Log Home Building Workshops

Hands-On Log Building Courses

Students in our 2007 course built the log walls & beams for this gorgeous cabin.

Two back-to-back workshops in Geraldine, New Zealand.

1) Introduction to Log Building — 13 days of hands-on and classroom instruction by Robert Chambers and another top teacher. Scribing logs, cutting notches, saddles and long grooves, safe work principles with chainsaws and other tools--an introduction to how to fit logs together. Taught by Robert Chambers and another top teacher. Early November 2008.

2) Introduction to Log Home Construction — 13 days of hands-on and classroom instruction including log selection, doors and windows, plate logs, roof construction— an introduction to log home construction. During this course we will finish building a full-scribe-fit handcrafted log cabin shell. Taught by Robert Chambers and another top teacher. Starts Mid-November 2008. These classes will fill.

More information, and sign up here: Aoraki Polytechnic

Brochures and course information:

Color BrochureCourse Dates and FeesPractical Details (travel, lodging, venue, textbook, tool list, safety rules, and more) Enrollment Form FIRST, download and read the 4 handouts above—they probably have all the answers you need.
If after reviewing these materials you have additional questions, then please feel free to contact one of us, and we'll be glad to help you:

• What you will learn (course content), or tools needed: e-mail Robert Chambers
• Course registration, tuition, payment, certification, or Aoraki Polytech: e-mail Ann Fitzgerald
• Local accommodation options: e-mail Graeme Mould

Students talk about Robert Chambers's workshops:
"My thanks and appreciation for the great education at your workshop. For me it truly was a milestone: one of those life-altering types of experiences. The workshop was all I could have hoped it to be: the quality and authority of instructors is tops, and lots of hands-on experience. " John C.

"Very informative - - I now feel I am up to speed with the log home industry!" Tom B., professional log builder"I have learned from the best. A great experience." Dave O."It was so fun, so interesting, and so exciting that the time flew by!" Olaf Edgar"Robert Chambers is the best teacher I have ever met." Chuck Kelly, professional log builder"I now have an excellent understanding of what goes into building a high quality handcrafted log home." Erik L."Robert is fantastic. He knows log building AND he can teach." Dave H."I showed everyone in my family's log home business the mitered truss and they all loved it. Then we built three trusses in three dfferent ways, and the mitered one was fastest and easiest. . . I enjoyed the class tremendously and we will be building better buildings because of it." Richard Musick, professional log builder"I count this among the best things I have done so far in my life." Neal M."There is not enough room on the evaluation form to tell you how impressed I am!" Vince V.

"It is obvious that Robert loves to teach and so it is a joy to learn from him. I honestly feel that he is one of, if not the best, teacher I have ever had the privilege of learning from." Bradley Bartels, professional builder

Photos from workshops and around the yard: John cuts a saddle -- note that John's left hand is on the chainsaw trigger, not his right hand -- one of the "tips of the trade" you will learn. On the right, Joe Hambrook scribes a log—this guy's got steady hands!

This page was updated June 2008