Log Home Store

Layout, Scribing and Transferring Tools

Flex Curve

Japanese Carpenter's Square

Japanese Ink Line, (similar to chalk box)

Log Caliper

Leveler Plate (for scribers)

Scribers
  Mackie
  NW
  Starret, (2 types)
(2 types)
  Veritas
Scribing pencils/pens
  Veritas
  Eberhard/Faber (No blot)
  Staedler Lumocolor

Also called Scribe Leveling Plate.

Attach this to the any (semi) vertical surface, use the double adjusters to fine tune, and you'll have a vertical/plumb groove

Scribers      

These tools are used to transfer the contour of one surface onto another. In Log Building, scribers are most often used to transfer the shape of the log in the round below, onto the log that will sit on top of or across the lower log. In a chink-style house, just the notch area is scribed; whereas, in a scribe-fit style house both the notch and the lateral are scribed. After scribing, the top log is rolled over and the lines that were drawn with the scriber on the under side of the upper log, (Whew!), will become the outside edge of the cuts to be made, usually, first with a chain saw or demo hammer, then dressed up with a chisel, slick, or gouge.
Modern scribers, such as those listed below, have a double-bubble to help keep the scriber level and plumb, thus increasing accuracy. 

Note: Many of our scribers are imported. As such the price can fluctuate widely depending on how the US dollar is doing again the Euro and the Canadian dollar. Lately it's not doing so good, thus the cost of scribers is up.

Designed by B. Allan Mackie, world renowned log builder, instructor, lecturer, this scriber has many features which adapt it specifically as a log building scriber.
The main body is aluminum, the point and axis rod of stainless steel, and the nuts and bolts of brass. These metals feature durability, sturdiness and a resistance to corrosion. 
Other features: Capability of using full length pencil and steel point either straight or 24 degree angles; dual vial bubbles visible from top, side and bottom for an overhead, eye-level or low scribe, which can be rotated for left or right hand scribing as well as horizontal and vertical scribing.

North West Scribers

Polished Aluminum and stainless construction is strong, accurate, and lightweight. (less than 1 lb.). Double-bubble level can rotate 360 degrees and has a see-thru platform. Probably the lightest weight of all the scribers, yet durable.
Adjustable scribe point and pencil. Specifically designed for the professional handcrafter.

The rigidity, light weight, and easy handling advantages of the Starrett divider/scriber have made this a favorite of log builders for over 25 years.
Steel construction, forged legs, knurled lock nuts, and tempered points.
Dual vial bubble attachment is fully adjustable allowing for 360 degree rotation, thus allowing for vertical and horizontal scribing.
This is possibly the most popular scriber ever produced. 

Use as a transfer scribe or a log scribe. Caste metal body is non-corroding and has brass fittings. Fully adjustable from 0" to 12".. (Most log scribing is in the 2" to 6" range). Straight point for compass work, curved point for scribing. Adjustable level bubbles allow scribe to be held horizontal or vertical, (or anywhere in between). Uses double bubble level that is standard on many scribers. Can be used with two pencils for double scribing. Comes in insulated plastic case with pencil.
The Veritas� Transfer Scribe is used for transferring the contours of one shape onto another. This is what makes it an ideal log scribe. But this also makes it an excellent carpenter's scribe. It can translate that not-so-straight, 100-year-old wall profile onto a cabinet panel, letting you get a perfect match. 
With a maximum capacity of 12", it is calibrated so that any opening can be used once the double bubbles are set for a given pin and pencil projection. The rotatable double-level post can be adjusted and locked in any position on either axis. The pointed end of the steel pin is for compass work; the blunt curved end is non-marring for transfer scribing. Other components are non-corroding brass and zinc aluminum alloy.

Usable with any standard pencil, it comes with a purple indelible pencil that marks well with light pressure. Extra indelible pencils are available in either dark purple or red for better contrast. 

Now comes in a bright yellow foam-lined hard shell plastic case

Veritas: Considered to be a harder "lead" than the Noblot (thus will stay sharp longer). Works well on wet wood. One of these is provided when you purchase the Veritas scriber.
Noblot: Bottle of ink in a pencil, produces a brilliant colored line when used on damp wood (greenish, bluish, violet...depending on the surface you're writing on). You can use on dry wood, (it will last longer), and "mist" the line after scribing to change from a gray to a color. May need sharpening more often than the Veritas on wet wood. 
Staedtler Lumocolor:  Pens are available in medium, (0.8-1.0mm) tips. Currently available in Blue and Red. Will not bleed and permanent as the name implies.

Note: Extra unused pencils should be stored in a dry area. (e.g. Zip loc bag, or in the house), as the "lead" will absorb moisture, soften, and at the least be used up quicker, at worst, split the wood of the pencil and become a throw away. Some builders save the small bags of "desiccant" that come with some Vitamins and place them with the spare pencils. Supposedly, you can dry the bags out in the oven or a microwave.

NOTE: You may to to purchase the "pen" adapter for your scriber as they have a larger diameter than the pencils.

Used by many carpenters to string and hold a line or to hold the Japanese square in place as shown in the Mackie Videos.

Contains a square flexible metal core coated with plastic. (Lead?) One edge is for pencils, the other is for technical pens. Instantly adjustable and retains it's shape without support. Can be used to draw a line to connect two points on a log, or to check the depth of a lateral cut against the log profile it will be placed on. Sometimes called an architects flex curve.

Similar to a Western framing square. However these are thinner, narrower and much more flexible.  Blades are hollowed and beveled so an ink line can be laid down without smearing. 
Used in the Allan Mackie videos for transferring a point around a log.
Available in either Metric (50cmx25cm), or English (inches), measure (20"x10"). 

$27.95 Standard
$23.95 Metric

Also called a Line transfer caliper. For transferring lines from one side of a log to the other. 24" diameter capacity. Strong lightweight aluminum. Saves time marking door and window opening layouts. Works from top or bottom of log. Bubble level. 
Great for laying out slabbing lines, marking doors, windows and roof slabs.  If you happen to work solo, this is a handy tool.

$140.00