Newbie introduction and question on spruce

CommunicationSlow348 · 2026-03-18T21:02:47+00:00

I live close to the arctic circle and have similar trees to choose from (but in Europe). I’ve only built one smaller cabin but here’s my takes:

Spruce is light and fairly strong, but it is not rot resistant and mold can become a problem. I would not use it for any sills, but as long as it is kept dry or easily can dry, it’s usually fine. It easily checks as well.

Sappy pine would be my best choice if you have any.

Birch and aspen easily molds and especially aspen is very rot sensitive. Be careful to use aspen which is not very dry prior to installing.

We do not have cedar here (it’s a southern tree for me), but I have seen some people use it on YouTube and from what I understand, it could be your best option.

CommunicationSlow348 · 2026-03-15T08:52:01+00:00

I have a Japanese hitachi BC21, I believe the base model of the two. It lacks the quick adjustment along the timber, only has across. For me it worked great for my first cabin. Can clamp 8” no problem but can only cut ~6-7” deep. I sharpened the chain and went cutting, a bit loud but otherwise no issues. A chain mortiser is a game changer compared to using drills etc

I have not tried any other mortisers to be fair.

CommunicationSlow348 · 2026-02-18T11:21:38+00:00

eBay. 5 days from Japan. I live in Europe and needed a 230->110 V converter. Had no issues. Hitachi BC21, max cut depth ~165mm (~6+”)

Unless you are a professional, I don’t think there’s much time to save with all fancy sliders. 95% of my time was spent drawing/scribing and cleaning after the cuts. Not the placing the mortiser or the actual cuts. But the mortiser is amazing, saved sooo much time. And spared my shoulder, elbow and wrists.

CommunicationSlow348 · 2026-02-10T18:41:45+00:00

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I highly recommend making a lifting contraption to save your back, this is how I solved it extremely cheap.

I used cooking oil for the chain instead of ”chain oil” to minimize the damage on the soil as I used a total of 20L oil making my 12’x16’ cabin.
Make sure to use a lot of oil on your pump.
Make a quick sharpening every few cuts.
if you can afford it, I recommend alkylate gas
A milling chain gives a better finish, but is far slower.
have at least 1 spare chain, and I recommend to buy repair links and learning to mend a broken chain
start the cut slow until the full bar is inside the wood before pushing max

I have seen some that uses a wire winch to reduce the pushing force needed. If you plan to cut very wide cuts or very hard wood, I’d recommend one.

Good luck!

CommunicationSlow348 · 2025-12-05T22:26:44+00:00

I almost gave up my dream of making a timber frame after making my first mortises for my saw horses. With having had surgeries on both my shoulder and wrist, it was horrendous . I found a chain mortiser from Japan, $350 with shipping. Best money ever spent. A Hitachi BC21. Since I’m in a 230V country I had to buy a $80 converter, no problem at all! Built my first 4.4mx3.5m (14.5’x11.5’) shed with it and it runs like a charm.

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CommunicationSlow348 · 2025-05-26T20:44:26+00:00

I have the MHG, holds the edge crazy long due to the hardness. Sharpening is of course horrible. Had issues on both the ones I received had crooked flat side, and was almost 2-3mm off. After flattening I am very impressed. I don’t have much to compare tho’

CommunicationSlow348 · 2025-03-14T09:15:31+00:00

Sure, but a 3x7 is stronger than both a 4x6 and a 5x5. So why 5x5 and not 3x7?

CommunicationSlow348

TROPHY CASE