The Log Home Industry Expert

Registration is now open for the 2010 Log Homes Council President’s Tour, March 29 through April 1 in Boise, Idaho. Register here.

This year’s tour is unique for several reasons. One, it’s returning after a year off. I know that I and other Log Homes Council members I’ve spoken to are really looking forward to coming back together to network, catch up and share new ideas. Also unique is that we’ll be seeing a couple of facilities that don’t make logs—we’ll get the opportunity to see how other manufacturers have decreased waste, optimized flow and found other ways to increase efficiency.

I’m proud to be host of one of our stops—my company, PrecisionCraft Log Homes and Timber Frame. Our log home facility includes two Pendu milled log lines, a handcrafted log yard and a Hundegger K-2 CNC timber frame milling line. I’m excited to get the chance to show you how we’ve incorporated lean manufacturing techniques and what we’ve learned from the process.

The other stops are:
MotivePower: This state-of-the-art facility designs, manufacturers and re-manufacturers diesel-electric locomotives. They have been using lean manufacturing techniques for several years.

Woodgrain Millwork: One of the largest millwork companies in the world, this production facility specializes in efficiently optimizing wood fiber in its end products. Woodgrain management has integrated lean manufacturing throughout their operations.

Woodgrain Door: This fully-integrated wood door manufacturing shop produces a variety of solid wood and insulated doors. You will see how lean manufacturing techniques have reduced costs in this large-volume facility.

Are you ready to get back on the bus and learn smart new ways to get lean? Let’s go! Register for the 2010 Log Homes Council President’s Tour at www.nahb.org/presidentstour. I’ll see you there!

All the best,
Jim Young
President, PrecisionCraft Log Homes & Timber Frame
Chairman, 2010 Log Homes Council President’s Tour

Handcrafted Log Yard at PrecisionCraft Log Homes

Hundegger K-2 Timber Frame Milling: PrecisionCraft Timber Frame

Pendu Milled Log Lines at PrecisionCraft’s Manufacturing Facility

Building Log Homes, Nationwide

PrecisionCraft launches its new Log Homes Design Build Center at PrecisionCraft.com!  With this new online resource center, people worldwide can get a complete look at PrecisionCraft’s Design Build approach to building custom log homes and timber frame homes. From creating one-of-a-kind designs through the entire construction process, PrecisionCraft’s Design Build center highlights how this unique approach utilizes streamlined processes, aggressive cost controls and cutting edge timeline management techniques to ensure the highest quality build standards at the best price. PrecisionCraft’s Design Build Approach includes:

• Conceptual Design
• A Cost Feasibility Study
• In depth, Pre-Construction Planning, and…the
• Highest Quality Construction

According to Jim Young, President of PrecisionCraft Log Homes & Timber Frame, “the primary advantage of such a unique approach in the log and timber home industry is the client’s ability to see every detail of his or her project thought through and planned for before committing to construction. This means every client has the right design for them, feels completely comfortable with its cost, and enjoys the security that comes from such in-depth planning prior to making a commitment to construction.”

Browse PrecisionCraft’s new Log Homes Design Build Center at: http://www.precisioncraft.com/DesignBuild.html.

The Houseal Non-Settling System™ is the most significant innovation in log home construction since the invention of the chain saw. The Houseal Non-Settling (HNS) System™ prevents logs from settling and solves a host of potential problems for log home builders and homeowners.

Settling in log homes has always been an issue, adding cost and complexity to log home construction. Using traditional methods of construction, logs are stacked horizontally one on top of the other (either scribed or chinked). Because logs tend to shrink and settle over time, the multiple layers of logs compound the effect of wood shrinkage. A traditional 10’ log wall will settle upward of 6 to 8 inches depending upon the moisture content of the logs. Special log home construction methods must be employed to counter the effects of settling. The use of settling jacks, slip joints, and oversized trim and fascia are normal techniques used in traditional log home construction. In addition, constant maintenance is required until the logs have fully settled.

The Houseal Non-Settling System™ is a patented method of constructing log homes that ensures logs will not settle. The HNS System was developed by Barry Houseal, a well known structural engineer and log home expert. The basic premise of the HNS System is fairly simple. Each log layer is held in place by a column of steel pipe and pins. The steel pipe prevents the logs from moving down with gravity. Each log layer and the roof members are supported by the steel pipe.

View the Houseal Non-Settling System™ for handcrafted log homes.

View the Houseal Non-Settling System™ for milled log homes.

Architects and designers love the HNS System because it gives much more flexibility in the use of log elements. Builders love the HNS System because it eliminates settling jacks, trim boards and other construction techniques necessary to counter log settling. Engineers love the HNS System because the steel adds strength to the log walls.

PrecisionCraft has chosen to use the Houseal Non-Settling System™ in all Handcrafted Log Homes and Milled Log Homes. We believe the HNS System is an innovation that adds significant value for our log home homeowners.