This is Way Harder Than I Expected | Building an Off Grid Workshop

[@TheFrankMcGeeReport]

Hey Shawn, My wife and I are at home, we were tested yesterday positive for Covid 19. My sweet wife is a pretty sick little lady right now, so we're praying and taking care as much as possible. But I'm enjoying your uploads! Thanks again! Rev. Frank Mc Gee ...and for Bobbi too! Yes! Me and Bobbi Mc Gee!!

[@MySelfReliance]

I hope you get well soon

[@arunbrycewalterjagdishchan921]

Take care ....not as easy time

[@charm8167]

Prayer for you both to be in better health soon. God bless.x

[@susanpremo8068]

Best wishes, hope you both do better soon.

[@GetReady4LiftOff]

Lord Jesus I speak your blood to covered this family this young woman, with Supernatural health, healing vitality. Lord Jesus by ur name and by ur blood she will be healed I speak in 3rd heaven authority given to us using Jesus name. Jesus said, what's so ever u ask in prayer believing you shall receive amen

[@jtpaar1732]

I'm one of those people who learns by doing more than watching. I can't tell you how many times I wished I was your neighbor...or your good friend....someone who could help you with tough jobs, but also learn, even a little bit, about what you know. It boggles my mind, what you accomplish on your own! Thank you for taking the time to post these great vids. Stay safe out there, Shawn!

[@Tyrant369]

Exactly my thoughts aswell

[@JCtheROD]

I think he has already said in previous videos that there are people who have offered him help, but he has declined their help because he is a man who does not want to be indebted to people who expect something in return from him. Shawn is a very a Strong, prideful, resourceful and knowledgeable man but imho he does need help as he gets older, i think a few power tools wouldn't hurt.

[@patriciabarnes7034]

I hear you, we could all volunteer to help with the new cabin?

[@markbell1]

Shawn, I won't lie. Watching you teeter-tottering those beams up made me nervous as hell! I love how you take a break as well! Splitting wood! lol. Your video got me off my butt to get some yard work done. Thanks for your videos.

[@wethepeoplesvoice6174]

I wanted to thank you for having us over!! We had thee best time ever. The handmade violin you made was so beautiful. We loved hanging with your family and playing for all of you and as we were leaving and getting on the chopper, I rolled over and realized it was all a dream, but a damn good one too!! Your videos were still playing non stop when I woke up, which I love watching!! Love your sweet Cali!! If you ever need puppies let me know!!! Thanks for all you do. Your place is amazing!!! Can’t get enough of these!!! Oh and did I say your food was amazing in the dream too!! Lol 😂 love you guys!!

[@joshuazerubbabel5951]

I think I pulled a muscle in my back just watching this!! Much respect to you good sir....looks to be coming along nicely!

[@jimjustjim976]

The magic of filming makes it seem easier. For most people it's very hard to imagine how slow going and physical it really is. But to build by hand is just very slow going. Takes commitment and fortitude. Much respect.

[@bang6591]

Man you are a very physically and mentally resilient person, keep it up!!

[@trisho.8331]

Iron man Mr. James built Fort Knox in Ontario. I was hurting just watching him lift those Hemlocks. Simply amazing!!

[@darrellcox9251]

i love watching your videos. this one made me cry somewhat when you cut away from your working and show the scenes of the snow falling and the trees and woods. it is just so unbelievably beautiful. but the reason i cry is that i am a 64 year old man who never learned much about life at all, nor building anything or using tools or nothing like that. and i was basically raised in the mountains of kentucky, but i live in knoxville, tennessee. this just makes me wonder what happened to my life and just reflecting back on my life and what its even been for. i am alone and lonely and always have been. i dont even know the basics of building anything or tools, or working on anything like you do. i guess thats why i enjoy your videos so much. i especially like the scenes of the woods and now that its starting to snow i guess where youre at there in canada, i hope you certainly make more videos out in nature. thanks for making these videos sir. i enjoy them so much. they are beautiful and so soothing to me!

[@marydaz]

Get your guys out there to help you finish it! You always impress, Shawn, thanks for sharing the journey with us.

[@gretchenhamlin4282]

SHAWN , THE OLD WOOD STOVE THAT YOUR GETTING IS FANTASTIC. I'M PICTURING ALOT OF SHELVING. BEAUTIFUL SNOWFALL AT TWILIGHT. STAY SAFE WITH ALL YOUR NEW PROJECTS.

[@clarabarraza6674]

That wood looks wet and heavy!! You are as always doing a great work there. Take care! God bless you!!

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

I think my muscles are sore from watching you James! Lots of heavy work but I commend you for sure! Thanks ?Kindly James and Cali of course! Joy of Spirit! DaveyJO in Pa.

[@johnjude2685]

I'm 69 now and always love doing almost anything in my garage, garden and Blacksmith forge. You have done great work and with age ( your age not the logs age) , Well Sir the dam things gets heavier and sooner on long work days. Thanks for showing and teaching Sir

[@careyroberts3924]

Lovely comment and a delightful way to address someone. Respect to you Sir John Jude......

[@Tom-Travels]

Great workout. Cheap labor is priceless.

[@delmarleite4041]

I really admire your work! My wife admires it too, especially when she cooks ...! We really like the dog ...!

[@Blackbart5118]

I'm getting a sore back just watching this! Shawn could probably win a powerlifting contest, when he's done with this!

[@butwereallsombdyspecial]

This guy is UNBELIEVABLE my ENTIRE body hurts after watching this OMG. GOOD FOR HIM. ☝️💯

[@JamesJohnson-yh1oh]

Elizabeth says, It's sad that you feel fine doing hard work, and after a decade or two, the damage starts showing up in your body, what you did way back then, and since.

[@jimposey8848]

I love your style of video making. No talking just the sound of tools working and soothing music a little nature added for good measure. Thanks, Oh yes the dog is great too. Serenity is a priceless commodity.

[@RedKittieKat]

"I'll take a break and split some firewood" Only on this channel would you hear such a statement 😁 I am in awe of all you do. I just don't know how you do it ... amazing to watch.

[@silasmarner7586]

The only guy who I know who has that kind of energy is Andrew Camarata . Check his channel out. He. Is. A. Monster. But a very very very nice person.

[@theemeraldfox7779]

Meow

[@almond4488]

What's wrong with those people who disliked this video? This is such an awesome and peaceful life ❤️

[@angelfishfish1]

Watching your videos are absolutely relaxing ♥️

[@waynesbutler7834]

Your work ethic never ceases to amaze me and as a result of your physical health you will live to be an old man ..

[@jlmfoy365]

Hi Sean I've found out over the last few years that things have got heavier and the floor is a lot further away when I am trying to pick stuff up. Getting old sucks but on a brighter note it beats the hell out of the alternative. Regards Jim UK.

[@tinydancer7426]

Did you ever notice how much farther away your feet are? It's getting harder and harder for me to reach mine to do a pedicure ....... or just get my socks on and tie my shoes.

[@jackripper4767]

There's that word again. 'Heavy'. Is there something wrong in the future with the earth's gravitational pull?

[@BABYGIRL19538]

@@tinydancer7426 I try to exercise everyday walking but my knees aren’t doing so good . The mountains are my home but to much city . I need a man to keep me company . I can still make a garden and live off the land the only problem I cannot build a cabin . Am getting old I can still put my shoes on . My bones hurt but am a mountain women . he’s doing great on his shed .

[@glenjones7006]

You`ll fight like hell rather than accept the alternative

[@curtisgrindahl446]

Takes my breath away... watching you use a hand saw to cut those huge timbers. You ARE the man Shawn!

[@fiorevitola880]

Along with Ed G comment; I worked in heavy construction starting with The Army Engineers at 17 and worked in a pipeline company for the next 19 years. You finally admitted your limits, that is the first step second is getting a helper if not just for safety sake. You have accomplished an astounding homestead as it is. God bless

[@mikefedele4521]

Pretty cool what your doing. Not many people could do what your doing... Glad your posting your adventures for all to share.

[@bossbabies347]

I love this guy and what he stands for, he is truly in a league all his own!

[@chesleigheaton]

Truly there is something to be said about the nobility and honor of actual physical work. We can deduce this given that thousands of people are willing to watch many hours of footage showing a man working, and be envious.

[@grahamball364]

They say you learn something new every day , I like the way in which you got them higher to put in place ,hope your keeping well .Graham

[@167curly]

The chamfered/bevelled edges of the lateral timbers are a very attractive feature of this workshop, Shawn. Thanks for the new video.

[@python3574]

It may be hard, but the euphoric satisfaction thats gonna kick in when you’re done is gonna be more than worth it.

[@douggibson276]

Great build Shawn slow and steady. You don't want to hurt yourself, that will put you back days or weeks. Stay safe and healthy. Give your wife and girls a hug. Enjoy the late fall, warmer next week.

[@margreetanceaux3906]

A nice long sauna, and a hot bowl of soup seem in order!

[@everist22]

Shawn - watching you is inspirational. You demonstrate that block by block, cut by cut and nail by nail - our dreams are achievable. Thank you so much for sharing. Simon

[@cathie9614]

Tom and I were watching you on the last video and we're cringing when we saw the size of those beams. By the way he thinks you're the strongest man in the world, physically and mentally. 👍💖

[@MySelfReliance]

😂

[@charm8167]

Back care is important, I went out of work four years ago on ill health. I am a year young than Shaun. Not sure if it’s effects of a car accident in my younger years. But the back if damaged once can be difficult to manage.

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

@@charm8167 I'll second that statement. Football and work ruined my back, per my Orthopedic surgeon back in 2005. I used to lift weights and kept in good shape but, as I stated above, accidents happen and everything you knew and, how to do, just flew out the window. Stan

[@JamesJohnson-yh1oh]

Plus, Shawn has to video tape, cook for himself, cut firewood and wash clothes, and who knows what else for himself without a family. I wonder if he has any spare time.

[@simonnelerette1971]

I'm glad the dog is there with you , he helps you stop a minute and take a breather Love calie

[@stantheman5163]

That is one stout shed you got there. You need to place a metal placard on it so that a hundred years from now when someone stumbles over it while tromping in the woods they´ll know that it´s only a tool shed/workshop and not a post-apocalyptic bunker. You can also add in there that you built it by hand, alone, while thousands watched on-line, just for kicks.

[@fleaflicker1451]

🏆✌

[@xIntoThePitx]

That land will probably have a giant apartment on it in 100 years.

[@JamesJohnson-yh1oh]

Elizabeth said, I'm wondering if his wife will ever be in a position to help him, and to live with him there.

[@fleaflicker1451]

@@xIntoThePitx nooooo!😭 but sadly you're right.

[@xr6lad]

@@JamesJohnson-yh1oh I have a feeling they are on wildly diverging paths that are moving further apart each month.

[@marthaneuhauser1019]

Hard it's more like very difficult! Man oh Man! I just love how Cali listens.

[@lauramarti7548]

Those timbers look so heavy! However, this building is going to look awesome, as it already does in the partway built stage.

[@halvatek1]

Shawn...you are an Inspiration!!! You are also my hero! Thank you very much!! For everything! Best of wishes from an almost locked down Bucharest, Romania.

[@dugdru2]

This looked really hard - now I know why the Amish bring friends to raise a barn. Great video!

[@maricrisdeleon8055]

Shawn those lumber were massive and obviously too heavy to be lifted by a single person. I admire you reseliency but pushing yourself with limitation such as that is not a very good idea for me..it scared me each time you carried the bigger log on the top of the other. I still believed that no one is an island sometimes. Just be careful and we all wanted see more videos from you. Keep posting🏠🌲

[@vs3482]

Some times use cranes. I know replacing a roof, they will use Generator an a nail gun. Some might say I am dead wrong. Place where my sister an I live is Owned by AMISH, did the roof last week. You weren't there to watch.

[@drinxs505]

It's a community thing

[@kilroygirl7347]

Great video as always but each time you lifted a log, I suffered. Glad you're going to get help.

[@aaronschmidt8533]

You have taken “Working from Home” to a whole new level! Brilliant! Your timing is impeccable to be self reliant.

[@Columbiabrat]

I love that you recognize what could be a bad idea. Luckily you always come through!

[@meen-r.d.7500]

You are doing a wonderful job. More than a workshop it looks like a fort. After such hard work you need to relax for a couple of days.

[@guppy2129]

Be careful Shawn! I was holding my breath on a couple of those climb & lifts! It looks great!

[@BrianBigfootBeliever]

You are one of the best builder's on KZbin Shawn. You are a True Craftsman!!

[@luluwinke6581]

I think that you are doing everything with rest in mind; life is one day at a time, ...just awesome stuff for one person.

[@danielluma2948]

You surly have the best seat in the wood's

[@mathbrown9099]

We ALL slow up a bit with age. Strength and endurance will inexorably drop. Staying in peak shape is the only weapon against this process. You be well Shawn.

[@mrrustyjones63]

luv the chamfering on those timbers looks great sure it has building perks too .....

[@LukeSlocombe]

be careful out there, Shawn - you wrench your back and it'd be hard days for ALL future projects. I say buy a couple hundred bucks of rigging gear and save your back! BTW workshop looking beautiful and solid. thanks for the content.

[@janetseidlitz5976]

I agree 100%

[@xr6lad]

Yes. I know men just have 'egos' and don't want to admit anything is starting to slow them down. But he is not young and bones and muscles do start to age and, well not always perform like try he used to. It just takes a 'crack' of a bone, a muscle tear or even a slip on a wet leaf and bang.

[@jonothandoeser]

@@xr6lad That would be had to do at 20.

[@onlymesohyper]

In awe over your patience and endurance, you are so determined to do this, whatever it takes. I am humbled by this for sure!

[@davekibbey7944]

Steady as she goes Shawn. Don't let yourself get in a hurry. It's looking real good so far.

[@marcegrecco53]

Giant Lincoln logs, it looks really sturdy, I love it, I think it’s smart the way you built it.

[@Halmiyar]

What a good working man, greetings from France, take care!

[@Breacher141]

Somebody get this man the cordless makita package! i cant believe you hand cut all your buildings over the years, you're a legend my friend.

[@pamelabritton5409]

I guess Persistence is your middle name, Shawn? I checked, and was happy to see you have your phone in your pocket in case of accident. You are a most admirable example of your species. It's fascinating to watch and learn with you.

[@NavinKumar-pf3bd]

It is hard to believe that so many logs have been lifted and placing them in the position Shawn you’re really brave man.Hats of to you and may God bless you sir

[@kimcritchley8231]

It's hard work, you're not getting any younger. But doing a great job, beautiful as always

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

Every log I see you left only thing I can think of is " oh my back " That is some very hard work doing that by yourself.

[@seanutube5945]

"i think i'll take a break" and split firewood... LOL, your an animal building all that by yourself. Keep up the amazing work.

[@michefitzgerald]

What will this completed project be used for ? Jamestown is really moving along. I admire your talent and boundless energy !!!

[@seanutube5945]

@@michefitzgerald Yea he's building a workshop. Its interesting how he builds different buildings with different materials and in different styles depending. Cant wait to see hot it turns out!

[@elonmust7470]

You should see the hand dug wells we had on a property out in San Luis Obispo County CA. The ground is nothing but river rock and cement like dirt. It takes 45 min to dig a 3' post hole. One man dug 3 wells ranging from 30' deep to over 70' deep. And those were just three wells that were on at the time, a 100,000 acre ranch. The average guy did a lot 150 years ago.

[@simplelife861]

Good Man

[@woolval52]

At 20:10... "I realize with everything that's going on I'm gonna be here for a long time and I need to make sure the property is sustainable for the rest of my life". Yeah, the world is changing. God bless you and your family, hope your plans prove successful.

[@maryannerick7617]

From one who's paying for the misuse and overwork of her back, be careful! Since I often work alone, I'm quite interested in your solutions to lack of that extra pair of hands (and back). Great work!

[@kasamiller5144]

Wow just Wow!!!!...You're such a great man Mr James..you're one of a kind..very, very hard working.I love all your videos, thanks very much..God Bless you nd take good care of yourself.Greetings from Fiji.❤❤👏👏👍👍

[@alanmumford8806]

Shawn, some wise words from an unlikely source: "A man's gotta know his limitations". Don't break your body, building a workshop!

[@TheFlatlander440]

Clint Eastwood in "Magnum Force". Spot on quote for this build.

[@randalllaue4042]

You don’t want to build wheel chair ramps!!!

[@clintdavis9511]

@@TheFlatlander440 Thanks! I was wracking my brain trying to remember this quote.

[@TheFlatlander440]

@@clintdavis9511 I knew the quote and knew it was a Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry movie. Which movie was the issue for me. Google is your friend, lol.

[@markforrestsm]

That is gonna be one beautiful building Shawn! But have to agree with you around the toll on the body, as strong and dedicated as you are, it's just not sustainable.. Please take care of yourself! Much admiration for you and warm regards, Mark (South Africa)

[@rlsingle00]

Amazing how fast the leaves fell. Hope someone is with you in case you get injured lifting or from a fall. This project looks really good, hopefully you can get it dried in before a snow that stays on. Good luck, stay safe and healthy.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

That is the chunkiest workshop I have ever seen 😮 it makes mine look like its made out of match sticks 😆 great work👍

[@dedwin8930]

All your work done by two strong hands! You have done so much in a short time! Cali got confused with the window! Was funny...Going to take a break and split some wood!!!!!!!!!

[@josannefromin7750]

Wow I can see your body need a rest. U are so incredible again...Have a great rest...........thanks to show us the most valuable reasons for being very busy

[@Tony-zt3zy]

Man watching you built this remind me when I was little playing with Lincoln Logs, and you could build all kinds of cool homes with it. Great video keep them coming. I hope you and your family take care and God bless. Tony

[@OffGridAussiePrepper]

yeah but a big difference, size to weight ratio is massive in his case.

[@jayowens9434]

Wow Shawn looking good but seems like I can feel your pain! Be careful brother! Yeah get some rest! Excited to see the finished project! Be encouraged my friend! You got this!

[@jacklyndlask-hickman734]

My Dad remodeled very old houses that we lived in throughout Wisconsin to sell later to help raise5 kids and pay for my parents’ college. Us kids were in a sense his Cali, but instead of a Kong we retrieved tools and other building equipment, helped cement floors in basements an patios, helped ripped down old plaster and wood lathes and dispose of them, build shed roofs, and paint houses and tin roofs as kids. My Dad often dug basement rooms and root cellars with just a shovel by himself. At the end of the day he would emerge moaning in utter agony from overwork, so in a sense I can relate to your physical exertion. I recall that he dug three basement rooms, two root cellars, and a few dry wells by hand before pouring cement. We tease him today at almost 84 that if you’re bored, go dig a room...

[@nanmoi8566]

What grand memories and tales you must have. it’s so good to hear these moments shared here. Thank you so much ‘. This Channel brings and gives such surcease from the everyday madding crowds. I am so often yanked back into my childhood by Shawn’s fine doings. I, too, have those times/years with my Dad right up front in my heart and ears. Love your Dad for all of us whose uDads died too soon. It wonderful to hear that your great Dad is with you and us still. And you have your family. So good. Thanks for sharing your memories. I’d like to hear more. Do you tape your fathers recollections and your family times together now? What a fun and poignant work that would be. Be safe and well. 🌻moi

[@Dzidekification]

Your overwhelming skills and Cali being so obedient makes this project a great success. Nothing comes easy but you Sir. make a it look like everything is possible with right attitude and physical effort. Thank you for another great video.

[@joycefuller4366]

I love the way you did the logs this time, I have really been learning a lot from watching your vlogs and the way you are getting logs up is amazing I would never have thought of that .. I would use the pulley from here on out .. Seriously that's hard work way to hard

[@Аннушка-д3х]

Привет из России. К сожалению, я не знаю английский язык, но с большим удовольствием смотрю все ваши видео.восхищяюсь всему, что вы делаете. Удачи вам и здоровья.

[@gariecowles4097]

I enjoy your videos! I look forward to them every Friday and wish they were longer. I really like the look of the square logs and the big windows. Can’t wait to see the workshop finished.

[@Elizaw342]

Playing with Lincoln logs as a kid, far easier. I kept thinking your determination is amazing! Sure hope you can get adequate rest in between. I love the look of this build and can’t wait to see windows and door. As always Cali is a delight to watch..take good care!

[@paulmoy9736]

You Sir are an inspiration to us all......I am in awe of everything you do.......thank you for the amazing videos.

[@jimdoyle8224]

Gday from Aus. I've been watching you since the beginning and It's awesome stuff. I have been doing similar stuff all my adult life and am just about to start another workshop house and boatshed. I am only two yrs older than you and i can tell you it's getting a bit tuffer. after watching most of your stuff I would say that although you do use leverage and balance I don't reakon you use it enough. I have found if you concentrate on working with balance points and leverage on everything it becomes a sort of habit and definitely helps with fatigue and can also be sort of fun working it out, probably works out quicker in the long run too. cheers, keep up the good work.

[@256087]

I thought first that the protubing ends of the logs were only for the look, but their use as a ladder for lifting the long logs is very very smart. Great job, you give us in confinement hope and faith. Thank a lot for sharing your experience, and take care.

[@bigsquatchsasfoot1964]

Thor ....and the hammer of James 😂 damn Shawn your like some kinda superman ! impressive build and very inspirational my good man 👍

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

Very inspiring. Since finding your channel I've learned to take my time and not get flustered when things don't go so smoothly. I've learned patience watching these videos. Which has allowed me to enjoy my projects. Thank You!

[@sydneyevans2637]

Mr. James, you seriously need an "uppit." Your work shop looks like it will be bullet proof! I know you are very, very, very self reliant but sometimes it takes a couple more hands. If one of those big boys get away from you it could bad news. Be safe! Best regards to you and your family!

[@kathyl5610]

He was very careful about where Cali was too..

[@Alex-fm2pn]

pretty sure that wood thickness can take anything under .223 so your mostly safe if the local bear decides to up his game.

[@macCloud2021]

Love that dog, when I get home from work and my three greet me with happiness all the stress of the the day just disappears.

[@jmar5787]

Well I can tell u first hand shawn those beams are heavy. Was helping a buddy off load from his trailer 20' hemlock beams for his 100 year old barn there refurbishing today!. Be careful not much help around where your at if things go wrong. Thanks for the update!

[@Atlas1971]

Love your work Shawn.

[@lancedaniels]

Pretty nerve wracking to see you lifting those 6 x 8s, standing underneath them, and while balancing on the wall!

[@derekjohnson8859]

Thanks for sharing Shawn.Wonderful Job on the workshop. Take care and stay safe. Best wishes to you and all the family.

[@christiehuffman3823]

Well that building is going nowhere...no weather is ever going to blow that over!! Looks solid as brick!! 💪

[@CampfireKodiak]

It's coming along nicely. Just think how proud you will be when it's finished. Clearly it's worth doing right. Don't listen to negative comments.

[@PawPawMountain]

Shawn, I knew you were looking tired, brake time my friend!

[@twinbenjebby2]

Hi Shawn, I’m an avid admirer. You are so disciplined and hardworking .

[@young-soonkim6730]

Good Friday Shawn & Cali!👍

[@johnnyhuguez6155]

YOUR AWSOME ...STAY SAFE MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU....🙏LOVE THE VIDEO CAN WATCH THIS WORK ALL DAY...

[@darrengarlough5121]

Love this building technique. I have a cooks sawmill coming soon and white pines that would be perfect for such a project. I cab hardly wait to get started thanks.

[@EmilyBoltz]

Shawn I just wanted to say it sounds like you are taking care of yourself. The builds are looking good. I just don't know how you do so much on your own but you are amazing! Take Care!

[@assocrec]

Hey Shawn can you (at some point) explain the build size and how the interior will function as your workshop etc. Was also wondering if you will add covered decks to the shop for larger projects that aren’t practical inside the 4 walls of the workshop? I have read lots of comments referring to the size of the workshop followed by “We are certain Shawn has a plan on form, fit and function “ We appreciate you brother and your commitment in sharing your awesome home, skills and philosophy!

[@cathycartier484]

You are always on the look out for Cali's safety and now I'm glad to hear you are aware of your own limitations which is very smart . Shawn , I love your videos and so I want you to always take care, be safe , be well and prosper .

[@meanderingmakeroutdoor]

Am I the only one literally shouting “YES!!” every time he gets those header beams up another notch??