Jon Anderson

by Jon Anderson

Over the years, I’ve built a few log structures and along the way, timber framing got into my blood. I love the beams, the posts, and the tight fitting joints made by a builder using mortise and tenon.

I remember the first time I viewed the clean lines of a timber frame structure. The frame was draw pinned together with Red Oak pegs that were cut by hand on a shaving horse—I was hooked. And, for framing, you don’t need fancy or high-tech tools—framing square, hand saw, chisel, and auger bit have performed quite well for hundreds of years.

When I decided to build a timber frame, I was clueless in regards to technique. Of course, like always, this didn’t stop me. Normally, I just plod blindly ahead (or in the case of the TV remote—I just mash every button randomly on the four separate remotes that are clearly critical to the operation of my cable system—something is bound to happen). However, in this case I decided to at least gain a basic understanding of the process, as there is a certain liability associated with handing big heavy things, like timbers. So, I read a few books that described traditional timber framing techniques and I took a framing class at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Jon Anderson of McGowan Lake, Minnesota has been constructing a log cabin on his property that he calls “The Stump Ranch.” Jon has put together an article and pictures to share with us about his project. Jon has a blog called the peelinglogs.blogspot.com and you can follow his progress on it. Here is Jon to tell us about The Stump Ranch.

For some, a log cabin is a shelter from the elements. For others, a cabin is a home built with sweat equity and passion. In my case, a log cabin is simply a diversion that keeps me away from the tequila and pharmaceuticals that are so near and dear to my heart.

I have always loved the outdoors which includes hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, camping, chainsaw work, and even a little fishing. It seems natural that at some point, I might want to tackle a project or two that aligned with my desire to work outside. Well, I selected building a hand-scribed log cabin. Oh, and of course, I would choose to do so from scratch. Meaning I cut down the trees, peeled the bark with a draw-knife, and then cut and notched the trees with axe, adze, and chainsaw. And, I picked a location to build said cabin that was three miles back in the woods where you there was no power, no services, and no way you could get a vehicle anywhere close. Probably my Swedish heritage… I am very persistent. However, based on my cabin location—intelligence…maybe no much.