Couch2Cabin is a three-hour live demonstration of how we cut and assemble a dovetail log cabin using a chainsaw and dovetail cutting jig. During the demonstration, we’ll walk through the process of laying out and cutting the dovetail joinery, fitting the logs, and stacking the walls as we work on a full dovetail cabin.
The goal is to show that building a dovetail cabin doesn’t have to require complicated equipment or years of experience. With a chainsaw, a jig, and a repeatable process, the joinery becomes much more approachable.
Whether you’re thinking about building your own cabin or simply curious about the process, this three-hour demonstration is an opportunity to see the tools, techniques, and joinery firsthand. Come watch, or cut a dovetail yourself!
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Ages: Adults only
Location: Viroqua, WI
Instructions: Hands-on participants will need sturdy leather shoes or boots.
A limited number of registrations are available for hands-on participation for folks who would like the opportunity to cut a dovetail during the demonstration. Observer space is unlimited. Come watch the process, ask questions, and get an up-close look at how a dovetail cabin comes together.
Instructor Bio — Jon Anderson
Jon Anderson is the founder of Star Hill Timberworks and brings more than 30 years of hands-on experience in log work, timber framing, and dovetail construction.
Over the years, Jon has worked with traditional building methods while developing practical, repeatable approaches that make these skills more accessible to everyday builders. His experience ranges from working with heavy timbers and logs to cutting traditional joinery and constructing dovetail log structures.
Through Star Hill Timberworks, Jon also shares that experience through hands-on teaching, demonstrations, and educational resources.
His approach is simple: understand the process, get the tools in your hands, and build.