Building a DIY Workbench in my Off Grid Log Cabin Woodshop

[@MySelfReliance]

I made a change to my microphone this week. Did you notice a difference? Better? Worse? Your feedback is appreciated.

[@ppkus]

I liked as always do

[@InsertWittyName]

Sounded clear as a bell!

[@jd2055]

Crystal clear Shawn sounds great

[@TrixieM712]

Very crisp. I can even hear Cali squeezing her ball in her mouth.

[@joconnor3567]

Better, in my opinion.

[@scootaroo28]

After watching you work so hard for the last 4 years, it still pains me to see you start from scratch. You sir are the definition of perseverance!

[@Acadian.FrenchFry]

Exactly what I was thinking as I watched this. But, we know it will be better in the end.

[@Texicus_Reddicus]

in a way, I image it's nice to have a second chance to do better or change plans

[@patriciabarnes7034]

He is, God bless his every effort. Shawn will recreate even better than before. Adversaries that cause him to start again, will never prevail. UK.

[@donnacole4227]

I agree. His situation made me cry. More than once . 4 years back breaking work to create the beautiful place he created . Its just not right to have to leave it all an start over. Florida loves Shawn an Calli too

[@tomslattery1]

Is there a video where he explains the bright out situation?

[@bluebirdflyinglow]

I am a woman. I have a small homestead, but am not physically able to do what you do. I would love to live in a cabin in the wilderness, but I am 68 and I don’t see that happening! You and your wife are so blessed. You have the very best of living on planet earth. God bless you!

[@marionhauze3198]

Das geht mir genauso, bin in ihrem Alter 😢

[@scottredmond7998]

Thank you Shawn for making this past year a little more bearable with your content. Some of us have had an incredibly difficult time and I truly appreciate your time and effort you put into each video. Stay safe and looking forward to maple tapping videos in the coming weeks!

[@vasilispalmas]

I DONT UNDERSTAND ONE THING. YOU MADE SUCH AN EFFORT TO BUILD THE WORKSHOP. WHY SO SMALL

[@hanjoolee9205]

My wife and I absolutely hate the cold and absolutely love living in big cities. But somehow we just can't stop watching this channel.

[@RhinoDNA]

This man doesn't do anything half-ass. He's one of a kind!

[@rosearnold1220]

He is one of a kind!

[@ThydaCookingTV]

Agree

[@Skaggins]

My adult son has a t-shirt that says, "Always whole-ass everything." Cracks me up, but is actually a good thought about life/living.

[@SSingh-nr8qz]

Lots of men like that out there who believe if you are doing anything, do it the best you can. You can tell anything he does, he does thinking what is the best result, rather than what is easiest.

[@SSingh-nr8qz]

@@Skaggins LOL "whole-assing" is also a gay term. You made me laugh knowing that is now a T shirt LOL

[@davidcopperfield-notthemag397]

I am convinced that the best man-made heat there is is wood burning heat! Feels so soothing clear through. 🔥

[@jerrycurls88]

can start my Friday now... time for a nice cup of coffee and relaxation.

[@daniceglenn3514]

Makes me kind of relieved to know there are only 200 or so creeps in your world of cyberspace. By and far most of us love and admire you!!

[@murrayandru7527]

It's kinda like a New Page your turning there Mr. James , new thoughts and moving forward with the Vision . You have done so much in the past, this year will be Epic ! All The Best to You and Family as you progress. Yours is one of the BEST Channels to watch IMHO. Enjoyable content and Awesome Production skills. Thank you for sharing , Always an Enjoyable Watch !! Take care !

[@K0GNITION]

When I first found out you were going to have to move to a new location and start over again I was soo broken hearted about it because I've actually become attached to what you had built and watching your uploads. At this point I can already tell that things are going to be even better at the new location, and it's almost like discovering your channel all over again, but at the beginning of the process! I'm so thankful! Best of luck in this build Shawn. Take your experience and make it an absolute dream for yourself.

[@christinek.2002]

Is the beautiful vegetable garden and the earth cellar gone now too ? And Shawn`s little lake ? That would be very said. Many greetings from Germany !

[@kathleenoverton3263]

Just watched this guy build a workbench, from scratch, all by himself. I definitely need to keep that in mind when I m faced with a much easier chore! But truly, Shawn, I learn so much from you about perseverance, enjoying what I have around me, and humility. Thank you for that.

[@Mark723]

And he did the entire project with one eye closed - just to keep things in perspective the next time one of us feels the need to hesitate before taking out the trash...

[@egongefferie9194]

@@Mark723 Lol.oh dear haha

[@mgsee]

So... did Cali ever find her toy in the snow? None-the-less, I really admire her persistence! 😀

[@PenguinCam]

I wonder too, I never saw the ball come down. I suspect it's stuck in a tree :-)

[@mgsee]

@@PenguinCam No, it dropped between the two trees behind Shawn at 21:02 You might need to watch the video full screen to see it! 🤓

[@jaditelady173mary4]

@@mgsee thanks for clearing that up. I couldn't focus on trying to see if Cali found her ball. Lol!

[@airforce9872]

@@mgsee whats really sad is that cali looks up to see if it got stuck, im sure she's used to it with the other toy

[@stacydrain9613]

I wish there was some one else there to play with Cali.

[@بغداديهالهوى-ز4ت]

It's so much fun watching you love you from an Arab citizen from Iraq.

[@Mark723]

Hello to our friends from Iraq - the wintry Canadian wilderness beckons you...

[@بغداديهالهوى-ز4ت]

@ Mark723 Thank you my friend. I hope so, but traveling for the Iraqis is very difficult. I am very pleased with your words.

[@christianhood153]

Mr. Baghdadi - I got to see your country a few times over the past twenty years or so, I really enjoyed the date palms around the Baghdad Airport. I certainly wish you the best, and I think it’s pretty cool that we have a point of common interest with you! Good luck to you, friend...

[@بغداديهالهوى-ز4ت]

@Christian Hood really did you visit my country and know him? It really made me happy, but as a man and as a woman, I wish you would visit my country every once in a while and welcome you very much.

[@christianhood153]

@@بغداديهالهوى-ز4ت yes, friend - I got to spend significant time in Samawa, Nasiriya, Basra and Baghdad. The circumstances were not what one would call ideal, but perhaps some future day will find the world a little less crazy and it won’t be unreasonable to imagine an Iraqi and an American visiting each other’s countries.

[@jellowsun3395]

when i got home from work i had a terrible headache. After just a few minutes of watching your video my headache was completely gone. thank you Shawn! 😇

[@sempervelox]

Discovering this channel was great.

[@leetexas3924]

Cali is surely a beautiful and loyal pet. Love seeing her 'at the ready' to play God Bless (us all)

[@seancohen81]

This is exactly the morning birthday present motivation I needed to get out of bed, cook a hearty breakfast, and get right back into bed! 😀

[@earlsandyevens]

I for one appreciate you just doing your thing & being short on the talk.

[@bobmackin4342]

Just like the workshop itself, that workbench is a workbench and a half that should last for generations. I hope your grandchildren enjoy them also.

[@Wordsnwood]

That is a beast of a bench, Shawn.

[@jlmfoy365]

Yeah I know what you mean Art I built mine a while ago, it looks like that benches grandson. Regards Jim.

[@denisemeredith2436]

Judging by the crunchiness underfoot, you must have had some rain. It is great to see you back at the workshop building a much needed work bench. Thanks for sharing the wilds of Ontario with us. I have barely been out during the third lockdown over here in the UK, so it has been great to travel albeit virtually. Hope you and your family are managing to stay safe and well.

[@peterwagenknecht9797]

Shawn, Thank u so much for making these video's I look for them all the time u r such an influence on so many peoples lives, with the adversities u have endured in your work life and with your last cabin site u worked so hard on and see u pick up and start again is inspirational. I know it must some times make u want to give up and just go fishing but to your credit u do not know how to give in. I truly admire u and your spirit. I noticed the video's have been less of late I hope it is because of the winter there and that u have not lost the passion and intertest I have seen in your past. I have been to Ontario twice in the past as I used to go out with a lady there om looks a lot like your wife and we remain friends although I have not been back since 2007. Stay safe and please as the say soldier on

[@jacqulinejackson4822]

Me too

[@turbett1975]

I always find these videos relaxing and peaceful. I appreciate that you take the volume way down when you use the chainsaw.

[@jmar5787]

Best part of the week...The weekend and My Self Reliance!..lol. Thanks Shawn! Proenneke was right thanks for sharing that quote!

[@kathyl5610]

Until I found your channels I never knew how relaxing and entertaining it is to watch someone else works so hard! Every minute of your video is totally enjoyable. So thanks again for the time, talent and bone tiring work that goes into creating each and every video!

[@J297WFD]

The music at the end was really good. It put everything in a zen state

[@TheNeeenha]

Oh Yes I agree

[@MarySmith-gu5nb]

Cali is not only beautiful, she is so polite!

[@paulvalentine4157]

There may be a better way to enjoy drinking one's Friday morning coffee, but I doubt it and I certainly haven't found it. This is like fractal art, just when you ask "What can this guy do to fill 40 minute video?", he finds something awesome from in between two other things. Fantastic!

[@عبدالرحمناليبع]

أنت سيد المعلمين في أصول النجارة يعني بالبلدي صنيعي لك كل الإعجاب والتقدير

[@andreasweber5638]

Perfect tiny house. I’d move right in

[@earlsandyevens]

Wait, needs a cot!

[@amylilleydesign]

AMEN❤️💯😎

[@edboere2309]

Thank you 😘from an 80 year old lady from the Netherlands.x

[@jaynedeneen6899]

So often, your videos bring back childhood memories of hang out in the woodshop with my Grampa. A man of few words, he spoke softly and rarely, unless he had something important to say. I can hear his thick Maine accent today as I watch this: "Girl, that thayah is wha'chah call a work bench."

[@TheGoodHeart1000]

I know how hard you work by your amazing videos. I’m thinking it would be nice to see you take 30 minutes or an hour or so and play with Miss Callie. She absolutely adores you and while there is lots to do, I hope you can enjoy a few moments a day with your sweet dog and the beautiful setting you have secured on this amazing earth. We just want to know you are taking time to ‘smell the roses’. 😊 Thank you for allowing us a peek into your inspiring journey of self reliance. Blessings

[@davidbeach6947]

Love to see how the location of the workshop fits in with where the cabin, kitchen and sauna will be

[@sweettony9359]

You know what that woodshop needs? A nice cot. I could imagine working hard all day on some project and thinking, "I need to take a break" and kicking back on a cot for a nice 4 hour nap.

[@ddbronco1873]

@valleywoodworker Mr. James doesn’t nap... lol

[@jonrd463]

The dimensions of that workbench look suspiciously like the dimensions of a bed. Just add a mattress. 😁

[@jaditelady173mary4]

Funny how we are lying around watching you work on a bench...we all want to put a mattress on to take a nap...from watching you work I guess? Lol!

[@gunners4129]

Shawn take a nap lol I dont think so.

[@ThydaCookingTV]

Ok 👍 good

[@jeffplant3]

Great bench. Will be around for alot longer than most of us on the planet. I like the way you over-build things. Well done!

[@ThydaCookingTV]

Yeah well done

[@rconger24]

4:29 A perfect fetch throw directly away from the camera. And several more times. 26:56. A Kodak moment. 32:06. How I love these interludes ! The images dance so well with the music. Mr James is an artist, and we all ascend together. 38:42. Standing on some broad shoulders ! 39:25 Haha! The audio for the logo bumper has rightfully been switched from coyote to bear. Braavoh !!

[@jesb265]

Awe I love Cali! She’s such a beautiful dog!!!! I love the videos and everything she is just so darn cute!

[@BrLambert]

My dad made a picnic table that took 6 women or 4 men to move, you're workbench reminds me of those cherished memories 😊 I am very glad that you finally got your workshop and look forward to the creations that come from it. Fun!

[@jamesgoodman6243]

Your skills in almost everything based on wood are simply OUTSTANDING bringing back old school techniques some will call a lost art are requilded in your presentation on almost every video you post. Thank you. God bless be safe stay warm. Jim

[@ledout7733]

The European men creativity can't be stoped it's deep ingrained in their souls..

[@rollemswift2683]

Shawn that is no work bench it's a butchers block, and if they drop the bomb it's a refuge, Wow. great vid buddy. Thanks.

[@РуфинаТопорищева-щ9и]

Доброй ночи всем! Просмотрела все съемки на несколько раз. От красоты природы, где построены все строения я не могу оторвать глаз... душа разворачивается и сворачивается!! От умельца я в восторге!! Построить от основания до завершения одному строения и уметь делать все.... я в восторге!! Простите владею только 2мя языками... русский и татарский.... Мое вам восхищение!! Ваши съёмки это релакс!! СПАСИБО ВАМ, ЧТО РАДУЕТЕ! Я ЕЩЕ НЕ РАЗ ПЕРЕСМОТРЮ!!

[@shirleygeorge6351]

Divinely spectacular! Breath-taking! Bless you, Shawn.

[@darrellpidgeon6440]

Yeah! Now it's starting to look like a bona fide workshop. I think my Dad would have loved to see this process. Woodworking was a big hobby of his, and he got really good at it. The cabinets in the kitchen is proof. I miss seeing him work. I still love the smell of wood and sawdust. He could build nice dressers and nightstands, but I will always be fond of the tea cart. The only metal he used were the hinges for the leaves. Even the wheels on the cart are wood. Hey, that snow on your property is beautiful, but I'm ready to see some green. Looking forward to the Spring!

[@lindas1496]

I can’t wait to see your next build. You are good at what ever you do , sir . Beautiful land and wild life.🇨🇦❤️👍

[@AChildofLightHEATHER]

I had a great uncle that was a wood worker, he didn't give out many compliments as he was a old farm guy that believed in hard work. But I bet if he was alive and saw your hand made work he would give you a compliment! Hats off to you hard working guy.

[@garyfairbrother5532]

The best compliment I ever received as a city boy was from a man observing a rigged up awning for my son’s graduation party. He said: “You’d have made a good farmer”.

[@AChildofLightHEATHER]

@@garyfairbrother5532 That's awesome, those are the type compliments that stick in your head because they are meaningful!

[@cynthiaredenius8507]

Good morning! I'm just sitting here day dreaming about what your new cabin will look like? Can't wait to watch you build it! Thanks for giving this old lady something to do to pass the time. Stay safe! Love you and Cali!

[@cynthiaredenius8507]

Love you and Cali! Thank you for the like!

[@tigerboi9694]

His workmanship and knowledge get more and more overwhelming

[@toasterito]

love the look of the square beams on the workshop. So sturdy. Like the workbench

[@HalsPals]

I built my workbench similar to this and, I'm telling you, an elephant could tap dance on it no problem. Strong work, Shawn.

[@rongendron2427]

Is glue really only thing holding them together?

[@HalsPals]

@@rongendron2427 I used a few nails on mine but not many. It holds together pretty good on its own.

[@FiglioBastardo]

Good ol Cali always supervising all the work! Thanks for sharing all these great moments Shawn. God bless you and yours brother.

[@devonseamoor]

Thank you, Shawn, for showing us how to make a robust workbench, in such a skillful way. It's truly a teaching in perseverance and not hurrying things, like so often shows in the pace of city life, windforce 10. I guess it must be with a great sense of achievement, to see it finished, and hang the tools, clean the window. Sitting on the workbench with Cali, was great, it was as if you both shared a broad inner smile. Like others here, in the comments, I also appreciate what you film in nature, using the drone and camera. I'm often relieved to watch the presence of pristine wilderness, where you live. The animals in their natural environment, easy to spot in the snow. It's comforting and relaxing, helpful to keep in mind that it's part of keeping an inner balance, to hold on to a healthy perspective, and know one's direction, while walking one's talk.

[@basshunter4144]

the definition of life ........The man his dog and a fire good morning Shawn good seeing ya again great vid God bless be safe

[@michaelbellows554]

The videos in which you “make sawdust” are my favorites. They’re both fascinating and relaxing at the same time. Thank you.

[@paultuttle4236]

That work bench looks a little flimsy. I wouldn’t put anything heavier than a D9 engine block on it.

[@kalinystazvoruna8702]

LOL!

[@markstanden202]

*Holds up the sarcasm card*

[@jacquelinecyr7182]

😅

[@russellnerche8789]

Man...I was thinking the same thing! But...I was thinking more like a mack truck! Lol. 💪💪💪🤣😂😳😳

[@dlspiritdancer9548]

🤔 it just might hold a few heavy projects! 🤣😂😜😁💪 but one thing for sure, its gonna last a while! 🤗

[@antond2154]

Hats off to you Shawn, I’ve never seen a work bench that heavy duty and robust!! You could put a skyscraper on it and wouldn’t budge!! 👍💪🏻

[@margreetanceaux3906]

I was thinking: 🐘

[@coolgrandma4952]

I imagine that they were left over from the workshop walls.

[@joycemetheny8338]

You have the heart and soul of an artist and the editing is impeccable ! Your videos are mesmerizing .

[@duke68318]

The quote by Richard Proenneke made my evening. 😊

[@ianrtilley]

This new location and venture that you are embarking on has been brilliant to watch just the same as all the other projects that you have constructed (on your own)!! Hats of to you Shawn. You are a very unique and skilful man. The new workshop is really looking great and has given you a great safe place to work and operate from as you go forward, well done and I will look forward to all the videos that follow 👍 Ian from England.

[@janedc5ch319]

I only found this channel a few days ago.i cant stop watching. I'm learning more about liveing off the grid. I wish I was young and could do things like you. I'm a old lady liveing with my son.and going nuts. Stuck in my room day after day. I love your dog so sweet. I enjoy watching you work so hard. So smart.

[@johnburns6422]

You are the Saint Joseph of Canada . Working with wood is one of Gods greatest gifts , Stay safe no one has a life to spare ,from the old country .

[@jetsonwhite888]

These 'building stuff' vids of yours are my faves. It's why I come to your channel again and again.

[@rodpasichnyk9140]

You know it's cold when the wood "pops" when splitting it, cheers!

[@edmo43]

Tiny house perfect for winter. I like to see her in the summer. It won't be too far from the original Cabin.🤟

[@johnhine8725]

Hey Shawn, thanks for another escape for all this you know what. Great job! Please tell Cali Journey did a tribute song for her “Don’t stop retrievin’ “

[@131dyana]

That bench will last as long as the cabin does. Thanks for showing that build.

[@davel101]

Stunning Video again Shawn, two things - 1) Did Cali find the ball that you kicked for her? Found it amusing to see her looking for it :) 2) Love the workbench but would be very nervous about smashing the window with a tool or a piece of wood Really love seeing the energy and focus you're showing, obviously the 'new cabin' is something positive to help drive you forward. Take care

[@AZHITW]

I'm thinking a piece of expanded metal in front of the window and it's all good.

[@elizabethsproule5227]

I'm thinking he would just fix it.

[@nasymonnase266]

First time I see a dogs tail going like a helicopter. Cali has a lot of fun with you. Keep up the good work. I am happy of every of your youtubevids you share. Thank you. 😀

[@glennmitchell3284]

Well hopefully your wife can join you on this new venture into your reliance as a team effort work can go much smoother

[@chrisblack8390]

Hi Shawn, when you make a work bench you REALLY make a work bench!!! I thought how in the hell is he gonna carry that in. Well you did it! Impressive! Looks great! Last week I had 2ft of snow in my yard in northern Indiana. This week the snow melted and I have snow crocus blooming! Spring is here! Thank you for the beautiful video.

[@panzersheriff727]

Best thumbnail ever!!

[@MySelfReliance]

As soon as I got upon the bench, Cali was intrigued and jumped right up. Crazy dog

[@philmoore71]

@@MySelfReliance our cat explores every new thing within moments :)

[@earlsandyevens]

She saw you relaxing & had to check it out. Good shot of the 2 of you to frame.

[@rrketc2]

There is nothing more satisfying and gratifying than building one's own workbench. I have built three and can't wait until I build my fourth.

[@normachase1822]

Really happy to see getting ahead regardless of all the snow you got this winter. A bench like that has multiple uses such as working of course, food prep, eating and taking naps

[@StefanOnTour]

Splitting frozen logs with decent water content is my absolute kink.... thats just amazing

[@niferanne53]

Have been concerned for you having been snowed in. Glad to see this today! Thank you

[@aleshiasterland460]

I so appreciate your videos. Peaceful for the soul, most of us that watch this channel wish we could be in your shoes with this lifestyle! Blessings from Helena, Montana USA. Thank you 😊

[@aletiawind2385]

Poor Cali waits hours for you too notice that his toy is stuck 🐕 your tool shed looks great 👍 greetings from Johannesburg, South Africa

[@167curly]

Yup. Much better sound quality now, Shawn. All through that episode I was thinking to myself "How the heck is he going to shift that heavy five-plank bench top? Please do mind your fingers and toes, and respect your back. Love seeing Calle's energy when retreiving her toys and wagging her tail.

[@diamondback2085]

Window restoration season has begun and I'm sitting with my cup of coffee when your work table gave me an idea for my workshop. You can't find window repair decks anymore. And watching how you put your table together gave me an idea on a custom one I can build. You rock my dude!

[@lucillasanchez-schlageter2315]

My husband and I enjoy watching your videos. Your are a very impressive human. There are not many like you Sir. Thank you for sharing with the world your life and work. Blessings to you and your family.

[@detectivemikevarnado7515]

Great bench.

[@deehooper1025]

Love how you cleaned the windows in the workshop!

[@sashamirzayans8465]

The microphone was much better. I just loved that table.

[@bobbynash282]

I hate it that you or anyone cant live in peace and quite. But its a new adventure and thats up too you on good or bad. I hope you get the peace you desire and worked so hard for.

[@marshallsuber3346]

That work bench is something that the grandkids will point to with pride. My grandpa made this and if you behave I'll leave it to you in my will.

[@gccon4321]

Wonderful start into the weekend! Watched your upload with a warm cup of tea. It's like a meditation.

[@zwm.]

Стараюсь не пропускать . Очень жалею , что по английский никак . Как понял был успешным , жил мега полисе , потом уехал в лес !!!! Золотые руки просто молодец . А собачка просто супер , я ее без бутылки уже и не представляю !!!! Жена красавица , дочь супер и как я понял внучка !!! Просто молодец !!!! Обожаю Канаду , это самая любимая для меня страна !!!!

[@herefishyfishy6907]

Perfect start to a windy, rainy day.

[@SergeyIvanov1337]

that finished scene put a smile on my face

[@يوسفالليبي-ر3ب]

Luckily for us, Mr. Shawn chose Friday, which is considered an official holiday in Libya, the Middle East and North Africa 🖐😊

[@richardcorsillo9819]

You can make a work bench out of a date tree

[@يوسفالليبي-ر3ب]

@@richardcorsillo9819 Oh really. Why the date tree specifically? This blessed, productive tree lives for hundreds of years and cannot be cut down. We in Libya have many types of trees

[@richardcorsillo9819]

Makes sense. Wouldnt want to cut those down. Trying to be relatable.

[@richardcorsillo9819]

I live in California and appreciate dates, but still havent been to a farm. Medkools, khadrawi, halawi...all good

[@gnollman]

Not to knock the excellent woodworking you do, but the scenery and wildlife shots are some of the best photography you do. I love it.

[@jonhamilton5789]

Not long now, the big thaw is coming soon. I think that’s my favorite time of year.

[@thomasmusso1147]

Now that .. is a Work Bench 👍👍👍.

[@greggriffith642]

I love watching you build. I see there are 32 (dislikes) people that just hate life.

[@timothyweiss619]

Absolutely one awesome work bench made by a pro named Shawn James. The bench will still be around in 200 yrs from now to leave to all the grand kids. Nice job and another cool video, the mic sounds good. Thanks Shawn

[@henryganzer4685]

nice opening picture with you and cali on the workbench - you should make a poster or t-shirt from this foto

[@fiorenzaattanasio4796]

You truly are a Remarkable Renaissance Man.... I thank you

[@dianesanford6330]

As always, the scenery is gorgeous!!

[@morscodez]

Much joy watching you build the workbench and hang the tools. They're finally home.