Bolt new half-logs to old half-logs, foam behind, caulk front, insert dowels, sand flat and start multi coat stain process.

Try to keep lag bolt and thus dowels under the window facing whenever possible; of course opting for strength over looks (avoid rotten wood).

OK to caulk seams as soon as foam is no longer tacky or oozing out of cracks. Use ONLY poly urethane caulk on any externally exposed wood.

Warm soapy water on a finger to smooth. Must smooth within 30 minutes. OK for water to drip (sand off streaks right before staining).

This is a must for a log home owner.

After caulk dries a day or two, sand off the soap streaks with a 60-80 grit sanding pad.

Ensure caulk has set up at least 24-48 hrs. Always paint over caulk, never caulk over paint. Never caulk wood that has not been sanded. NEVER!

Rain is in the forecast this week and will hit before the dowels can be installed, so a single coat of Sickens is applied to protect the hours of sanding.

Dowels should be made, caulked in, allowed to dry 1 week, sanded level with the log before painting the log.

Select the size of the dowel blade at least 1/4" larger than washer used with lag bolt. Later, base the hole cut for lag bolt & washer to be about 3/16" larger than this dowel size. (note 2x4 dowel "guide" subs for removed center

Ensure the circular saw mount has a removable center bit.