Setting Temporary Foundation Pillars

We are going to be building our log shell on a temporary foundation. Once the shell is complete we will dismantle the shell and move it to the permanent foundation. Most handcrafted builders build in this manner. They build the shell at there location then dismantle and ship to the owners location. The reason we are doing it this way is to make sure I can build this thing before we start pouring money into it :)
We are using 12"x12" oak cants for the corner pillars and on the gable ends of the house. We are using them on the gable ends because the gable ends have the first sill logs which are half logs. We are using 8"-10" cedar post every where else. Basically were just using what we have.
As far as placement they are in the corners, on each side of doors openings and under window openings. We will be rough cutting door and window openings as we go and this will give more support to these portions of the walls.
Wood pillars are preferred for this sort of temporary foundation because you only have to set, plumb, and cut them level. You want to set your lowest one first then all measurements and level reading can be taken from this one. Leveling is easily done with a water level.


Setting our first pillar Woo-Hoo!!!

Plumb and Level

Setting up water level





My level reader (Hard Job!)

Marking Level



Marking level cut lines

Cutting level

Almost ready to start laying logs :)