cutting, fitting and finishing "butt-joints" when building a log home. Using our "Groove-Spline" method, stacking logs is much easier due to the positive alignment of the logs as well as creating a nice weather-tight seal. "Click-on" image for a high resolution photograph. The larger photo will open in "pop-up window".
Cutting Square Ends...
Before a tight seal can be obtained, the ends of the joining logs or timbers must be cut square! Many times a log or timber is larger in diameter than the saw can cut. The use of a "Sitter", or another person, can aid in holding the material and, in this case, holding a square while the sawyer makes the precise cut(s).
Square Ends...
This photograph shows the precise square cuts in a "rough opening" for a window. Careful cuts at this point lends to less filling and a better deal when installing "bucks" to attach the windows.
Grooving the ends...
The use of a "Grooving Tool" with guide rail makes an accurate groove to accept the "Spline" to insert between the two ends. In this project we used a 3/4" grooving head set at a depth of 3/4". This must be done to both "Butt-Ends".
Grooving In Process...
This is a photo of the "Grooving Tool" in operation. Cutting the groove to a depth of 3/4" in each "Butt-End" will allow you to insert a spline slightly less than 1 1/2" x the stacking height of the log. In this case the stacking height of the log is 8 3/4".
Finished Groove...
This picture shows the nice clean groove in a "Butt-End" ready to be assembled.
Splines...
Splines can be ripped from any 2" dimensional stock and should be free from large knots or wane in the material. The splines are meant to be snug, but not to tight! Remember, splines are meant to align the logs or timbers and to create a weather tight fit. A spline to "sloppy" will defeat the whole purpose!
Inserting The Spline...
Once the log is in position and aligned, insert a generous amount of calking into the groove part way.
Inserting The Spline Partially...
This photo shows the spline partially inserted. Do not insert the spline "all the way" at this time. If for some reason you have to remove the log or timber for adjustment you will not have any problem removing the spline! Notice how the log ends align nicely. Now you can lag the log(s) in place.
Finished Butt-Ends...
Care and patience can produce a joint like this one! This is ready to lightly clean with a sander.