Scarf Log Table July #1: Scarf Joint Log Table

I was able to grab a log off the side of the road that was about 3 feet long and 13 inches across. I wanted to make something out of it. I had seen a scarf joint bench made by a person who had taken the Timberframing course at The College of the Rockies a session or two before me. I wanted to try it. So here is the log.

I first started by peeling all the bark off and then set about getting end lines on the log. I knew I wanted the table to taper from the middle out to both sides, so I drew those lines in. Using the Logosol Timberjig, a ripping chain, and my underpowered Poulon chainsaw, I ripped the log.

I highly recommend buying the guide rails, or even the full mill set-up. You can probably see I am off on the lines I wanted cut.

More pictures:

From there I began the layout and cutting of the scarf joint on one piece. It did take a few layout attempts to get the size and dimension I wanted, but I like what I have now. It took plenty of work. I am sure many will have tips on ways to draw a straight line around a round log and the like, but I “went to war with the army I had”, to quote Donny Rumsfeld.

All I used was a Dewalt Circular saw, a Stanley Hand saw, a Japanese pull saw and my Chisel and mallet from my former job as a timberframer.

Here is the first piece cut. Ain’t it DAMN SEXY???

I have since cut the second piece fitted them together. Pictures will be forth coming soon. The joint on the visible side looked nice. Then I looked at the bottom. Holy Grand Canyon Batman! So I have some work to do to fix it and make it so the pieces touch in more than 3 points. Work continues!

-- I don't know what God is. But I know what He ISN'T - Jordan Maxwell