Off Grid Log Cabin Build - Moving logs

More on this topic at offgridwarrior.com
Building an off grid log cabin sounds like fun right? Don't forget about moving the logs. We do not own any heavy equipment so moving logs for our build can be quite the adventure. Here you can see how I am moving the logs from our felling area to the cabin.
Who needs heavy equipment when you have an SUV... good times.
Thanks for watching.

[@walterpalmer2749]

With my back and other injuries, I could never do this. Every time you strain I wince. Only an able bodied man could do what you're doing. Be glad you can do this. My respect.

[@offgridwarrior]

+Walter Palmer Thanks Walter, all the best to you.

[@thatsthewayitgoes9]

The driver is GREAT. she has skill and intuition to be crane operator !

[@thatsthewayitgoes9]

She also listens and instantly follows through with signals from the crew guy

[@ShaneHerrick]

Fun... I've been doing this my whole life.Nice seeing others take it on.Cool vid.

[@bashisobsolete.pythonismyn6321]

pardon my ignorance but, what are the merits of using whole trunks (besides being bullet/bear proof)? it's extremely heavyweight!

[@107retired]

watching you work, it becomes clear why caution and thoughtful processing is essential. An injury or accident out there, could be fatal, but nothing at all in an urban or city environment. Makes me greatly appreciate what our ancestors went through building this republic. Thank you for sharing! Oh, and we see now, that the Mrs.s is not a figment of your imagination!! LOL!

[@JackG79]

NOt only that, The missus is quite the looker as well! This will be a beautiful home for you two when completed!

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Yeah, I know I’m late to the show, but had heard her referenced in half a dozen videos and was starting to wonder about her existence as well....

[@walterbond3628]

I'm in West Virginia and we call those block and tackle instead of snatch blocks well now I'm going to finish watching your videos I hope it's pretty good and so far it is

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Walter Bond The “snatch block” is a type of block used, as in “block and tackle” with the “tackle” referring to the ropes, cable, and even chains...

[@EmmaBeverage]

Makes me wish I were young again! By the time I bought the land, I was too old to handle the work!

[@triumphmanful]

You are so lucky to have such nice even straight logs. Most are tapered and have to be alternated to get a straight wall. Nice work. You have GRIT !

[@redbullshitface]

I now understand how the pyramids were made! Awesome job on the house. Y

[@MindfullyMindy]

WELL DONE! You are working smarter, not harder. As for all those bark peels, place them in the area you want a garden and you will get the best soil possible.

[@THECARKUS]

I bet you sleep well at the end of the day! Don't hurt yourself. Your doing good work.

[@offgridwarrior]

+THECARKUS ... yup I sleep like a log.

[@adventure002006]

Great job, lot so hard world involved. We helped build a cabin years ago using the same techniques, brute force with mechanical advantage of cables and pullys. One thing we added was an old car engine hood to help bring logs out of bush. laid the ends of log on it, could lay more than one long on it, thread chain through hood then around log ends to hold hood in place, acted like a sled through the rough ground, preventing the leading end of the logs from digging in. We also made sure when hooking logs, the hook at end of chain came down over chain, if bought up under and hooked, when slack there is danger of hook falling down down and away from chain, freeing log to roll away.

[@willmv4139]

Clever set up. Great work! Thank you for sharing.

[@theoldwizard998]

Using 2 snatch block is brilliant ! It keeps the work vehicle close to where you are maneuvering the log so yu don't have to yell to much to the Missus ! When using chains for wrapping around thing to haul them, I have found that replacing one of the hooks with an over sized hook that the chain will slide through and tighten as you pull, to be very useful.

[@cowsgohuh7328]

So glad I found this channel. Ever since I first saw Alone in the wilderness I have always wanted to do this. Kudos to you for being able to do this. If you ever need any help on anything I also live in Washington state. I would love to give you a hand.

[@GotFreight]

Just found your channel & will subscribe. I live in Alaska & we plan to do what your doing as soon as we find the right property. You & your wife are amazing to watch. You're like finely meshed gears perfectly in sync. Looking forward to more videos.

[@tropifiori]

Very clever. I did some logging with a light tractor and was amazed at how dangerous it was. This looks safer

[@markkurtis8637]

I too used larger than average logs (better thermal protection) and to lift logs to the wall we built, from dimension lumber, a small crane that was self-standing on a square footprint. Sort of pyramidal with a center-balanced, vertically pivoting arm. The lift side of the arm was hooked to the balance point of the log. The opposite end of te arm was hooked with a come-along to loops of cable, through the floor, around floor-joists. This anchored the crane and provided the leverage needed to lift the logs. The higher the lift the longer the crane arm or adjust it to pivot a bit off center (but that adds weight to the lifting end). Great interest here. Would like to see more of it.

[@Mizpagh67]

When he chained the first log up look close at where the hook is pointing. If he switched it so the heavier part of the hook is facing forward,instead of the thinner part of the hook,it is much stronger method.

[@jeremybates5207]

Wow, you guys are getting it done! Chance of a lifetime.

[@offgridwarrior]

+Jeremy Bates Thanks... we think so too.

[@Woodenarrows]

It's hard work without power lifting equipment but you two are doing pretty well. Thanks for sharing...

[@thelyingscotsman7993]

Very ingenious hard working people .Keep it up.

[@cajun812]

In 2001, after 15 years together, my wife and I divorced, but I can tell you, she'd NEVER have helped like this, lol. You've got a good woman there friend. All the best!

[@italianotore]

cajun812 t

[@all4180]

Awesome video guys! I was kinda wondering how to best move these beasts. This is VERY helpful!

[@brianoliver521]

Couple of suggestions : Taper your leading end of the logs so they don't dig in to the ground when being dragged. the other is to use an endless chain to lift and move the logs with your overhead cable.

[@offgridwarrior]

+Brian Oliver Good tips, thanks Brian.

[@rancetm]

you guys are killing it , great video

[@canesser1]

Teamwork and using your noggin, excellent work. Yes, it will be interesting at the upper wall.

[@jetbikes1]

Lots of enjoyment moving logs with snatch blocks , I have the same red ones you have. What I did find though was using Straps instead of chains was a lot easier

[@macnudd]

Off Grid Warrior, you are doing a great job, I am not sure where, but I would like to know. I just found your channel and will be watching for ideas if I am ever able to do this. I do have a suggestion, when you rig a log for pulling or lifting, wrap the chain around twice and put the grab hook out instead of in. That is safer and proper rigging. And you have won the lottery with your wife, if she hunts with you, you are truly blessed.

[@offgridwarrior]

+macnuth Thanks macnuth, I really appreciate your comment... Mrs Off Grid Warrior approves as well :-) Thanks for the tip, all the best to you.

[@Gehlleny]

Freaking cool guys!! Awesome job!!!

[@walterbond3628]

you could use ramps up lock ramps to put the fire logs up with the pulley system that you got

[@go2zgoldhollum383]

great work guys,look forward to seeing what else your doin. awesome area, gonna be starting my own real soon

[@baltsosser]

Really a strong coordinated effort.

[@Auraborialus]

Thank you guys for sharing.

[@gia777gia]

Wow! You two are so innovative and amazing! thanks for sharing your video! Cheers from Northern BC Canada!

[@offgridwarrior]

+Gina Dawn We love Canadians... well actually their bacon. Thanks for your comment.

[@richardsabean5781]

BC that's B ALAN MACKY'S NEIGHBORHOOD..

[@Jenniferpedro]

very educational video...thank you. look forward to seeing the next phase of your build. :)

[@ManuLeMayan]

Can't wait to get started.

[@67cuda38]

I've logged, drove truck, heavy equipment, and your lucky to be working with light logs. Dense wood would be much different. You'd have to use heavier cable, quite possibly a better vehicle, and different techniques to manage them.

[@marcstecker746]

Amazing work.

[@Banjo-lm2wl]

Well done great team work guys

[@dabruscar]

Brilliant use of the ropes etc mate.

[@northwinds9155]

it will be like a final destination movie if the cable snaps and a log landing towards you lol. otherwise smart using pulley to move those heavy logs.

[@Minh_1994]

Thật là thông minh và tài giỏi ở nước chúng tôi chưa được hiển đại như nước của bạn

[@ssearl3231]

Good job

[@rlewis9753]

Pole ramps on 2 side rolling them by chain would be great

[@davidhale8461]

Too funny , that itty bitty dog wanted to Carry that log off ! Good vid. Thanks for the info. Im currently getting ready to build a log cabin off grid. Have done it before but was young, dumb and strong. Built a two story cabin 22x22’ alone using two tripods to lift logs. They were 8 “ wide by 18 deep and 24’ long. Took me 5 years doing on days off and after work. PS: does your lady have an older sister 😄 Peeling is not the most fun in the world but eating a good meal after is !!

[@offgridwarrior]

Thanks for your comment David. This build was 5 years ago... I'm glad you enjoyed it. I have since sold the completed cabin and property. Good luck with your new build, few can really appreciate the effort, dedication and joys of living like this and building by hand your own home. My ex does does have an older sister.... But trust me, you're better off not getting to know that one :-) Keep well.

[@davidhale8461]

Off Grid Warrior hah hah !! Been there done that ! Cheers !!

[@voltbrady]

excellent video my friend .

[@FBall-im8ui]

What aigrette helper, she drove excellently, had areal feel for distance , I've seen many wives on boats quit after th efforts sail, this chick is tough in my opinion, great team work guys

[@jeremymtz360]

Ive seen lots of people put the hook into the chain itself glad to see another person who knows how to use a chain properly. I might be joining the area in the next year or so keep the videos coming so I dont lose all hope that I can move up that way.

[@offgridwarrior]

+Jeremy Martinez TBuilding has slowed/stopped due to weather... Ill be documenting entire build as we continue. Good luck to you and your move.

[@jeremymtz360]

+Off Grid Warrior Thanks. Good luck to you too on yours we will be waiting.

[@tonybeddoey5496]

Jeremy Martinez

[@ElemenTerreServiceBucheronnage]

Bonjour, Merci pour la vidéo et très bon travail. Bon continuation pour votre "Tiny-house"

[@jayhurst7961]

Hey I'm enjoying your enjoy videos. . I just bought some land in northern Michigan.and would love to build a nice simple cabin. Your videos are very informative just wondering where are you building that awesome cabin? And what species of trees are you using??

[@offgridwarrior]

+Jay Hurst Hi Jay. Congrats on getting some land! I am in NE Washington a few miles from the Canadian border and right next to the Colville National forest... I am using exclusively Douglass Fir. All the best to you with your future cabin build.

[@brandomatic06]

Nice video - thanks! I'm going to some dyi logging and was looking for a way to deck my logs so that a self loader can come pick them up without hiring it out. I think I can use some of your techniques. Good luck and keep on keep in' on!

[@billville111]

looks like excellent driving by the wife

[@owpeterj]

Ja, I came to realise that too.

[@mikelamothesr.8998]

You have piqued my interest, subscribed and liked, carry on. Mike

[@Gravertrain]

New subscriber... like what you're doing... good luck.

[@adon2424]

good set up, mate! as a safety precaution consider binding the hook between the log and the chain. should have from bottom to top.....log-- hook--chain....not log--chain--hook.....this helps bind the hook between the log and the chain... less chance of accidentally becoming unhooked...

[@harrykuheim6107]

Log cabins are major Labor, Dark, and Cold....look cool...

[@ernieseedhouse9463]

Use a slide hook on the choker end of the chain.

[@stephenzevetchin]

excellent

[@eduardom800]

you should check on Mr. Cheekadee's channel. He's made a capstan, man powered to move logs around..... Any how, It is great what you have accomplished yet.

[@The_Arby]

Nice Job Mate...Makes you wonder...How much trouble it must have been in the 1860's when people made Log Cabins miles from anywhere..

[@67loowit_scarab57]

Got to make sure the oxen are fed and watered 1st!!! It's like that old photo of the ironworkers eating lunch on the Rockefeller center beams in New York, old timers had some serious tenacity and motivation to achieve and advance their station in life. Just like off grid warrior here, it takes a dedication to complete projects like this with attention to detail and quality. Hats off to him!

[@douglaspollard4585]

Looks like first. Time with PV those logs ain't that big but must be around 14 in. diameter. Good size for cabin. Be safe.

[@speeder36]

I give you an A+ for rigging except for the rope being used for a holdback on the snatch block!!

[@mariusconrad1447]

Bravo.

[@1963JamesT]

my hat's off to ya, that is a lot of work. Too bad you couldn't cut a road on the high side of the cabin, lay some poles down, and roll your logs in place. Good Luck

[@jturf]

be careful standing in the bite of the cable like that around the 11:00 mark. If a pulley or anchor fails you will get whacked.

[@johnnyredrum9189]

Looks like you won the super lottery. You have a wife that fine and she pitches in on the labors of your adventures! You should just change your name to Lucky!

[@offgridwarrior]

+Johnny Redrum Thank you... I am lucky and you just scored 10 points with the wife.

[@alabamasheep3073]

My wife and I enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for sharing. Did you do all the logs with a chainsaw mill?

[@chefgiovanni]

Cool video. Wow you two are tough. Give that woman a foot rub. What are are you building your cabin ?

[@SuperHurdman]

My method you would have the two logs up in less than fifteen minutes! I could bet a weekends stay at your cabin on it!

[@macnudd]

+Marc A Gagnon What is you method of lifting logs?

[@SuperHurdman]

Go to my facebook page and look on my timeline there is a diagram showing how.

[@kenjohnson6603]

If you were to use a strap around the peeled logs you would not leave chain indentations in them.

[@purelivingforlife]

Dang! Wish I would have found your channel sooner. Haha. We've been doing the same thing, but with a quad, 2500lb winch and snatch blocks. Working super good, but took a bit to get the system all worked out. Was trying to get a system that would do 12' logs easily as we're doing a timber frame with max beams of 12'. Sweet rigging gave me some ideas on how to get logs more airborne in one direction.

[@elliottmanning]

Sure glad that you found this video!!!

[@juansage2124]

sorry to be so offtopic but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot my account password. I love any tips you can offer me

[@raylankeegan7321]

@Juan Sage Instablaster ;)

[@juansage2124]

@Raylan Keegan i really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@juansage2124]

@Raylan Keegan it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much you really help me out :D

[@toddd.9433]

Hey ..you two are awesome! I'm wondering if you know what an alaskan saw mill is? It would have changed your build for sure. Safer.. and easier. Meh.. you have had a blast I'm sure!

[@benbrown4259]

Should always hook your chains up into the thick side of your hook. not that its going to snap pulling small stuff. something to be always be mindful of.

[@morgandouglas5322]

YOU SHOULD CINCH / CHOKE HOOK THE CHAIN ON THE LOGS

[@richardsabean5781]

nice fit,, you need 4 gin poles ,, 2 good com-a-longs.. hope you were safe at the end,, & the little dog too.. back breaking work,, even with all the proper tools.. hard to find good help.. aloha

[@RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia]

I Took one of those 275 gallon oil tanks that is oblong shaped and cut in half diagonally and welded a frame to hook a chain to and laid the logs in the pan of the barrel to skid the logs a lot easier and without tearing up the land so much.

[@carlv1430]

Funny, I thought I invented that; except I already had the cut tank sitting around from a botched homemade smoker attempt. Saw the two halves sitting there and thought "yep, that will make this work easier / better". Works like a charm; everyone should skid logs this way!

[@RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia]

When you're poor you make due with whatever you can find. All of my 3 Point hitch attachments except my 5 foot tiller are home made from scrap steel. I use everything from used steel bed frame rails to barrels to truck /car parts to make good working stuff. The tools you buy nowadays are engineered with a short lifespan so somewhere down the road they can sell you another one. The Auto industry taught the whole world that trick.

[@dbsmike]

in the first log you dragged you had the hook on wrong way. open end to daylight. back side of hook against tree, pipe, etc.

[@fmaho1156]

Those hook end chains tend to slip off. I would use a choke on the log side. But a nice video though

[@owpeterj]

Doing well. Happy for you both. Nice you made video and have network - the view is good for the eyes thankyou. Praat je Afrikaans ook?

[@MrThenry1988]

Good work. I'm building a cabin also.

[@petriparkkinen3108]

Moving logs all right buddy but here is the main reason you need to sharpen that chainsaw all day long.

[@johnwarfield7742]

Outstanding Videos .... where can I purchase some of this equipment? The Dividers and that large Peavy ...

[@onpreeyamunglamai1564]

Very nice I want go haaaaaa

[@fredflintstone6163]

I made a jin pole for lifting logs to second story on my cabin

[@impalainvestments5036]

Wrapping the chain on the towball? Where the D Shackle at? You mad bro. That balla gonna snap off and re arrange someones head.

[@5428mk]

You guys are doing a awsome job. I'm trying to do the same and you're an example. 5428mk

[@ShaneHerrick]

Subbed

[@walterbond3628]

what is your feeling technique for the logs I'd like to see it so if you could check in the future video I'll be really good so you

[@bigrip5403]

wow, nice rig but scary as hell one mistake and its lights out

[@jakewilkinson9950]

i wish i was up there with you, the work would be going a lot faster :') i used to move logs down mountains as a job :') half of one of those on my shoulder, or by pulley depends on the ground, but moving that aound for positioning would be easy :')

[@nathanfogelstrom791]

Impressive work! What size cable are you using?

[@offgridwarrior]

+Nathan Fogelstrom Thanks, Koch Industries Galavanized 5/16 inch cable.

[@kevinwirth4767]

What is a "snatch block"? It would be helpful to have a tutorial on that before you start throwing that verbiage around. Nice to see how you move the logs....

[@copykon]

I'm not sure if the choice of flooring material was best here, glued plywood falls apart and weaken quickly when exposed to high humidity.

[@dhebert111]

If ever you are rolling logs or pipe, anything round, always, always, always, keep a small foot long piece of rope or rag in your pocket, and put it on the log or pipe that is on the bottom, behind the roll, so if it rolls back it will stop. Same idea as putting chocks or a wedge behind your wheels so a car doesn't roll away.....safety first. ; )

[@mrbluenun]

Hi OGW and wife AKA Mrs OGW, This is the first of your videos I have viewed and I have to say you do seem to have things pretty well organised with the various snatch-blocks and other ways of moving, not least trying to keep the moving log banned on logs of off-cuts, very well thought out. Of course the snatch blocks can be moved to make things easier. Are you going to leave yourself the chance of adding to the cabin after you have moved in by building another maybe smaller cabin at the back? It seems to be a cool build, the only question mark is whether you should have, and presumably it is still possible to add vertical logs to the doorway to strengthen a place that will already have a built-in weakness? . mrbluenun Take care I have subbed

[@offgridwarrior]

+mrbluenun Thanks for your comments. We plan on a 8x16ft add-on to the back of the cabin after Winter. Door frame will happen once we have the last full length log (cap log) on the wall. This cap log will strengthen/firm/lock the wall into place.

[@mrbluenun]

+Off Grid Warrior Many thanks for your reply. I understand what you mean because I was a builder for a good chunk of my life. Take care mrbluenun

[@N1ght3d]

Anything worth having is worth working for. Just curious, how far are you from the BC border?

[@offgridwarrior]

+N1ght3d Truth. I am approx. 20 miles South.

[@N1ght3d]

+Off Grid Warrior Perfect. Soon I'll be back in BC near Nelson doing nearly the same thing...'cept I'll be welding shipping containers and milling my lumber on a bandsaw mill.

[@anthonysanchez-ex2kl]

LOL, I seriously doubt it was any pulleys because nobody was using them...there was no motion, both of you were moving the log... I was wearing earphones, and I had others listen also to the sound, without telling them what I had heard first... starting at 13:08 and thru to the last "howell" at 13:36... it was very low, but distinctively clear...it echoed too thru the forest.... Wish you the best.

[@storieefoto]

wooowwww

[@robertrogers4357]

I noticed your wearing a US Army field jacket and it has the rank of a Specialist 4 ! are you a Veteran ? did you serve in the US Armed Forces ?

[@anthonysanchez-ex2kl]

Great video... but About the end of second third part and part way thru the video... or towards the end of it as you were pivioting the log...WHAT WAS THAT HOWELING in the background??? omg it sounded like big foot !!!?????

[@offgridwarrior]

Nah... sounds like a squeaky pulley wheel. But rest assured when I find BIGfoot, I'll document it here on my channel :-) Thanks for your comment Anthony, keep well.