Small log construction

[69bronco]

I have a pile of small white cedar logs that have been cut for 2years. I'm thinking of using them to build a small, probably 10x20 guest house. I can probably get 5" sawn 2 sides out of them. Having no experience in log building, my questions are: can I get away with just screwing the logs together with timberlocks? I know there will still be a little movement, would the screws end up holding the logs apart when they shrink? If I run short and need to mix in some fresh cut logs, would it be better to use the green ones toward the top? I appreciate any advice.

[Fundyheather]

I know nothing about timberlocks, but have spiked 5" material together down onto cheap foam sill gasket (1/4"?) to pretty good effect.  Used 8" spikes staggered about every 2', slammed the spike head down with the ball on a ball peen hammer about 3/8" below flush.  My theory is that sawing away much of the sapwood to get the 5x5 cuts your shrinkage enough that this kind of works.  I also use a particular mostly circular-sawn joint with a 1"x1" tenon on the ends.

I see other people drill through about 3 courses, insert threaded rod, or pound dull rebar down through there.  That may be the better way to go about it for a more major building, and might be a good plan for yourself, someone else can advise.

I'm guessing the new green stuff would be better at the top, as it would there have less building to 'let down.'   


       

[sbishop]

When I built my log cabin I used rebar, short pieces. I would drill half way thru the log below and hammer in a precut piece of rebar and also I could counter sink it about an 1". Cabin is going strong 10 years now!

Sbishop