The Overscribe Method Revisited 1997

Overscribing of the lateral groove means that the scribe setting for the groove is larger than the scribe setting for the notch. We might also refer to overscribing as a “shrink – to – fit lateral groove,” or of course we could reverse our thinking and call the whole procedure underscribing the notch, which would be an accurate description too.

4-point Saddle Notch

Gasket in overscribed groove

Overscribed logs

Overscribing is a technique that puts 100% of the weight onto the notched corner as you build. After shrinkage and settling (a better term for settling is compression) you hope to keep 75% of the weight on the notched corners and 25% of the weight on the lateral grooves, with the result that both the notches and the laterals appear to fit tightly. The trick is to know how much to overscribe to achieve this situation after shrinkage and compression has taken place.

The basic structural aspect that ties a log building together is the notched corner systems we employ. It is my opinion, that using an equal scribe technique for both the notch and the lateral groove will eventually cause the log building to have a less than acceptable locking corner mechanism, produced by the shrinking and settling process. Overscribing of the lateral groove will maintain the structural integrity of the log building for generations to come.

The chinked style of log building is produced by underscribing the notches which leaves a small to large opening between logs. This style allows for complete weight bearing at the notches. That is why chinked style buildings, that have had doors and windows installed properly have tight corner notches.

Now understanding that, if you make a mistake and overscribe the lateral grooves of a log building too much, there would be a slight gap along the length of the grooves for the life of the building. This can be corrected by applying a caulking between the logs. Even though this mistake was made, that building will have tight fitting notches for the next 200 or more years, and the building will always be structurally sound. Can you even call that a mistake, maybe a slight error in judgement but certainly not a mistake.

Your ultimate concern during the construction of any log building should be maintaining the locking corner system for the life of the building. In other words, not allowing any significant pressure to be released from the notches.

If you use the equal scribe technique, the pressure will be released from the notches during the shrinkage and settling process. In other words gaps will form around the notches and the locking corner mechanism will fail, allowing the logs to take control. Once the logs have control they can twist in any direction they desire producing gaps along the lateral groove.

In my opinion, the equal scribe technique is a waste of logs, effort and skill. It doesn’t matter that the building may have been beautifully constructed; the end result is always the same: A poor quality building that is not as structurally sound as it could have been.

Overscribing of the lateral groove can and does correct these faults. No matter what type of notching system you use, overscribing of the groove will create a compression-fit notch which will deliver the correct results.

Five years have passed since I wrote my article on overscribing, and 16 years since I started experimenting with it. So far, the feedback I have received has been positive from builders who have used it. I would like to use this time as a question and answer period and to receive any positive or negative comments you might have.

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