How to Build a Cheap Off Grid Log Cabin, Ep1 | Buying Logs, Chink and Daub, Pine Tar

How I built my off grid log cabin. In this video, the first in a series showing the complete build from the first cut to the last addition, I explain what logs I used, how I cut the saddle joints, what chinking recipe worked the best and how I made pine tar.
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[@delmarleite4041]

Although not speaking English, my wife and I watched all your videos ...! we love the dog ...! 🇧🇷

[@ThydaCookingTV]

Me too

[@DevinHeida]

@Saradhi 19 didnt say anything about writing

[@dsop66]

Having watched EVERY video you have ever posted i am so impressed with the evolution of your journey. I know it takes a lot to do these videos and to have a video journal of all of what you have done is a huge compliment to the dedication you have to your craft. There arent many like you Shawn and i applaud you for what you have done and what you will accomplish in the future. With everything thats going on in the world right now?... you are showing us all that it is possible to thrive in the woods. Love ya bud. Mucho respect.

[@rebeccamercer4160]

Being a parent myself,I know your parents are so thankful and proud of you and how you are sharing your gifts with others. I am so thankful to have found your videos and I am sharing them all with my family and friends that I know. God Bless you!

[@janasapu1]

How many years it is now, Shawn? I am watching you for 4 years and not fed up... Every Friday is Shawn's Friday, or MSR Friday for me. You are the biggest inspiration for me. Stay doing what you do, Jana still watching you 😍

[@Gio-ds6wu]

Bringin back the classics.

[@ThydaCookingTV]

Yes but still awesome

[@Gio-ds6wu]

@@ThydaCookingTV Only reason I watched him for 3 years now, one of the best content creators I have seen. Amazing to think of the cinematic shots he creates and way he puts together his videos with no degree or courses. Naturally gifted

[@ThydaCookingTV]

Gio Alb that’s wonderful I just come across and watch him recently!

[@jd2055]

You may not be a specialist in carpentry but you are defiantly a jack of all trades. You have to know a little bit of everything to accomplish what you have. I specially love your cinematography your videos are the best on KZbin bar none!!!!

[@fulldrawfarm7232]

Sean I know you hear this all the time but you are a huge inspiration. We are the same age and I have an off grid cabin in Maine and I really keep the way that you do things in mind when I’m working on my place. Have a great Fall good luck hunting. TJ

[@abbushcraft]

You have done a good job. The advantage to not being a certified carpenter is that your humble enough to learn different methods. I like this series, and look forward to seeing the future videos. You have learned a lot about the woods and cabin building and working with natural materials. And it shows in all of your creations. Yes. It is an evolution. But, you have a good eye and good taste in structure and looks.

[@justinlong726]

I bet u spend a good bit of your time just keeping your tools sharp.. I've followed you from the beginning and love the videos.. Gives me inspiration..

[@ThydaCookingTV]

Beautiful video to watch and learn

[@tddsctt]

He takes extremely good care of his tools also. I've never seen axes and saws as sharp as his.

[@ThydaCookingTV]

He sharpens it everyday I think

[@hbrunet72]

My husband and I live near you (about 35-40 mins north-west of you) and I have found that I have learned the most from your videos. I have been able to put some plans down on paper for what my husband and I will be doing, starting next summer. It helps that your climate and ours is pretty much the same, so in watching what does and doesn't work for you, gives us a fair indication of what will work for us as well. Sadly the property we have to work on is in an organized township, so we are forced to have something built off-site and transported in, but we are only having a shell built by a company nearby. Thank you for explaining as you learn. Again, as I have mentioned in my comments on previous videos, you have been a great source of inspiration for us, as you are only about 2 years older than us. You have helped us realize that it isn't too late for us to do what we have always wanted to do.

[@ShawnJames1]

Thanks Heather

[@VevoV]

These videos are much better I enjoy hearing you talk and teaching

[@athollmcnicoll256]

Gee Cali we saw you when you were but a Pup and lovely and cuddly and Shawn when he was but a 40 something man setting up home in the woods - now look at you two, all bettered and progressive and looking forward to another Winter's snow fall. Cheers Guys.

[@meen-r.d.7500]

You are living the life many of us ask God for. Sending many blessing so you can keep enjoying what you have worked so hard for.

[@arceliacody5151]

Shawn, I believe that the best way to learn is thru trials and errors. Then, spike it with common sense. What your doing is inspiring others to turn to something inspirational that can relieve unhealthy stress. Which is excellent for this pandemic period. Great job and keep them coming.

[@k.o.b.5794]

Great video showing your progression. If anyone doesn't understand your dedication, all they need to do is look at the chinking and daub you did and realize you needed to do that about 10,000 more times. I applaud your efforts. Also fun to see Cali so young 🐕

[@firefoley]

I am a civil engineer from Germany. Normally I am interested in streets and ground engineering. But your videos fulfill me every time... even when it’s about building topics. I really like to watch your videos and compare your POV with my knowledge. Please keep up that good work and those awesome informative videos!

[@leonawilliams6599]

Awe' Cali pup' she was so young and small''i love to look back on your build' the music is nice to'' your videos the wild life ' i will always love to watch your videos thank you for sharing the journey' bless you and your family.

[@rafalc4857]

Hey Shawn, I've been following your channel for some time now. It's really interesting and it brings loads of tranquility to my life. Thanks for the tons of inspiration. Regards from Poland.

[@nato9696]

I am his number one fan, I congratulate him for the extraordinary job he has done, I have seen almost all his videos and it amazes me, how a person can do all that so beautifully in nature, without altering anything in their environment. I am a 63 year old Mexican and her admirer, you has a beautiful family and inspired my husband and me to make a little cabin. Here where we live (La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico) there is no such wonderful vegetation that you have in Canada, but with what we have at our disposal and possibilities we are building something similar to what you have done, God bless you. to go on delighting us with his wonderful job.

[@brainclerk4431]

part 1 is a great tutorial and well explained , this series is gonna be excellent .

[@killahjay1000]

Started watching your other channel at the end of 2017. It's amazing how far you've come. The cabin, kitchen, sauna and garden. It's always fun watching you build and learning new things from and along with you. Thank you for sharing your journey. Give Cali some belly rubs for me.

[@dfuss2756]

Loved watching you then and now. Brings peace to my day. Thank you.

[@nancyjones2574]

The journey I witnessed started at the raising of the gables. While the process is/was mesmerizing, it was the combination of sounds, visuals and repetitions of building in the forest that captured my heart and slowed the pace to a healthy beat. Your journey has been my vitamin D, sustaining sanity in troubling times.

[@j.a.r.family2576]

Bro!!! You are an absolute work horse!!! All respect to you and your self reliance!! Great job.

[@barnastil591]

Even though you haven't been able to achieve the level of independence you had hoped for, you are truly living out a dream many of us won't be able to achieve. Thank you for allowing us into your journey. I truly envy you, sir.

[@couttsw]

Looking back in time, Cali is so sweet and fluffy, what a total love muffin, the dog cuddles must have been sweet at the end of the day.

[@skylarkenwood1422]

Wow all this time I thought you were a trained professional carpenter! Really impressed!

[@jeanettec6212]

This video is so helpful to those that are building right now, but of course to anyone at anytime also. You showed the tools you used, and then talked about the chinking and I was wanting to tell Jason on the Crockers what you used but didn’t know which video for him to check out. I think he watches you though anyway. I sure have told him and so many others about your channel, that they would definitely want to check you out. He’s kind of a younger you. He has a vision, and he works hard to achieve it. You truly are a inspiration, Shawn. I have watched you since the beginning and I have been blessed by it! Thank you for all the hours and time you have invested to make your channel and to bless us . God Bless

[@johnburns6422]

Working with wood is an art and You got it ,Stay safe.

[@yingying488]

Every episode I watch you work makes me think of my brother who died .. He has the art of making all kinds of wooden furniture .. You created with beautiful nature. You live with nature and live a really simple and beautiful life. Not everyone can do it like you. I never get bored of seeing your work here. And happy when being with beautiful nature With your channel.👏🌴🍃🍅🌱🍁🍂🍀 Thanks from Thailand.🙏

[@kilroygirl7347]

Great look back! Learning from our own experiences is a good thing. See you next time.

[@prestonbrown5771]

thanks Shawn i enjoy watching your videos . I am to old to do this but learn things from you. sending you support from Prepper Nurse 1 community

[@marthymesa777]

Shawn I wouldn’t say u are not a carpenter!! For someone without that tittle has dine wonders!! I wouldn’t dare!! Awesome looking!

[@tomfrankruyter5195]

I really like the idea for this series. It seems like a nice summary of the cabin build and it is a great resource for anyone wanting to build a cabin of their own.

[@randyt9403]

that's awesome, great video. Cedar makes a great cabin, being dry is helpful. Green full length logs certainly are heavy and shrink. But if that is all someone has, pack the cracks to keep the wind out and let it sit a season to settle and dry. Daub it later on. leave a gap above the windows and doors for settling.

[@americanaxetoolco2076]

This is like watching old home movies! Love it!

[@Jasmic0137]

Excellent vid Shawn! Thanks! I remember the summer of 2017, when you started. Obviously the property has changed and so have you. Since that time I have gotten my master's degree in energy economics and have worked a full year. Goodness, how time flies...

[@danik4945]

This man will NEVER cease to amaze me.

[@joelson536]

I don't understand any English, but I've been following your channel since it started.

[@ThydaCookingTV]

You write in English though

[@joelson536]

@@ThydaCookingTV I used Google translator to translate, but my Portuguese language.

[@joelson536]

@@ThydaCookingTV sou do Brazil

[@ThydaCookingTV]

@@joelson536 ohh! But perfect translate

[@virginiareid5336]

It was so nice to see the cabin go completely up at one time. Thank you so much. Take Care.

[@genecatcher1]

How to build "Cheap Off Grid Log Cabin"!? But all logs are machine pealed. Well done Shown. We see spiral traces on logs, do not worry.

[@suzannetodaro5494]

He explained that about the logs for his first cabin. He had already felled logs but they were too green aka heavy for him to make this first cabin alone. So these were milled/stripped fence posts small enough in diameter to handle alone.

[@Wooley689]

I'm glad to see this again with the explanations. Makes it easier to recap.

[@graciegolden2290]

Just so darn incredible what you do.

[@ThydaCookingTV]

Yeah incredible job

[@carolmathis6084]

Thank you for the surprise video! It's always interesting to hear your comments and perspective on your work.

[@rustedoakhomestead]

Looking forward to this series as it provides some nostalgic look backs, some updates and some learning. Kudos my friend!

[@donnabaardsen5372]

I love your video's, Shawn; never get tired of them. Something is learned from all of them for each of us here. Keep them coming, the more the better!

[@amylilleydesign]

SO HAPPY to see the build from the beginning, this is my ‘calm me down’ channel, no words necessary🏠🏠🏠❤️💯😎

[@skygerspacher6891]

So cool to see Cali when she was just a baby. I think the very first episodes I saw was when the floor wasnt finished yet and the door hadnt been covered with leather, or whatever that is to keep out drafts.

[@angelalloyd]

You should be very proud ... of how far you have come ... have enjoyed all your videos ... and look forward to many more to come...accomplishment is good for the soul...

[@kiddobee3610]

It was great to watch the build one more time. Forgot how great the sound and video quality was.

[@chloegkatkins]

I enjoy your videos. I'll never be able to try to do what you've done and are doing,(though I would love to) as I have a degenerative muscle disease that can impede me. I do have a rough cottage on Georgian Bay and find your approaches useful when I am there. It reminds me to use hand tools when I can. - especially when power tools are heavy and loud. Building and repairing things with hand tools does bring me closer to natural materials. When I am stuck in hospital attached to machines, your videos are a real salve.

[@ronklimp7197]

Appreciate your willingness to share both your successes and failures. I followed you in the first year and began a smaller cabin (10 X 10) on the footprint, but 15 X 10 upper level with 5' cantilevered over the front porch. I did not have access to any good clay and the commercial chinking materials (in calking tubes) was very expensive, so I began chinking with regular mortar and found the same deficiencies. Then I tried a quick-set repair mortar ("polymer reinforced") which requires quick work and small batches, but seemed more sticky and flexible. It has held up well for 3 years with no significant cracking or chipping. Keep up the great work.

[@timothypirnat3754]

A good summary of the cabin build. Keeping new viewers informed about the older content. Looking forward to the workshop build, and of course, Cali.

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

Memories! It’s been a few years since I watched the cabin build. Seems like you were just starting the forest kitchen when I found your channel and I went back and watched all the early videos to catch up. Can’t wait to hear what new big thing is happening for you!!💖

[@huaweipesiartrip2778]

Big thanks Shawn for acknowledge skill to share....build lodge for beginners

[@kbowb309]

This is brilliant! I have long wanted to revisit the builds, but couldn't imagine doing so without knowing where to start. And just as you said Shawn, how cool to revisit your trials and profitable errors. Smart to see and study the path of remembrance to purpose forward! You've learned a lot and done a lot. Taking us on your journey... we have too! Thank you!

[@mikefedele4521]

I remember the early days dealing with frozen moss having to thaw it out. I look forward to the series... All things considered it all has held up well.

[@4philipp]

Did you say 2017? Have I really been watching you for that long already? Your videos certainly won’t get old. I know you moved some content to the Shawn James channel from the My Self Reliance channel but I have to say I do miss the reflections at the end of a good video. It was a great combination. One day when I build my own place, I will not be ashamed to tell that I copy what you have done.

[@Robbie_S]

I started following your channel since 2017 right after Joe recommended it sometime during July that year, and I found it weird at first when you weren't talking at all but working to build the log all together. And I thought no way you'd build that by yourself. But as I watched every episode, it was an experience I can never forget. This cabin is so special to me cuz I watched the whole thing from start to end and can remember so many moments which had me awestruck and exciting. Thanks for your hardwork and inspiration you gave me over the years and it helped me build my career by doing more and talking less. Thank you Shawn. 👍🙏

[@ericeverson5956]

Shawn, you have really "put the pedal to the medal":) You look like you are much more relaxed and definitely stronger. Good show, Sir. Good luck and blessings.

[@vojko8]

I do remember your epic build. I've followed all your episodes. Good job!

[@daneshepherd5534]

You are really giving us a "how to" acumulate, absorbe, learn & then do stuff! It makes living in nature a reality!

[@sheilastubbe7339]

Love your dreams coming to fruition! I am amazed with your hard work, talent, skill & knowledge. The legacy you're building is extraordinary. I just subscribed but have been following your work for @3 yrs. Cali is a die-hard too!

[@nursemettsmsn]

I love watching things evolve and you teaching like this. You inspire me and my son. I have always wanted a log cabin and my husband does too, except he would like it in the country not in the wild like me lol

[@brianogden9076]

Praise isn't a word. Inspiration or jealous ok just plan. Thank you for being u

[@Gawonii1Austencao]

I watched the entire build, and in past time I have re-watched from the beginning in between postings, I have even gone back into your very first postings, every episode!

[@lauramarti7548]

Well that was fun to watch the cabin evolve again. Thanks Shawn.

[@joehaefeker5752]

Playing with mud as a kid brings back memories 🙂

[@ArielleViking]

It was lovely to watch all these past pieces again. ❤

[@basshunter4144]

thank you sir its always good to see you and thx for the vid and talk about the build. you,ve work hard to have a cabin in the woods and it shows i want to thank you for taking us along. God bless be safe up there

[@marvinferdig]

really apreciate that you have gone through the details of chinking Makes way more since this time through

[@rodneywroten2994]

Shawn that was so great to see when and the start of the Cabin. You have to be very proud of the advance and hard work in your builds. Plus you have not changed very much in your work but I am so glad you at least buy a saw mill that will give you all the lumber you need. Good luck and thank you for your sharing of your life

[@Gordonseries385]

You got me thinking of what inspired me to build in general when a kid was my Lincoln log, erector set, Sears steam engine, and models and my Grandfathers building tools he had in the garage he built He built the house and garage during the great depression and got alot of the wood where he worked Johnson and Johnson figured it out and use used wood which today is still standing and looking good the land mark of the town with a fortified cement water well still working at 150 feet deep and doubles as a bomb shelter

[@Luke-en1jj]

im so glad i found these 2 channels

[@ananihjh7460]

Very hard working man, strong and full of ideas 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓

[@ginnicolee2502]

Lovely to watch again. Cali is so little and cute!

[@RomainBoisdepalettes]

Salute,Corsica here !!!!!

[@colettelavery7452]

I have been watching your progress and it hard to believe what you have achieved since you started the log cabin you are some man and your work ethic is so satisfying and Cali the faithful friend stay safe 🇨🇮

[@leonawilliams6599]

Thank you Shawn for explaining the different types of chinking used and what works best'

[@PavlovsBob]

Great idea for a series, Shawn. Educational and inspirational. What a great resource for many years to come. Stay well. Cheers!

[@ThydaCookingTV]

Stay safe friend

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Super interesting and informative and seeing puppy Cali! I'd say you have become a good carpenter Shawn! And this is coming from a woodworker. You've done beautiful, honest and heartfelt work. You can be very proud in my opinion! You have a Huge Family out here and Greatly Appreciated! Love, Light, Peace and Much Joy! DaveyJO in Pa.

[@marianfrances4959]

So good to see all that again! Your path is very meaningful to many! All the best to you, your family, and Cali! 😉🇨🇦👍💜

[@ggamboa9873]

I remember watching this from the main channel and I love how this series explains much of the process and the behind the scene. 😊 I am such a huge fan, your videos helped me get through some really difficult sleepless nights. I appreciate you Shawn. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. ❤️

[@cynthiaesquivel51]

Você tem muitos dons, Shawn. Dons inacreditáveis. Dentre seus talentos de lenhador, carpinteiro, designer, decorador, cozinheiro, está uma força física e espíritual inacreditável. A perfeição, rapidez e agilidade no trabalho são inigualáveis. Sua determinação incansável não vê dificuldades nem reduz seu ritmo em erros ou tentativas fracassadas em tuuuudo o que você faz. Jamais vi alguém igual a você, James. Você não é deste mundo!

[@Aliceinjonesville]

Fantastic! Thanks for all the chinking info.!!! I have been wondering about that since I was a kid!!! Love all your videos!

[@marygordon3032]

Hey Shawn no matter it’s still awesome what you’ve done so far. Thanks! 👍👍👍💯💯💯

[@BA-yo3vz]

🇨🇦 Great series. Thanks for starting it. I came into your channel when the cabin was just built so this is great plus your narration. Perfect.

[@Rayceemon]

I'm looking forward to this series. It should help answer some quesstions I had about the build. Nice input about the chinking - Interesting to hear the natural materials held up this well filling in between the logs... What a fortunate break finding those seasoned cedar posts to get your project started quicker, and on the right foot. Well done Shawn. Keep them coming.

[@archieoutdoors1776]

Wow, I never knew that you had prebuilt the cabin at home, i honestly thought it was built on site. That is eye opening and makes this dream seem a little more realistic to also pursue as someone looking at your life from the outside in.

[@vanessagodiin770]

It must have been such a great feeling to see your hard work transform into such a beautiful handmade structure you made all by yourself. It is beautiful and so well thought out. To think you utilized all the natural things around you to build this wonderful cabin. The result of your hard effort is a good lesson to all, that if you really want something you can make it happen by learning by trial and error along the way to ensure you achieve your goals. Making something you imagine of this magnitude and turning it into reality has to be so fulfilling. Your developed skills will be so useful as you take on new projects that will expand your homestead. Well done Shawn! You have proven the old saying, that "Where there is a Will, there is a Way" :) Love, love your videos. They are much more than a man building a cabin in the woods. They are inspiration to us all that simple living is indeed a luxury, maybe hard work, but every ounce of sweat is the life you have made for yourself and your family and what a "provider" that makes you. We all need to take a step back to take inventory on our lives and even if we make little changes to simplify our life you reap great rewards in many ways. Thank you for sharing your journey with us Shawn. Your positive influence makes us all think twice about the direction we are taking our lives today, especially in these uncertain times across the world. We only have to open our eyes we can see the world in a much clearer perspective. Everything we need to live comfortably has been provided for us by our creator to build a self reliant life without the need for an over materialistic lifestyle.

[@johnhazlett8395]

Your a very talented guy well done 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ThydaCookingTV]

Well done

[@MrCow579]

This is awesome!!!! The information in this video is so valuable for those who want to try this themselves.

[@Epiha]

I'm so excited for this new series Shawn, thanks so much for assembling these videos.

[@davecurda2350]

I have been watching from the beginning nice too take a look back. Can’t wait to see what’s next.

[@wertfreund2480]

What a beautiful Homestead You've built Shawn.. what an outstanding journey so far, mate! a first cabin, the kitchen the stone backing of the oven the "thanksgiving-stairs" in it The outdoor kitchen The clay oven The BBQ/Rocketstove The Sauna The mancave longhouse Two gardens and now a pond a root cellar a workshop ... ..a greenhouse coming up My-selfreliance-village is prospering!☝🏼💪🏽😇 My Kudos don't forget more canoeing, fishing and hunting to Ballance well! 😁

[@ArtisanCustoms]

Very nice! I've been building homes, remodeling as well as doing many different forms of carpentry the majority of my life and want to put all my knowledge together, mixed with stuff like this to eventually create a sustainable homestead using as many natural materials as possible. Unfortunately modern homes are very toxic and city codes are quite prohibitive or else id already be on my way in some form or another... you're helping me keep that dream alive so i very much appreciate what you have going on. Your videos are becoming a regular watch for me. What you are doing is invaluable to people like myself who understand that this is the best retirement plan anyone could have. Keep them coming.

[@OdeeOz]

Shawn, that you did the majority of this work, _with hand tools, _*_is nothing short of amazing!_* 🤜😳🤛 💯👍👏

[@tinaantatico6397]

You are one of a kind. You are an inspiration to everybody. You're such a wonderful person, full of positive thoughts. Keep it up👍🇵🇭👏😘

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Shawn .