Milling Lumber for the New Off Grid Log Cabin and Wilderness Homestead

[@donnadittmar8234]

I started watching your videos about a month or two ago. Hours and hours enjoying what you've done. I've always dreamed of living this way but as a now disabled senior am living vicariously through your adventure. I totally admire all the hard work you have done to create such a homestead and live self reliably. Should I did from the cancer I have achieved my experience in watching you don't and live what I've never been able to. Can't tell you what this has meant to me and done for me. I was once a very outdoorsy single adventure person for a woman. Your wife is a blessed lady and your kids must be proud!

[@Heisstrong]

So happy to see you milling your wood on your Norwood Milling machine, saving stress on your body! It proves that you are a smart man and can adjust to the conditions and situations that present themselves to you. To me, being off-grid is not being hooked up to the electrical grid system or government water supply systems. Use every available machine, tool, or means necessary to save you time, money, and stress on your hard working body! You are awesome! Being new to your channel, I went back and watched your previous video's and I now have a better understanding of you and the life you are living. From me in Omaha, NE to you in Ontario, Canada, much respect!

[@whereswendy8544]

I love your work ethics. Man, I hope you are blessed and will live forever. The world needs men like you.

[@suziqbrown7073]

I will never understand why watching someone mill lumber is so satisfying BUT IT ALWAYS IS!!!!!!! That's for the escape from my reality

[@suziqbrown7073]

I meant thanks not that's

[@annrhodes3544]

Suziq. Click on the three dots at the bottom right of your comment, and then you can edit what you have written.

[@trisho.8331]

Haha, Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner. One of my favorite movies, but MSR and Shawn James is the ultimate IMHO. 😉

[@ginablanken3120]

I totally agree

[@earlsandyevens]

@@annrhodes3544 thanks for the rest of us too.

[@DenUil]

Man, the energy this guy has and keeps having.

[@Lionesse-z41553]

My fiance is the same way.

[@SameerGurung1975]

Who would have thought that videos of a man not saying a word and just going about his business building a log cabin in the middle of nowhere with no not another human being in sight except a loveable dog could be so engaging!!!

[@patriciabarnes7034]

Mr James is a one man walking, breathing encyclopedia of inguinity. There's so much to learn from him. Watch all his videos from the beginning. I've been following him for almost 3years now and only a day ago, I came upon one of his super awesome videos, I had missed. I'm currently checking back to make sure Ive covered them all. Every video is valuable as you get schooled in woodworking/natural living, etc. You'll come away knowing something you did not know before. And, he is a humble man with it all. UK.

[@e.e.3583]

On his second channel "Shawn James" he constantly talks and explains what he plans and works. "My Self Reliance" is only for watching but not less interesting at all. Kind Regards😃

[@sunshsophprd.0565]

especially, natural sounds....r e l a x I n g

[@richardpoynton4026]

Me.

[@fatooshtkd]

I ABSOLUTELY love him... Not only do I learn things... I listen to him working and the joy and peace that comes over me...I am getting some land and I will build... I want that SO BADLY...Bless you Shawn and Calli....

[@DanielDavies-StellularNebulla]

This for me, finding, cutting, and milling trees into a usable form is my absolute favourite part of a cabin build. This feels so nostalgic from a few years back with the original cabin build! Love the progress! In fact, I love every minute of every video you put out Shawn!

[@islandman5802]

Shawn, I suspect you know this already, but you should make sure you put wood spacers between your milled wood to let it dry out and keep the carpenter ants from getting in them. They love fresh milled wood that is stacked tight together. That will keep the blue mold away as well.

[@paulwiis9469]

Shawn James is THE BUSHMAN, like totally. What a story and what a production!

[@ericeverson5956]

Love the guitar solo in about the middle of the video. Really great stuff. Thanks Shawn. You are the best. Peace.

[@colettelavery7452]

Shawn I have to admire your work ethic going on five years and you seem to have endless energy Your family have to be so proud of all your hard work . Hopefully your wife and daughters will be able to enjoy your journey when the new Homestead is complete It is an awesome site to have a home for you all and Cali I can visualize you and your wife sitting outside on summer nights listening to all the night sounds from the stream and wildlife God Bless stay safe 🇨🇮

[@roychapman2778]

Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts and everything you do you are full of encouragement and knowledge

[@ve2vfd]

We rented a portable mill when a tornado took down 30-40 mature trees our rural backyard. It's amazing how much lumber you get out of a single trunk!

[@Lionesse-z41553]

It's crazy.

[@philipmorehouse1069]

So glad to see you have a mill - I don't have to tell you that it will pay for its self in no time and there is always the opportunity to mill lumber for others or rent it out for cash or lumber. As for the siding on the outhouse, I'd use the "slab wood". Just place a plastic weather/wind seal over the boards, then nail it to the boards and it will give you that rustic look. I love watching your channel - it has everything; scenics and woodcraft.

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

Shawn, I love your ‘cuttin’ lumber blues’ music you chose! 🎵 Perfect. 🧡🧡🧡Cali, my favorite pup.💋

[@InaNugge]

Many congratulations with your new lumber mill. If anybody deserves it, it is you! You have workred soooo much by hand, so you really deserves it. Wish you all the luck in the world with your new homestedt.

[@Smalfry47]

Coffee, Cali and Shawn..... it’s a wonderful day!

[@marianfrances4959]

Yes and my cat, Ninja, is on my lap.

[@tamaragonzalez2227]

I am really enjoying seeing more of your videos rather than have to wait every Friday. You make my mornings every day

[@drewsmith6286]

You will be saving a fortune by milling it yourself brilliant piece of kit seen others use it before

[@handyman5455]

In the US an 8 foot 2x4 costs $6 now

[@myoutdoorlife3833]

Especially with the outrageous prices of lumber today!!!

[@myoutdoorlife3833]

@@handyman5455 , the prices of lumber and sheet goods today is outrageous!

[@larrypeterson1656]

He did it with a chainsaw rig before. This way be faster.

[@markemerson8399]

The mill is going to be invaluable as time goes on, especially if you love creating wooden structures, furniture, various objects, etc. Forest management is all about culling trees and keeping the forest clear of unwanted debris. It must be possible to manage a forest in a way that maximizes production of wild grasses, herbs, berries, mushrooms, sap, quality timber, etc.

[@merryannmac8096]

Excellent video, Shawn. The milling machine does not make what you do any less interesting. You are one smart cookie. Thanks for the update...Merry Ann from Minnesota

[@lapicker1010]

Shawn, I’ve remarked to myself many times over the months of watching your vids, that if there is anyone on the planet who should have a sawmill it’s YOU.

[@patriciabarnes7034]

This saw Mill has been around a while, but it appears that some hadn't see it. Shawn has used that machine on his property before last year, or perhaps the year before... I can't remember which; but he has had it more than a year. The best investment ever. He needs something like that to speed up the building process.

[@lapicker1010]

I’ve seen him using the chainsaw mill a number of times, never this.

[@dandaniels4558]

He just loves and enjoys ddojg everything by hand with hand tools but im thinking having to start over at 51 yrs old hes probably realizing he needs the help of modern machinery this time around.makes me feel better seeing him use the mill and chainsaw,snowmobile and side by side as much as he can also. Just so much easier for a one man operation.

[@kristineemeraldfortalejo2964]

You're an amazing man. You do many things by yourself. We love watching all the things you built....a good inspiration to us all....thank you for sharing your videos, we learn a lot from you.....Keep safe always.

[@Lionesse-z41553]

No kidding!

[@patsygrace2561]

Never thought that watching lumber being cut could be so interesting.....imagine my surprise when it was!!!!!!

[@pamalapeterson5352]

So....begins the building process...you are lucky you can do this lumber prices are like coffee prices used to be HIGH!....enjoy and thank you for sharing!....God bless you abundantly and stay safe and healthy!

[@bobobrien8968]

As a lover of guitar, I commend you on your choice of background music. Nothin like the “blues”.

[@moritzbenner4190]

Do you happen to know how the soñg is called?

[@straubdavid9]

@@moritzbenner4190 He has a link in the description as to where he gets his music .... take care.

[@eddiewalker7252]

....visions of "Deadwood" series nothin like a steel guitar!

[@0623kaboom]

i still prefer the banjo opener ... it sets the mood just right and leaves on smiling as the video starts ... great for the morning coffee too ;) and of course the few times he takes night shots of the star filled sky ... dont get to see that in Ottawa ... too much light pollution

[@philmoore71]

it was good. i did look up the link... but it doesn't show the actual tune

[@markrtoffeeman]

I know no one who works harder than you Shawn. You deserve every joy in life. As you share the joy of living with us all.

[@craig5477]

Luv the slide guitar!

[@cynthia9144]

Ahhh, the the fresh smell of milled wood...is so refreshing....I almost can smell it through my screen 😉

[@marianfrances4959]

Best wood-stacking music ever!! LOVE the mill! Good on you. Know that you have many people backing your journey. 👍😉🇨🇦💜🐾🌲🌳🏚

[@resolutekravmaga651]

You and "Sawing with Sandy" should connect. He's in Central Ontario too. You could hang a bucket under you sawdust outlet. Save it for the chickens later!!

[@FPVsean]

This is where we begin the excitement of watching the cabin build come to life, hell yeah, just like when I first found this channel, get to see all the in's and outs of making all the raw materials.. Exciting times for us subs!

[@DanielDavies-StellularNebulla]

I'll say! This for me, and in particular, finding, cutting and milling trees into usable form is my absolute favourite part of a cabin build. This feels so nostalgic from a few years back with the original cabin build!

[@FPVsean]

@@DanielDavies-StellularNebulla Fantastic content altogether, we're so lucky to be able to follow it along! But it also makes me jealous that life can exist over in Canada.. Can't have it here in Ireland its just too densely populated here (yes believe it or not..) Every acre of this country is farmland or national park or city... Its meh!

[@patriciabarnes7034]

@@DanielDavies-StellularNebulla Sure does. UK.

[@pattimuscarella6369]

Best money you ever spent, Sean. Not to mention how you can use this after your cabin is built. You'll even be able to Mill wood for others and make a little side job. Brilliant! Can't wait to see the next project!

[@davusmaximus231]

Hey everyone, welcome back to the cabin...just wanted to smooth y'all in with some sweet guitar licks, get you feeling right at home. Maybe I didn't do it right last time, but I sure didn't do it wrong. New digs, new project, gonna make a new castle...might be a little hassle. With you 100% Shawn I can't wait to see what's next!

[@nelliefarr1540]

the sawmill is a fantastic investment for your built seeing lumber has become so expensive can be a business for you in the future.

[@Jamie-sw5rw]

Like the mill. Looking foreword to the build and seeing what you do for a foundation.

[@TheFeelButton]

Watching your milling from Mill City Oregon 😘 Cheers Shawn!

[@daverossi118]

It’s nice working from home and have this playing on the tv screen. Makes me forget about work every few minutes buts that’s ok. Stay safe up North

[@darrellpidgeon6440]

It would be nice if my Dad was still alive. He had a career with Irvington Moore Dry Kiln Company. He would have loved to see the work you do. Woodworking was his passion.

[@nareshbalgobin8101]

Really happy to see u get one of dis milling saw...make yr work ez for u and u can build much faster now and start bk cooking

[@lynsmith2698]

Great investment and time saver. We use to have a Norwood and built a ton of buildings with it. We are thinking of buying another one again. You will never regret getting one.

[@voodoochild1954]

Big difference between that saw mill and that small chainsaw one you had when you built the other cabin.

[@harrietmanuelito1703]

I'm here... to support you by being one of your audience. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@LatitudeNorth]

Even though it has been really sad to see that you had to leave your old homestead behind, this new beginning with lots of building videos will be an absolute treat to watch and to follow your new homestead taking shape. I've been watching your videos for a couple of years now. This and your other channel is truly of great quality and also the messages they convey are so important in this time and age. Thank you for all your hard work!

[@satorimystic]

I like the new background music 🎶 ... Blues always brings something magic to the table. 😊👍 Great information, as always ... Thanks!

[@sandravanlankvelt6537]

WOW Shawn this is SO EXCITING watching you mill your own lumber for your NEW cabin. Absolutely that portable mill plus your own tree's and massive labor is saving your ton's of $$$. Cali is such a hoot to watch and so very sweet...she sure love's her daddy a bunch. Can't wait to see when the FIRST LOG goes in the new cabin!!! Gods blessings to you.

[@suzique5827]

Good tunes that matched well with the milled wood 🪵👍

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi Shawn, I do not remember you using a band saw to cut wood before on your channel but you are right with the price of timber sky rocketing and showing no change having your own timber is a fantastic advantage. Everywhere I look on the internet people are talking about trees that need to be cut down because of rot or they have just died. I think you of all people would know the answer to this question, are more trees dying than normal. It just seems a lot of trees and normally not so many.

[@anonymousmaple2012]

Took delivery of the exact same saw mill yesterday... Thanks for pointing out some of the short comings on the 'levelers'. Nice job with the 'log shim'.

[@jonnybkuehl878]

Yes, Agreed!! Saving you alot of money in the long run!!

[@kellypalmer1077]

That's the way lumber and fire wood at the same time , smart shawn

I liked the "old" chainshaw thingy you have used.. But it is a step forward. I hope the new cabin buids faster. God bless!

[@TheFlatlander440]

He still uses the Alaskan Chain Saw mill but now that Winter is over he can use this mill to a greater advantage with less waste and straighter lumber.

[@queirol2126]

Agreed, the old one looked more self reliant.

[@0623kaboom]

the alaskan mill is nice for those to heavy to haul back to the big mill ...

[@TheFlatlander440]

@@0623kaboom I agree but it also depends on what you're using to haul timber with. If Shawn bucks his logs to a manageable length, it shouldn't be an issue with his 4X4 UTV. The other thing is, the kerf on a chainsaw is much wider than a band saw mill thus reducing waste and making truer cuts. Cheers!

[@tomt9543]

If you’ve ever spent a day running an Alaskan mill, and then spent the next day running a Norwood, Woodmizer etc. band mill, it will be clear as tap water why he got the thing! Beside that, he has nothing prove! He’s done it all already!

[@dharper9332]

Smart move..............lumber is gold right now. I can't wait for every vidio to see how your progressing.

[@micheledesimone1297]

God bless your new adventure, I will definitely be watching every video.

[@paulwiis9469]

Shawn, you are a true naturalist and modern pioneer. Your fortitude, determination and outlook on life is amazing. Your videography and choice of music is on point. Very impressive. Worthy of an Academy Award! Impressed with your bush tucker too. We can all tell you live very well off the land and that you have a great respect for the environment. Nothing but respect and accolades for you my friend. Maybe I/we have missed something in one of your episodes, but why with all the hard work and magnificent craftmanship, did you pack up and leave? Was there a breach in privacy? Must admit, I didn't get to see through all your episodes due to time constraints. Anyway, it is such shame you had to move on and give up on everything you built... by hand. I trust you found a safe place, more isolated than the last from prying eyes. Looking forward to your ongoing adventure in any case and your channels are both entertaining and educational. Although a totally different environment to what you are used to, but you would be very welcome in Australia to show us your bush skills. Mate, you truly are an inspiration, the world over and have a very special skillset most people would envy... Wishing you all the very best, on behalf of your followers from DOWN UNDER!

[@jameselswick7507]

Tough guy right there!! Glad he is moving on. Excited to see his new cabin. Keep rocking Shawn!!

[@katdvjackson]

You always make it look so easy! Thanks again for sharing another day at the cabin! This is the greatest stress reducer and mellow enjoyable educational entertainment! Especially Kalli!

[@suellenmcgillick8177]

Excellent watching logs being milled. That should make it go a little faster devoting so many days to milling. You’ll keep that working efficiently for years to come I’m sure. Definitely worth the expense. Stay safe.

[@judykeck5108]

So glad to see you're saving time, energy and possible injury with this mill!

[@markemerson8399]

Shawn provides the lumber and Cali provides the entertainment. She's got it all covered. Haha!

[@DWS1435]

On my next life I am coming back as Shawn's dog. !!

[@eddiewalker7252]

true, quick with the cameo seems to always know when she is in frame!

[@eddiewalker7252]

@@DWS1435 ....minus that exhausting orange thingy!

[@carolmathis6084]

All the set up-fell and limb trees, prep mill. Man and machine melded into one. Groovy!

[@lindacole1653]

Progress is being made. So satisfying watching you mill the lumber. Looking forward to each step. 🤗

[@BonTonRule]

,Wow! You read my mind. I wondered where you got the boards. Truly a self reliant operation in a single hard working man.

[@reneroess153]

Bonsoir je m'appelle René je suis français je regarde les vidéos depuis 5 ans j aime ce que vous faites pour vivre dans la nature merci

[@markhines527]

It’s sad that you had to leave the first cabin. But, we get the chance to start over too. Dick Proeneke and Shaun James. Thanks

[@0623kaboom]

best part the Mk II cabin is already better off ... he actually has a cellar in it ... so bad and good aspects of the change ...

[@Paladin3252]

Why did he had to leave his first cabin in the first place? Thank you.

[@samsallam2798]

My sincere apology Dear Shawn for any sarcastic derogatory or negative comments I sent in the past. After watching your handling of the Lumber mate and the progress your are making I must raise my hat for you. I wasn’t interested to see repeated old videos but my 35 years old son who owns a lumper mill in northern BC was raving about your skills he is visiting my in Colorado where I am living at present. His wisdom surpassed my narrow mind here is what he said ( Dad , you are unfair did you ever think of the other folks who did not watch all the past videos? You had a choice for not to watch the past ones you had seen before ./get with it old man and apologize) True True Sorry and best Regards, Sam S

[@OurSerenityHomestead]

Very smart move to mill your own lumber. The retail price for lumber is outrageous. So happy to watch the progress.

[@keithscabin]

I love mine. Got about two days milling now and have a good pile stacking up. Same plans too! Lol outhouse, kiln, cabin bridges then a shed for the mill.

[@karenwornum]

Great music added when you were milling the logs Shaun, very exciting to watch this build evolve

[@themudhutt1]

Great , my favourite, wood and building 😊

[@joevendramin9509]

The price of lumber in Canada right now is insane! Those portable mills pay for themselves in no time.

[@bertilknudsen]

They say prices are going to rise here in Scandinavia too the next months, apparently because producers are going out of business so supply will be lower. As for Canada, are bugs one reason for the price hike?

[@itatane]

@@bertilknudsen Bugs are a big reason here in North America, (Pine Bark Blister Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer, Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle, Asian long-horned Beetle). Ash trees may be an extinct species soon because of it. All because people had to have cheap, disposable (often Chi-Com) products that came packed in infested pallets or containers. Also, people have been buying every scrap of lumber they can get their hands on, making a bad shortage even worse.

[@joevendramin9509]

@@bertilknudsen A lot of the problem is Covid 19 lockdowns. People forced to stay home decide it would be a good time to build that deck they've been putting off or other projects involving wood. As Pete Hall say's insect's are killing large parts of Canadian forests and there's nothing that stops them.

[@TViper2369]

@@bertilknudsen In the States, so can't speak for Canada, but it's close to triple the costs around here that it was 2 years ago. It's a combination of low supply and high demand. The disposable income people had for vacations and such is now being spent on building things. Mills aren't running at full capacity, so supply is down. I have also seen in my area a lot of new development. I live in a somewhat rural area, maybe an hour outside of a major metropolitan area. A lot of houses are being built. Some in house sub-divisions and some just out on random property. I feel a lot of people are getting away from Urban areas, especially that so many companies now see their employees can work remote and get the job done, all the while saving money on real estate that's not needed to have an office.

[@banjobenson9348]

@@TViper2369 The girly man in Canada has half the mills shut down, they live in fear of virus,

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

OMG 3 of my favorite things. 1. A new video 2. Sawmill videos. 3. Log splitting videos.

[@alward9901]

Hi Shawn. That was a smart choice the trailer type sawmill so easy to use and move . A pleasure to watch in operation.

[@sandybanjo]

Happy you got the mill.........We're so inspired by your work ethic, knowledge of the know-how and nature of the LORD's provisions! And a trusty canine friend, as well!

[@virginiajorgensen8614]

That portable mill is a great piece of equipment! Love watching

[@arvidsrensen3250]

Nice to mill your lumber close to built site to. Save money and transport . Make you feel good to...👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@gbgary]

👍 on the Blues music!

[@mikedeclerck1421]

LUV seeing you utilize the mill. What a time and money saver!!! Give Cali a BIG SMOOCH from Mike & Ronnie. GOD BLESS

[@Alphaphotographer]

5:47 close up of the mechanism. Nice.

[@moralcompass8457]

Best of luck out there. We're all rootin for ya Shawn.

[@moralcompass8457]

Lumber prices in the states have gotten out of control

[@marcoantoniogoes4412]

It is very exciting to see the progress of the construction of the new cabin. I have been following your evolution since you started cutting the logs of the old hut, I am happy to see that you are using a sawmill to facilitate and speed up the work, I think it is unnecessary to do all the free hand, you have proven to everyone that you have mastered the art . It's funny and fun because every day I take a look at your KZbin channel to see if you have something new, and when you have it, it's the greatest joy. Although her work is hard, it is very relaxing for us who are confined without leaving home, and Cali is always willing to play a little, always companion. I believe that we are all very anxious to see this hut being built, and we are already imagining the other constructions that you will do. You are a blessed guy! Take care! I follow you here from Brazil.

[@Hoaxer51]

Nice, finally get to see it in action! Nice being able to make your own lumber!

[@karenhaffermehl3687]

Great to see you using some back saving devices!

[@xpoolguy5406]

2 weeks ago you were wearing snow shoes. Now you are milling lumber in a tee shirt. Crazy spring in Ontario this year. I bought a mill 2 years ago and haven't regretted one minute. Greetings from the Kawarthas

[@russellnerche8789]

Man...takes me back to my sawmill days! When I was a Sawyer. lol.

[@thalleshoward3962]

The new cabin is going to be awesome.

[@KahulaniKainoa]

💞💫💞Great to see even more progress on your new cabin! hopefully won’t be long until it’s complete 💞💫💞

[@ludvigtande1236]

That’s the ticket! Gives you construction options And plenty of fire wood. 👍

[@patriciabarnes7034]

Let the preparation begin. All systems go now. Yep, let's go after it. Shawn, Cali and a cuppa. I'm all set.

[@rodinsthinker6822]

UNBELIEVEABLE !!!!! How does he keep going !!!!

[@jonathantillman842]

So pleased to see you get a mill!

[@markjob6354]

Shawn, I'm really diggin' your portable saw mill ! ;) You are saving hundreds, to potentially a few grand milling the wood yourself from your own trees without question !

[@joebacarella2829]

Boy thats a nice little addition to your cabin building arsenal.They are also great for cutting planks, and making signs and cutting boards, to get back to all your carving skills. Of course after the build. hehe

[@kevin34ct]

Caught this right as it released. Nice!!!

[@denisemeredith2436]

Milling your own timber makes sense especially when good timber is hard to buy in shops, there seems to have been a worldwide shortage. I am looking forward to the cabin build and the building of the thunderbox, sauna and outdoor kitchen along with tracks and bridges.

[@glendajune9140]

Hey Shawn, I have heard the price of lumber is through the roof. Wonderful investment (Milling machine). I enjoy watching you mill your own wood for all of your buildings. I’m looking forward to seeing you in action, once you have all of your materials for your builds. Stay safe,& healthy.💯❤️👍🏾🥰🙋🏽‍♀️✝️🙏🏾🇺🇸

[@danieloliver20]

Shawn, that's a great piece of machinery, much safer than milling a few boards with the chainsaw! Dimensional, soft wood lumber prices have literally gone through the roof, you could probably setup a mill for one month a year and pay all your bills... be safe, take your time, I'm loving the build! 💪🪚⚒

[@johnbuglioli9967]

Shawn, the man, the myth, the legend. Let's hope and pray to the Almighty, living God , that , you don't get hassled nor encroached on by any rude, schizophrenic neighbors nor intruders. I'm pulling for you brother. May God bless you and yours. Peace to you, man.😙🐴😙

[@mariadange06]

That's s beast of a sawing mill 🦾

[@joshuasmith6534]

Wish I could fast forward to see the finished cabin and then go back and watch it be built, lol.

[@dermozart80]

who wouldn't?

[@trisho.8331]

Not me, I love the entire process, find each step intriguing and informative. Just wish Shawn had a man to help HIM build twice as fast for his health and family’s sake.

[@bobstienke178]

Shawn, I loved the content, loved the music and love Cali! Great job sir!