Would you like to build a log cabin from scratch using sustainable local materials? We can help you achieve this, no matter where you live in the United States.
At Axe Adviser, we love the idea of building a log cabin. Better yet, imagine making one with an axe! Think how good you’d feel once it’s finished?
To help you out, we’ll add valuable resources to this page over time. They’ll show you how to build a log home with an axe and a few other essential tools. We’ll be adding to this page over time, so please be patient with us ????
Old-school tools for building a log cabin
If you’re looking to build a home out of logs the traditional way, you’ll need tools. The adze, carpenter’s axe, broad axe, and draw knife are all super-handy ways to make your project easier.
1. Adze
Adzes are ancient tools used for various purposes since the Stone Age. Although power tools have superseded this hand tool over the last century, it still plays a useful role in several industries today. This guide will look at the adze and its uses.
2. Carpenter’s axe
The carpenter’s ax is worth considering whether you’re a carpenter or want an axe with excellent stability and control. It’s a small tool that offers plenty of versatility. Read our carpenter’s axe guide to learn more.
3. Draw knife
A draw knife is a woodworking tool with two handles and a long thin blade. It is a traditional tool that shapes wood by shaving off multiple layers or making deep cuts. Learn how this tool works in this draw knife guide.
4. Broad Axes
Broad axes are ancient tools that have had a variety of uses over the centuries. They’re still in use today, and popular axe manufacturers like Gransfors Bruks continue to sell them. In this guide, we’ll closely examine broad axes is and their uses.
Skills to build a log home
Building something with our bare hands and a few rustic tools may sound exciting, but skills are essential. Please read through our advice on axe skills and maintenance. We also suggest taking a practical course if you’re unfamiliar with using an axe and similar tools.
Axe swinging
Swinging an axe isn’t all about strength. It would help if you learned the proper technique to precisely swing the ax. Learn how to swing an axe here.
Felling trees
If you’ve got property with sustainable trees, you could fell some to build your new home. This task isn’t for the faint-hearted, and we strongly recommend you don’t read this one article and then start lopping down trees. Use our advice on how to fell trees with an axe as a starting point.
Hewing logs
Logs aren’t much if they aren’t the right shape for use in construction. You’ll need to remove the bark and hew the rounded edges. Use our guide to hewing logs to learn more.
Product guides
Need a new axe? Check out our unbiased axe reviews here.
Good luck with your new log cabin. Whether you build it yourself or pay someone else to do it, we hope you’re happy with the result.
