6 Essential Tools for Building an Off Grid Log Cabin

Building this log cabin by myself with hand tools has been challenging and a real learning experience. The tools I started out with at the beginning of the cabin build are not the ones I'm finishing with and in this video I explain why. From my axe and saw to my hammer and nails, the tools change and evolve throughout the DIY project, but I also discover which tools are a waste of money and which ones I can't do without.
Building a log cabin alone in the wilderness is difficult enough with help and power equipment, but I have been surprised at how well it can go with a little forethought and a lot of thinking and adjusting on the go. I thought I would need more equipment for handling and lifting logs, but I was able to do it with muscle power alone, saving time and money in the process.
If you haven't seen the rest of the my videos on the cabin build where I put these tools to use, check out the Playlist titled, Log Cabin: Bear Den. From the first tree cut down with a Gransfors Brux axe and Agawa Canyon Boreal21 bow saw to the final board on the roof, and this week, a front porch, all of the process has been documented in that playlist.
To follow my adventures and building project between videos, you may want to follow along on my other social media platforms;
Website: myselfreliance....
Facebook - / myselfreliance
Personal Facebook Page (Shawn James) - / shawn.james.msr
Instagram - / myselfreliance
My Self reliance, shawn james, winter camping, Bushcraft, Woodcraft, Survival, Primitive skills, Nature, EDC, Preparedness, Homesteading, Homestead, Camping, Fire, Self Reliance, Self Sufficiency, Living Off The Land, Off The Grid, Survival Kit, Bushcraft Kit, Campfire Cooking, Fjallraven, outdoors

[@Jaystorm241]

I refreshed my feed and the gods answered!

[@MySelfReliance]

lol, I had so much content while editing today that I figured, why not release 2 or 3 videos this week?!

[@niller207]

Are we getting 2 or 3 videos this week? Wow Christmas has truly come early this year!

[@MySelfReliance]

lol. I think I can get at least one extra video edited per week for the next 4 weeks based on what I've already filmed.

[@libertyfivefivesix]

excellent.

[@joejohnson6786]

My Self Reliance i know you may have covered this topic but i was woundering what are the pros and cons to around pole cabin 2 a flat traditional Styles slab cabin lot of people say that there's a lot of Maintenance that comes with these and vice-versa to the other flat style

[@Yitzhakhazak]

Allow me to make a list: Bow-saw (folding), eventually with two blades, fine-groove....Standard axe...Felling saw, one or double handed...Fine saw....Chisel (s)....Wide gouge...long handle Planer...Draw-knife....Ripping saw...Short ax...Mallet 2-3 lbs...Standard hammer...Timber hook...Sharpening stone and oil!!!! Great tools! No engines! Liked it a lot!

[@amandasoler9327]

Super beautiful great life smart man multitalented are you married 😄

[@CameronJamesRose]

I really owe you a vote of thanks now Shawn. This week I broke ground on my own cabin project, I'm going for something a little smaller than yours (around 9x12). I'd love to go all out with the hand tools but I have quite a tight window at the moment so I'll be exercising the chainsaw instead. Lovely location, about an hours walk from the nearest footpath with a nice river running close by and almost exclusively Douglas Fir to build with. Thanks for the inspiration, your content is invaluable.

[@MySelfReliance]

that sounds very nice!

[@mikeyyoyo6464]

I've watched some of your cabin building videos friend but the one that touched me was your talk on debt, favours & toxic relationships, associates etc. Very wise words. New subscriber. Hi from Scotland 👍

[@LegendsLiars]

A mid-week treat. Thank you!

[@tm502010]

You and that dog... Your videos do more for advocating the value and joy of having a trusty dog than SO MANY other videos do! She's a joy to watch.

[@LadyintheWoods]

Want to come to Oklahoma and build mine????? I wish I was 10 years younger, thank you for the wonderful videos, you are never boring, so patient and humble. My family is learning more with every video.

[@CapCityDC]

Great shout outs to the younger generations. My daughter is only 3-1/2 so her attention span is not there yet to sit with daddy and watch a whole video but maybe next year. Looking forward to seeing the rock projects in '18.

[@robg521]

Hi Shawn, As kids we loved getting hold of shopping catalogues and going straight to the toys section. Now we are older we go straight to the tools section. LOL. So tools are always a really interesting subject and your reasons for your choices give clarity so we can all make informed decisions. Thanks :-)

[@MySelfReliance]

Rob G lol, very true

[@simonhopkins3867]

Yes.

[@MsCaterific]

Tools are to men as shoes are to women. Can never have enough.

[@caitlinschneider7484]

These videos have been very helpful. Me and My dad are building a log cabian in my back yard. It's only 8 by 8 but it works because I'm only 12. I hope to see the interior soon👍

[@stellarpod]

Sweet! A mid-week bonus vid! Thanks for sharing, Shawn. Steve

[@davidclayton1737]

Thank you from my Family here in Michigan. My 10 year old Son and I are planning to start building this spring. We like your channel very much so.

[@tm502010]

Love the simple clear way you explain things. You are a natural teacher. I know that may sound odd to you, considering your shyness and past background as you have discussed in other videos, but it's true. You know your stuff, explain why and how - but don't let your ego get in the way. Rare indeed. Also love how the natural beauty and peace of the cabin and the land comes through in every video...

[@rollyahmmed4438]

hello sir im roland lasala from philippines and working here in saudi arabia for 15 yrs already...i dont know why i keep watching ur videos but i kind of can relate maybe because what u r doing is my ultimate dream...building my own house a kind of native house...eat organic food..stay out of noisy city...live peacefully off grid...be with my wife...to have a simple but fullfilling happy and contented life...thank u very much for inspiring lot of people around the world..including me..take good care always and keep inspiring people ..godbless

[@tyronepearson5327]

Love you videos and the settings. Being a carpenter/woodworker I appreciate your true craftsmanship.

[@coolissimo69]

Damn my friend I almost its not nice to cold turkey us without your videos . Thanks for another great video.

[@MrThejong]

You are making a carpenter in the Netherlands happy! Thanks,

[@sirfishslayer5100]

And yet ANOTHER informative video. Keep em coming Shawn! Thanks!

[@neilpountney9414]

You are certainly stewing my creative juices with your efforts.. great job!

[@caper55]

Purchased a log carrier at Lee Valley one handy dandy little tool thanks for the tip......

[@libertyfivefivesix]

COOL!... Friday came early this week! Thank you for the Bear Den play list - appreciate the curated playlist for this cabin.

[@shishkebab5306]

You make so many of us want to run off and live in the woods, unfortunately my skills would only build me maybe a bushcraft shelter. Love watching your vids and look forward to the next one.

[@chrisjohnherbert]

Just wanted to say your such a inspirational humble man. Thank you for your videos you continue to inspire me and my love for hunting and the outdoors. All the way from country NSW Australia.

[@daverenshomestead636]

Thank you for sharing what tools you use Shawn. I remember growing up and watching wood workers on tv, it’s nice to see people use the natural method of building rather than electrical tools.

[@gasguzzler69]

hand tools are gold, no fuel needed. just muscle and motivation.

[@marcusfowler139]

Good stuff. Glad to see real tools with function rather than the toyish gizmos that so many promote. Thanks

[@brianspencer4220]

Hi Shawn: My grand father used to tell me that a good workman is worth good tools . You sure prove the point. Thanks Brian 77

[@MySelfReliance]

thanks Brian. :)

[@Ladythyme]

WOW who woulda thought there were so many kinds of saws! Lol .... really Interesting video! Tks

[@jamesoncross7494]

Shawn, don't forget to remind everyone that you are a master level carpenter. You make it look easy, and it is not by any means.

[@MySelfReliance]

Lol, I’m about as amateur as they come.

[@jamesoncross7494]

My Self Reliance I thought you owned a construction company and built houses for a living? You have done it for your whole life you said. You are a high level carpen5.

[@MySelfReliance]

No, commercial roofing and sheet metal

[@jamesoncross7494]

My Self Reliance oh. I'm sorry. I thought it was general construction. Still, you are better with your hands with tools than most.

[@72PRODIGALSON]

I wait ALL week, just for your vids. Picking up a lot of tips and good advice from watching you. Keep doing what you do and thanks for doing it.

[@chenry7084]

Great thing about hand tools like that is they can often be had at a relatively low cost, I've seen more than a few such tools at charity stores, thrift shops, and garage sales. It goes for power tools too, I've gotten more than a few of my tools for a fraction of what a new one would cost, and its how my dad got the draw knife he used to make some very nice log furniture.

[@carlosfernandez1]

Your videos are like OJT...You are a teacher. I really love all your videos.

[@DDan61]

Nice one Shawn! Some folks may think that things simply happen because your good, but being someone that wood carves, I can say "DO NOT SAVE ON THE TOOLS YOU USE"!! It will always be the best investment in the long run as they will take care of you, as long as you take care of them!

[@crazyjoelowe]

I'd love to see a video from you on safety... Especially since you're working alone most of the time... I've been concerned for your well being more than once -- working at heights without being tied off, for instance. I love what you do, I just want to make sure you're working safely for your sake and the sake of your family.

[@MySelfReliance]

I actually filmed some safety segments a few times and they never seemed to fit into the video. Hard to believe I had hundreds of construction worker employees and weekly taught them safety, including working at heights, etc., eh? The irony is not lost on me when I watch my own videos. lol

[@akse]

I never use any safety equipment when working on my property :) Or well hearing protection the only. Gotta get some safety glasses when doing some grinding and stuff.. difficult to position sometimes so the sparks dont fly at your face. Well actually I have a hardhat with a safety eye mask at my closet which I have to use at work sometimes when visiting customers. Never used at home.

[@elizabethshipman3947]

You have a great week too..enjoyed as always

[@CiecieNewson]

Cally is so adorable and playful. I'd love to have a dog like her. ~Smile!

[@ronsadventures8855]

Good to know tool about the tool selection. Thanks for the info Shawn.

[@staystrongtom]

I've learned so much sense your first upload starting the foundation. Been clean and sober 3 months sense I commented on that video...Still a ways away from Buying land but the goal is set...Im excited to see how you troubleshoot in the winter and your prep...Everything is so thought out and managed in such a useful way...Thank again for the knowledge and wisdom.

[@lindahodgkins4197]

Nice! Just the right length and great explanation on scribing the logs.....and of course, love the Cali snap shot. :)

[@RustyHaloMetalDetecting]

Thank you for this! I'm sharing this to my husband so that he'll know what to get me for my birthday on the 26th! Before I found your channel I had already decided to build a cabin out of cedar. The more I watch and learn, the more I want it and the more I think I CAN do it! Thank you!

[@rbwiginton7541]

Thanks for answering the tools question. I am looking for a one man saw for cord wood and you've given me good ideas!

[@scottmclennan6114]

Lots of tools me and my Grandad used to use when I was a kid. Nice to see people still u

[@scottmclennan6114]

Use them

[@Nicamist]

Scott McLennan if you click the 3 dots you can edit you original comment.

[@sonofabear]

Awesome! I love these informational, straight to the point videos along with your usual documentary style. I think I am going to pick up a couple of these tools.

[@nickmorris9383]

I enjoy his videos.....as an ex-army ranger having been taught the diciplines of survival I see his videos helping people to thrive in this life style.......it may seem brutal, but after your dwelling is built, a person CAN live a robust, elegant life......good job on videos.....i would have built mine a little bigger and built a 4 square cabin with privacy rooms.....

[@simonhopkins3867]

Thank you Sir. it amazes me how much you've done with hand tools. I'm a power tool addict. keep up the good work bud.🍺

[@flowrider5082]

Thanks for sharing that useful information. Lee Valley tools is a super place for so many great tools.

[@reverendjimjones9061]

wolf+ myself i did not like the order process at lee valley or the showroom as it displays very little of what they actually have so as you can tell i hate the computer ordering nonsense, scanning through pages and pages of goods drives me nuts,, if they had tools to actually see and feel i would have spent a fortune instead i walked out buying zilch and went elsewhere,, call it what you may,, me old school eh ,lol

[@scottoppelt]

Loved it!! a WEDNESDAY TREAT!!

[@StonyRC]

Very interesting and slightly unexpected choice of tools. More of Cali please, she's clearly a beautiful and slightly mischievous dog.

[@TheWoodsOnline]

I’m truly impressed with all he sawing you have done with that Stanley. I haven’t used one since I was a kid, but I never remember them working that good. lol

[@lloydhall4296]

New fan and long term of grid lifestyle participants. Thanks so much for your honest and no bs style. Your choices of tools are spot on. You earned a fan in me. Good luck and stay safe.

[@Aesulf]

A good lesson on the type of woods you use and for what purpose would be appreciated . Knowing what type of wood to use is critical.

[@Ruweisat]

Nice tools, but it’s your talent that makes the difference.

[@treeclimbing7798]

Chisels are invaluable, whatever kind & I love 💕 Hand Planers. CLC work gloves 🧤 found them @ O’Reileys Auto Parts. Black w/Yellow -many types they last & holes Don’t grow larger!

[@lilbo1Y1]

This video answers all of my saw questions, thanks

[@mrplague9881]

Addictions are not good, But I am addicted to these videos.

[@Anthonyz19]

Great video, look forward to watching them when I get the alerts!!

[@REAPERMILITIAOUTDOORS]

Estwing are great tools that last a lifetime great video 👍🤘👊

[@leifcapparellipettersen7347]

You're an inspiration to us all, Shawn. I hope we still get to accompany you through your projects and trips, getting these wonderfully filmed and invaluable tips for a long time to come. I know I'll be putting all of this into practice one day. Thanks for everything.

[@BushcraftAdventure]

Hello! Working with wood such an interesting process. This video reminds me about neеd to have such tools. Thanks for sharing✋🏻😏

[@barstedd1067]

I LIKED THE WIDE GOUGING TOOL THANK U 4 THE ADVICE AND JUST GETTING THE CHANCE TO LISTEN TO YOU MATE !!!

[@robertbarnes5839]

Did you literally cut down & process every log in your home? Fabulous job you feel very proud.

[@commonsensecamper]

Ahhhh finally a man who knows his tools....the dead giveaway was you pronounced Estwing properly! Great video

[@ThaGr8Cornman]

Thank you very much for the info- our gen does not know the value...not needing to go to the library to "hopefully" find relevant info. This is extremely contextual for this project. Thanks again for sharing- coulda had many more hours of 'groundbreaking' material but you focus on teaching. Thanks again!

[@guyguy1614]

I would watch you read the phone book. As long as your at the cabin. Keep the great videos coming.

[@davidferreira4562]

Hi Shawn you're such an inspiration for those you just want to leave the city and build their own cabin from watching your videos it makes me want to do that but with two kids think I might need to wait a little bit longer but all your videos have given me a big idea and I would love to build my own cabin just like you to get away from it all once again you're a big inspiration and thank you for your videos can't wait for this job interview finish love watching the videos

[@jeanettec6212]

Amazing how hard you work and still can put up videos! Always excited for the next!♡♡♡

[@fredmoller1675]

Shawn, you are a real traditionalist, which is a great thing, and hurry up next week.....I'm waiting!

[@MySelfReliance]

lol thanks. Tomorrow's video is my longest yet I think. Should be up first thing tomorrow.

[@fredmoller1675]

I'll be looking forward to it, Shawn!

[@ricks.1092]

Wow, a video before Friday...what a special X-MAS treat this is.

[@BillJobs01]

I look forward to your videos every Friday morning. I always lay down in bed with a cup of coffee and watch you've uploaded. You're inspiring me to make a cabin of my own one day.

[@billbye2427]

Happy to see you using a straight claw hammer, cant be beat in heavy const. thanks

[@EdgewoodOutdoors]

Nice synopsis Shawn! Nice to have an overview of the tools that were necessary for your build...

[@e-sessions3800]

I subscribed two weeks ago - watched all your vids up till now. Bro, you are inspirational and i love every minute of it, learning so much from just watching them. Keep it up! :-)

[@jadlteif8143]

Man, you're such an inspiration. Thanks Shawn :D Keep it up!

[@jasonmccann4341]

Nice one Shawn! I can just imagine how you are feeling seeing this build come along. No stress, private land, and doing the things you love. That's pretty amazing if you ask me.

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks Jason, you got it!

[@WESSERPARAQUAT]

congratulations you are some man to be able to do all that work and construction with handsaws incredible you have the strength of an oxx!

[@KaylynnStrain]

nice selection, dog wanted to be a show stealer at the end

[@CaptMaxADV]

I wanted to say on the last video, but I'll say it here. I feel so lucky to have followed along on this journey. Your floor episode was my favorite. Seeing those flashbacks takes me back to when I was first watching this guy hack down some logs on a lot in the middle of nowhere. I was like, alright.... lets see where this goes and how good could it really be? Just how realistic is it for a guy like me to build a cabin? This series is amazing man. Every single episode has been so inspiring. Easily my favorite series I've ever been a fan of on YT. And I have some great shows I watch! Always looking forward to your next update and I just have all sorts of visions of doing mine one day too. You're the best duder!

[@MySelfReliance]

Jeremy A Thanks so much Jeremy. I like finding the older clips and recalling what was going through my mind at the time too, wondering where I was going with this.

[@BEATS-je8nt]

Love your work mate you really inspired me through your work i watched you from start to finish in your videos and now i am on a journey to build my own log cabin in new Zealand once again thanks mate and god bless

[@WhiteAngloSaxon]

Your videos are a refreshing break from the other immature overgrown kids that play in the woods.

[@rick91443]

Incredible! I must go WAY BACK to find your first videos. Had NO IDEA you even forested the trees by hand....Incrdible isn't the word. cheers...rr

[@lonewolfsurvival3453]

My favorite channel, you do great work Shawn! We have the same personality (I'm a fairly extreme introvert, self-imposed "loner"), many of the same views and you are exactly where I'd like to be at some point. You're an inspiration to me and many others, I'm sure. Thank you for taking the time to do these videos and share your thoughts and wisdom with us, I appreciate it a great deal.

[@lonewolfsurvival3453]

By the way, something about your appearance and demeanor remind me of Richard Gere, have you gotten that before? Not a bad thing as far as I'm concerned, just an observation.

[@MySelfReliance]

thanks, :) I have actually, but never Kevin Costner which I keep getting here on KZbin for some reason. lol

[@lonewolfsurvival3453]

Yeah, I can see Kevin Costner in a way.

[@niller207]

Thanks for uploading yet another great video! :)

[@omarmald]

Waiting of a long video from you, thanks for the list.

[@MySelfReliance]

omar maldonado :) Friday

[@thunderboltchastain3065]

I love good, reliable, practical tools. In my collection I have one saw. It's a Japanese style Maples pull saw. Double sided. Cross cut on one side and finer teeth on the other side.

[@ericmac2]

Shawn I'm glad to see Kali helping out ... Keeping you organized.

[@richardbaker6194]

Thank you Shawn. It is a pleasure watching your video's....

[@pats5796]

Great video..useful information. Keep up the good work you are truly a Master Craftsman.

[@waltereldridge9447]

I was curious about some pf the tools you used James. Thanks for the info. 👍👍

[@jessejames9272]

Helped so much. Finally learned wat that giant chisel is. A timber framing slick. Thx bud.

[@donnacrozier3327]

Thanks Shawn, I’m really enjoying the series. I find it very calming and inspirational. I enjoy both the shots of you working and the wisdom you share in the reflections segments. It’s inspired me in a small way to tackle a few DIY jobs projects around the house. I used to do a lot of DIY and somehow I lost my way the last few year. Now I am excited even to tackle them. Thank you. P.S You forgot to add your trusty spirit level to the tool list.

[@stephenzevetchin]

Excellent video. I like that slick. I don't recall seeing you use it a lot, but obviously you did. Again, great tool vid.

[@flooblet]

very valuable video thank you, I'm building a cabin in the spring, this is very helpful

[@kato2531]

One of the most enjoyable video on KZbin. You are a amazing builder, may I suggest you hold a class to teach ppl how to build a log cabin.. If you do decide to give such class let me know .

[@willtravel4food446]

lin juan man he could make so much money with this idea

[@outlawjjsmith]

Shawn, great explanation on the essentials tools needed to build a Log Cabin. Thanks man!

[@adammetzinger7715]

A SLICK! definitely getting one. THANK YOU FOR THE VODEO!

[@jacelawton4774]

WOOOHOOO!!! I LOVE WHEN YOUR VIDEOS POP UP IN MY FEED!!! Good to see more content buddy!

[@johnmontague69]

Awesome videos Sean.

[@marksparkplug7758]

Nice job Shawn! Take care.

[@Gr3g4]

Thatnks for new film mr James. :)

[@stevenedwards4470]

Very useful and informative break down. You must be in massive shape by now. xD

[@MySelfReliance]

lol, probably the best shape of my life. Thanks.