Building Window and Door Frames in my Off Grid Log Cabin

[@iwishiknew10]

it's the overcoming part and constant progress that makes this channel so damned awesome. I mean, you spent years creating the last property from nothing, to frankly, working/living art. Now you are starting fresh and I can see you are already doing things that you learned what you wanted after the first attempt. But throwing the winter into the heart of the start of the build just make it that much harder but i am sure, more fulfilling when you make real progress. just awesome

[@ericacraveiro75]

🤩🎉🤗🐈😍🥇🏠🗺🎄

[@jeanblythe1595]

This could be an unexpected after-effect of getting hit by that flying wood chunk in the eye. Now you have to change how you do everything, and it's more complicated. And winter. Things are harder in winter, yet you soldier on, and do your best because this will be your family home. You work in heat, cold, wet, dry, and have so many things to think about--the winch, the scaffold, the different measures of each log and how it puzzles together into your house-in-the-making. It is just awesome to see one man keep moving forward no matter the obstacles.

[@jeanettec6212]

Yes weather of any kind or pests is never an excuse to slack. Shawn keeps busy, and achieves. How rewarding!

[@leslie5339]

this show is epic in many ways, definitely overcoming issues as they arise and forging ahead in extreme conditions, and seeing the end result is truly inspiring! For me this started as a child when we created forts and treehouses. ...something every child should experience and create.

[@HummingbirdJa]

Absolutely...Shawn has overcome much, and continue to do so. He is blessed, and is a dying breed. Sadly, there aren't many Shawn James left in this confused world. UK.

[@sweetluisp]

I really like how you are improving everything on this cabin built vs the old one years ago.....using those steel bars so you can slot & guide the small logs between the door and window frames to assure they remain straight as you stack them is genius.....stay warm and safe...looking forward to the next videos, as always !!!

[@skygerspacher6891]

I love watching this process. The addition of the window frames and doorway really takes it to the next level.

[@fpbagger5492]

Shawn, I think out loud often when I am doing a project and I catch myself looking around occasionally to see if anyone heard me. You sir have discovered a way to do it and make it feel so natural! Keep up the good work and thank you!

[@robertmccullough4822]

14:52 would have been a great place to look into the camera and say " Stay in School Kids... Math matters" lol. Shawn the amount of thought you have put into this build is truly amazing, from including interior design to exterior walls and survival need requirements for the whole compound..., you are the true "architect" of your dreams! Brains, and Brawn + Creativity = Self reliance and Happiness. Now there is an equation. I call it Shawn's Satisfaction Theorem. Well Done Sir... May your measurements and dreams equal your Self Reliant Happiness!!! Peace!.

[@robertmccullough4822]

Thanks, Mr. James...Merry Christmas Sir.!!

[@richardthornhill4630]

A year from now, you will be looking out those windows with your wife, watching the snowfall, and pleased with a job well done.

[@ruggedindividual]

Great stuff, as usual. You might be able to use this idea... I used to fold tarps lengthwise, along the sides of building and vehicles, so as to be able to drag snow away from the locations with little or no shoveling. I left me with clear walkways, driveways and lawns. It saved me a lot of time, effort and back pain. Once you shake the snow from the cover tarp, just drag the long, strong folded tarps away, like a conveyor belt. It changed my winter life. It helps to have a slope or canal nearby for easy disposal. I hope this helps someone.

[@ShawnJames1]

It works with small tarps and not much snow accumulation, but it’s amazing how heavy they get with a few inches of snow and ice on them.

[@ruggedindividual]

@@ShawnJames1 Exactly... That's why the tarps should be folded in half, and half again, for long, strong, easy to pull away strips. Two-three feet wide, and twelve to fifteen feet long allowed me tremendous ease, even after two feet of accumulation. I hope you give it a try. I believe it will really surprise you. I imagine you have to walk over, around and through mounds of slow-melting ice, as I did in the mountains of Japan. I live in the Philippines now, so I would love to see others, especially you, put the method to use. I had to come up with that method, as my driveway was gravel, and had only a 2 foot walkway on either side of my line of parked vehicles. I pulled taps from the top of the autos, similar to your cabin tarps. Then, I simply grabbed one end, and dragged it just a short distance from my area. Then, I rolled them up for daily evening placement. Sorry for the long reply.

[@whiteturtleadventuresandphoto]

Once again there is some guy on Cali's channel talking and working away. LOOKS GREAT! Looking like a building now.

[@reneedebramaletta7702]

I love it. I think Shawn would smile...Cali's channel great choice of words. Great work..Shawn🤓

[@crazydoglady5]

LOL..love it.

[@markmckeachnie4484]

Ya that entrance light is about the only one that needs to go in , even solar needs to be put in now lol

[@johnmichaelkarma]

Cali has him trained very well

[@lafarrar8000]

The Hemlock planks really took my eye. The wood is so heavy and dense and beautiful. Mother Nature sure knows how to make 'em, doesn't she? Probably one of the best things about living in Nature and building from what is provided is the variations that you end up having all around you in your home, your work shop, your exterior buildings and just your life in total. As a little kid, I was fascinated by wood and spent many hours building little "nothings" from scrap wood found at the local lumber yard. Each episode you make, Shawn, provides me/us with much loved memories from the past. Thank You, Leslie Ann

[@nickthornton1662]

Getting excited now this cabin is starting to take shape, always my favorite part of a build!

[@linedanzer4302]

Shawn I totally and completely respect your grind.

[@ericacraveiro75]

Gostei

[@rosearnold1220]

Well said! I feel the same way.

[@richmendelson8194]

I envy it, too.

[@liesavillandre3481]

This is when talking to ones self pays off. Hearing your thoughts about your measurements and plans can give us a visual of what the end cabin will look like. Say Hi to Cali.

[@jameswulzen590]

Shawn your doing great and I'm so sorry you had to let your other project go because of neighbors. I've been with you for 3 years, ever since I had strokes and was confined to a wheelchair and my computer, but I really like what you are doing and it gives me energy to push on. I'm at least standing in my walker but still can't walk freely across the floor. I look at what your doing and it really does give me energy, thank's.

[@uhaneokalanijames8029]

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[@coolgrandma4952]

Wishing you the best and keep on trying. Happy Holidays!

[@jameswulzen590]

@@coolgrandma4952 thanks, i'm 82

[@HummingbirdJa]

Wow, Shawn, you have some challenging weather situation going on there! I feel absolutely frozen, just watching you navigate your way through all that ice. Absolute respect. UK.

[@johningham4942]

You are doing a wonderful job in terrible winter weather Shawn, stay safe in these difficult conditions.

[@5784Eva]

its not terrible !! its very mild winter !

[@jacquelineinthewoods]

Hi Shawn and family! I have so much respect for you. Your last two videos really got me thinking a lot! Thank you because your thoughts do matter to me and my family!

[@stephenabril7084]

I get cold just watching you work in that cold weather

[@piotrmarkiewicz2005]

Finally! An improvement in picture quality; more colorful and brighter. Thank you, James!

[@JustAClownInAClownWorld]

🙂🙂 this cabin is gonna be so beautiful. I'm hooked. Love watching Shawn build his master pieces. I feel lucky he shares it with us all. Thanks Shawn. Be safe out there.👍

[@tigrotom7312]

It is good to see a man doing what he enjoys for a living and being happy with it.

[@jeffsmith4525]

Watching you build is how I build. Start with an idea, and adjust your plans as you go. No one telling you how or why it should be a certain way, just your plan in your head with the knowledge you have. Always thinking ahead and planning for something further into the build.

[@davidlaue8225]

When I see you working on that main floor covered in snow, I remember there's two large cozy rooms below you...so awesome!

[@cynthia_artistpro]

You are totally awesome, Shawn! I am finding is harder and harder to get my own work done for watching so very many hours of your incredible videos!!

[@kerra3699]

Your doing well Shawn, making good progress. A brave man considering the weather and snow. Great to see the cabin take shape.

[@maryhudgins9133]

Looking great. Reminds me of quilting. Measure twice, cut once

[@memyselfandeye8377]

You're so cautious about the measurements and it pays off!

[@jaimhaas5170]

Shawn more rain and ice coming your way. Your fan in the fellow great lakes region.

[@altonmedcalf5790]

Made me smile when you picked up the saw, then set it down and said, "Let me measure again".

[@TheFeelButton]

Making some nice progress! Cheers Shawn!!

[@genefoust5569]

Thanks for coming back with a great video hope you are doing well🐕

[@demarini9]

keep up the good work Shawn. Lots of us learning and enjoying your labor of love.

[@leeprism9564]

I’m glad I caught a glimpse of your finished window and door frames in the last video, or this wouldn’t have made sense to me. Wow!!! What a huge gorgeous view of your meadow and stream you will have! I’ll bet you could still plant garlic bulbs in your greenhouse beds, and see how they do. I think your green house is fascinating. I wonder if you could plant kale seed, or spinach seed there still, as they are pretty cold hearty. Arugula is too. I like watching these videos, as I always wanted to live in a cabin, planned for a greenhouse, solar, self sufficiency , livestock for decades, but as a working widow with 6 kids though, never got it done, then robbers, etc. messed it up etc., so in a way, these videos drive me a little crazy too, as they remind me of lost dreams. I have to just do it all vicariously through your projects now though, and thank God I’m still near most of my kids, which is a huge blessing. Your sled looked fun, and I pray you stay safe and intact.

[@renerebe]

so much progress in the snow!

[@CJ-ri9vl]

That is so satisfying to see an actual door frame. You are so awesome. May God keep you safe and continue to Bless You with good health. 🙏🏽 Thank you for sharing.

[@Wrdwrk]

You are such an inspiration and demonstration of what one can do with a goal and organization…bravo ! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@moniquebouchard3724]

I love it when Shawn does the math out loud. Yep - makes me smile.

[@leecogdell652]

Hey Scott you need a leaf blower for getting rid of the snow all over your logs. I just want to thank you for sharing your time building your home with us and it’s the first thing I watch when I get on KZbin. Thank you again so much. 🙏✝️

[@Osapatali]

Not like you need many tips.... great teachers are amazing students we all learn from each other... .. board wax your trailer braddah.. useful on anything you don't want snow to stick to on the jobsite/ campsite. Many are called.. few are chosen.. Keep shining bright! Watched you since 2017 the tent in the rain. You come a long way. . Blessings be with you throughout you and all around what you do.

[@OldLadyGardener]

I've been watching your channel for a few months. I am so fascinated with your work and enthusiasm to build this cabin home for your family. I don't want to miss any episodes, I love watching. You're awesome!

[@stephenabril7084]

That’s great. I love the frames that allow for settling .

[@markemerson8399]

If we have the luxury of an abundance of available resources, money, somewhere to live, etc., we don't need to be concerned about deadlines. It's so nice to be able to merely focus on the process and not the result, but very rare to have such an opportunity in life.

[@marjour22]

Gracias!! Thank you from the deep of my heart. We have now 30 degrees Celsius, and It’s amazing see you work without gloves in that frozen and beautiful place… I will love to help you, at least cooking and playing with Cali… holding the line or help you moving the logs, it will be really nice !!

[@mkruse1058]

I love the sound of water flowing through the creek.

[@deborahwhite2339]

Thing are taking shape. It's a hard job to build by yourself. Total respect.🙂👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@karenwornum]

It always fascinates me the sound the snow makes when you walk on it. I’ve not seen snow, where I live in Western Australia we have a hot climate but I’ve always wanted to see snow, it’s a bucket list item for me. I enjoy all aspects of your channel and always look forward to updates. Thank you Shaun for sharing. Keep safe and warm.

[@karenwornum]

@@thegoodtom1718 would love to get there some day

[@Kmartz1968]

Watching you cut, shape, lift, and fit logs makes for a soothing video. Listening to you work out the windows and doors for your viewers was equally enjoyable. Nice behind the scenes look into your thought process.

[@CobCeo]

I forget to comment often so I made a point to do it today, to let you know how much I value watching you do my dream. I am breaking down boxes and cleaning my work area, but also visiting with you in the wilderness. Great as always.

[@jmar5787]

A man on mission no matter what obstacle - weather! Naw perfect time of the year!

[@danieloliver20]

Well done Shawn, the windows and doors are a major battle/compromise in layout and placement in any building. Getting your front porch view symmetrical and dealing with your inside counters, stove, and settling is "once you cut the logs", an art... once again, well done! Maybe set up a simple tarp/tent above the wall you're working on if a snow storm is a brewing. Of course you're dealing with your lift-cable system too, Lol, you need some helper elves in the morning to lend a hand. 🎅

[@markrtoffeeman]

You're an inspiration as always Shawn Got my covid booster vac today and am just relaxing watching you work with a cup of tea. Good times.

[@markrtoffeeman]

Sometimes Shawn having a small pad of paper and a pencil in the pocket helps, with the thought process.

[@raymondmiller427]

What a beautiful time of year at the new homestead!

[@MrRackinroll]

the spoils go to the one with the perseverance and you do preserver, Bless you

[@johndebolt5853]

Hi Shawn, thanks for the great video. Making progress in dire conditions. Stay warm and well.

[@venetianstudios5171]

Door and window sliding rails. GENIUS. So so clever! Way to go, Shawn!

[@margaretharris65]

Shawn your steadfastness amazes me! Sending you peace and joy for the holidays!

[@geraldjubin8191]

String up the tarps as a temp roof. You can go as high as you need and should cut down on the snow in the work area.

[@Palinkat]

Hey Shawn. New build looks great and can't wait to seem more. Was just thinking about the old cabin and I kind of miss it. I watched you build it nearly from the beginning. It was so cosy especially now with the snow. Anyway all the best with the new homestead!!

[@LC-om2nz]

I respect your life, it's amazing, your drive for nature, is beautiful.

[@lindapetersen1800]

SHAWN & OUR CALI HOW she makes me SMILE Love the work your doing A OKAY to talk about things in the yrs to come cause I have been seeing something myself and it is hard not having NO NO ONE to talk to !!! Love the tarps on the way you are doing things cause it is helping you on out in the long run!!! Have to do it this way SHAWN !!!

[@sydneyevans2637]

The big windows will be wonderful in the cabin. You're making good progress despite the weather. I'm jumping up and down to see the smoke coming out of the chimney.

[@joeyhardin1288]

Thanks Shawn. I am an electrician by trade and have worked in the cold, a lot. I can do pretty good as long as the wind is not blowing, looked you had a calm day. I bid you peace.

[@tamaragonzalez2227]

Oh goodness it looks cold there. I was born and raised in Michigan in the upper lower Peninsula but I could not stand the cold so moved to a warmer state. Happy you can stand that cold along with your wife. Love seeing it start to look like a cabin with the frames. Looking forward to next video.

[@jennyk544]

Shawn, you have a lot of snow to get rid of just before you can even start to work on the cabin. I love your perseverance.

[@vice4134]

Shawn, you have done a great job, in making sure the logs fits on top of lower logs. You can see that from the cut in the doorway. See how the top log hugs the lower log perfectly. That will give you maximum insulation. I've seen many people who failed to grasp this concept of making sure that logs hugs the lower logs. They will have a problem with insulation. When you look at their doorway, you could see how terrible the logs don't hug the lower log well. It was in the shape of "V" instead of "(" facing down.

[@idaberrones3809]

So excited for you,cabin getting bigger❤️❤️

[@Martlin]

This is the most exciting channel on YT.

[@trueleyes]

Jimmy, I always look for your videos and you never fail me just like today. My first thought was: "Ahhhhhhh What a beautiful day. My kind of living. lol lol lol and of course I'm looking at this as if it were me. I've got to hand it to you with all your strength, tenacity, and courage to go on day after day doing such hard work and in such a professional way too. So, inspiring for me to stay home all warm and cozy watching you do all the hard work. Great videos, one and all of them. Now on with today's video.

[@eastcoastartist]

Thank you so much! You are documenting something that is rarely seen.

[@scotslassheather2483]

Wonderful. It always pleases me to see these videos and the landscape. We are in Austria in the Alps and now have lots of snow. It would be a dream come true to have a wooden cabin. Keep up the good work Shawn and stay safe.

[@ginnicolee2502]

Your family must be so proud of you!

[@GreenFacePowerRanger]

...I only feel the most overpowering feeling of envy....also respect, what a dude !!

[@elizabethpodesta9554]

Wow a fair bit of snow it's looking good going to be a big cabin stay warm 😀

[@Wrdwrk]

Love your mindful / intentional pace and that you are talking a bit more…the explanations help ! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@sheilaayre4629]

Wow door and window frames soooo excited. Hugs to Cali

[@167curly]

I was appreciating your logic and measuring for the windows' sighting to give them symmetry for the finished look of that cabin wall, Shawn. I look forward to the on-going construction.

[@SoCalledPlacid]

Would love to live in the wilderness, a bit too dangerous here in Africa. Suburbs provide security for us. So this channel is my escape from society. I do live in a beautiful coastal town which is the closest I can get.

[@joemedcalf7732]

Love the new property and build.

[@steel7302]

i used to work for a roofing company and we had to use 40'x60' tarps on apartment buildings. if you string 3 high cables and got a few huge tarps you could "tent in" your entire cabin.

[@donaldhofman5257]

My sisters log home settled around 6 inches onto her husband's coffee cup collection that was on top of the kitchen cabinets crushing some of them and more were broken trying to get them out! It was a Scandinavian scribe fit as well!!

[@ShawnJames1]

Lol. That’s about what I’m expecting, 6” of settling

[@deblarsen8528]

@@ShawnJames1 Please don't put anything important or collectable where it might get crushed!! Stay safe, healthy and happy! Hugs to Cali!

[@brucemanning388]

There is no doubt in my mind that you have thought about the steps that you are progressing with,maybe one,two steps or even three steps, before the couch quarterbacks give their thoughts on how to do things. You will successfully build the cabin that you want. It’ll look magnificent soon. I can’t wait until you get the rafters, ridge pole or whatever up for the roof! It’s awfully nice to have the other cabin nearby so you can work on this one. Your doing a great job on this place.

[@oldsmokeeater7075]

Every Vedio this home is getting closer to being the work of love you are putting into it. We did miss cali this round. Your thought process is soo interesting and improvements are so thought out!

[@kathyhensarling2537]

You are an awesome man, honest, forthright and kind….blessings to you and family.

[@darrylmcleman6456]

I have recently discovered a Y.T. video of a gent {Lucas Richard Stephens} replacing bottom logs on a cabin in Norway in the snow.Cabin built 160ish years back.Clever how that is done by one man lifting with ratchet straps.When time comes to replace logs on your current build I hope to see it done!! CHEERS from B.C.

[@christiaankruger3713]

Another great video. Thanks once again for sharing your journey.

[@Luther9621]

Hang another cable above your pulley system and put a tarp over that to cover your work area. Just an idea.

[@karinpowers2469]

Even with a partially frozen brain you create beautifully. You are a great part of Friday!

[@canajian]

That steel reinforcing channel is a great addition, very very cool idea!@ 👋😎👍

[@Flowergurl2000]

It is because you built the last cabin a little easier, that this one will rule because I can see the stuff you learned has solved many future problems and I know it makes it more of a challenge in the winter. Your work/art takes time. It sure is beautiful with the snow, I wish it would all be dry snow.

[@08pepperdog]

So satisfying watching your cabin come to life. Beautiful work. I actually watch each episode twice.

[@juliajohnson5276]

Watching from middle Tennessee America. Stay warm and safe.⛄️🇺🇸🎄

[@tr3vorb438]

Very inspirational. Thank you!

[@GFox...]

Peaceful serene, beautiful!

[@danielluma2948]

Amazing work Shawn, and eat well to keep your energy up. And pet Cali for us who have been watching you build a home for years to come

[@richjageman3976]

The chance to work with Shawn for even 1 week to gain the experience and information would be fantastic.

[@kevinfoley7704]

That's some incredible work you're doing. This video covered a ton of different information, from towing in snow, tarping logs in the snow, metal slides for shrinkage, window placement and measurements....Really good video.

[@dsop66]

I like the fact that although you are talking to us all let's face it.... you're talking to yourself too. Highly intelligent people often do!!😉

[@lonnycapps9945]

That’s so exciting to see you getting to the door and window stage! Keep up the great work Shawn!

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

🤔🤔🤔 Cali must be with mom today🧡

[@ramit439]

Thinking, planning, creating....a constant medley of music in the mind.

[@goldenratio5117]

Man this is so cool, ain't roughing it if your not fixing, doing maintenance or breaking sh*t. The good ol learning curve