Raising the Timber Frame Maple Sugar Shack with my Apprentice: Off-grid Cabin Build
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Date: 2026-07-10
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Comments and reviews: 20
Autumn_Seasoning
Wow this build is going up super fast. no strong wind, storms of any kind that Canada gets is going to ever knock anything over that you build Shawn. You could make maple sugar candy and sell it if you wanted to. I'm so excited to see this build as well. Awesome taking the time to teach someone your awesome ropes of carpentry. He is learning from the best, even though modest Shawn says he is not a carpenter. He is just not a licenced one. He is a jack of all trades and does more then well on them all. We've all witnessed it all here in every video that we've watched over the years. Not to mention the past previous land and build before moving to this one.
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Wow this build is going up super fast. no strong wind, storms of any kind that Canada gets is going to ever knock anything over that you build Shawn. You could make maple sugar candy and sell it if you wanted to. I'm so excited to see this build as well. Awesome taking the time to teach someone your awesome ropes of carpentry. He is learning from the best, even though modest Shawn says he is not a carpenter. He is just not a licenced one. He is a jack of all trades and does more then well on them all. We've all witnessed it all here in every video that we've watched over the years. Not to mention the past previous land and build before moving to this one.
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jlotoo850
I know he is only temporary, for now, but I am still glad to see you getting some help. It is always good to have someone else around in case there is an accident. You have already proved to everyone that you can do it alone, so no shame in getting help. Also how wonderful for him to have this experience and learn these age-old skills from a master! Some day when he is building his own cabin, he will be thinking of you fondly, the entire time. I am especially glad he was there with you, especially for the heavy lifting of the framework. Hope he comes back again occasionally when he is home on leave.
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I know he is only temporary, for now, but I am still glad to see you getting some help. It is always good to have someone else around in case there is an accident. You have already proved to everyone that you can do it alone, so no shame in getting help. Also how wonderful for him to have this experience and learn these age-old skills from a master! Some day when he is building his own cabin, he will be thinking of you fondly, the entire time. I am especially glad he was there with you, especially for the heavy lifting of the framework. Hope he comes back again occasionally when he is home on leave.
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Einna-B
It was nice to watch you work with some help, especially with lifting rather than struggle by yourself. I'm curious about you being open on several occasions both a while ago and very recently about the difference between the homestead and the off grid cabin and yet the title of this video implies that the sugar shack is being built at the off grid cabin when it's at the homestead. Or maybe that part of the title was referring solely to the [sauna] logs at the end.
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It was nice to watch you work with some help, especially with lifting rather than struggle by yourself. I'm curious about you being open on several occasions both a while ago and very recently about the difference between the homestead and the off grid cabin and yet the title of this video implies that the sugar shack is being built at the off grid cabin when it's at the homestead. Or maybe that part of the title was referring solely to the [sauna] logs at the end.
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michaelgardner800
Shawn, you need a couple of those wooden mallets with metal band around each end that the railroad and circus used years ago. I remember our father having one that he got when he worked for the N&W Railroad, but I don't know what ever happened to it. Your Young apprentice can learn a lot from you, as long as he listens to you and does what you tell him. That's a good, seasoned frying pan when you can cook eggs in it. Have a blessed day!
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Shawn, you need a couple of those wooden mallets with metal band around each end that the railroad and circus used years ago. I remember our father having one that he got when he worked for the N&W Railroad, but I don't know what ever happened to it. Your Young apprentice can learn a lot from you, as long as he listens to you and does what you tell him. That's a good, seasoned frying pan when you can cook eggs in it. Have a blessed day!
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alnilam2151
Better late than not at all: personally I'm delighted you have assistance Shawn: np more than myself being in the fifties age bracket, we're still youngish fit capable able: speaking for all in 50's not me though, to busted up down sideways busted achilles more time spent sitting than the miles walked prior!
Your work and craft is exceptional; it has been a pleasure to watch & follow you all these years! Many thanks, Niall
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Better late than not at all: personally I'm delighted you have assistance Shawn: np more than myself being in the fifties age bracket, we're still youngish fit capable able: speaking for all in 50's not me though, to busted up down sideways busted achilles more time spent sitting than the miles walked prior!
Your work and craft is exceptional; it has been a pleasure to watch & follow you all these years! Many thanks, Niall
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Brandubh1965
In relation to the apprenticeship. I noticed the way your boy struck things. like using the hammer, or his boot: -). He is not 'driving' through. I remember my Dad telling me you have to strike through with the force, like striking the nail, you visualize the the head going in and strike through. most people aim at the head and miss the driving part. You do it now, but it took you time to learn or you were told
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In relation to the apprenticeship. I noticed the way your boy struck things. like using the hammer, or his boot: -). He is not 'driving' through. I remember my Dad telling me you have to strike through with the force, like striking the nail, you visualize the the head going in and strike through. most people aim at the head and miss the driving part. You do it now, but it took you time to learn or you were told
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dharmaslife
When you drill a well, as part of the process, have it set up: 1. So if you need to, for some reason, you can directly plug the pump into an alternate power source have it wired with the plug ahead of time. 2. As an additional back up, also have a long handled deep, well manual pump plumbed in, so worst case scenario, you can hand pump into buckets.
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When you drill a well, as part of the process, have it set up: 1. So if you need to, for some reason, you can directly plug the pump into an alternate power source have it wired with the plug ahead of time. 2. As an additional back up, also have a long handled deep, well manual pump plumbed in, so worst case scenario, you can hand pump into buckets.
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tboneharley1996
Hey Shawn, been following you for years now. Today, when I say you drawing that bark off thos sticks, I saw you struggle with the smaller stick diameter staying tight under your pressure bar. Please consider some sort of removable pad, attached to the bottom of the bed, to allow increased pressure for those smaller diameter sticks.
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Hey Shawn, been following you for years now. Today, when I say you drawing that bark off thos sticks, I saw you struggle with the smaller stick diameter staying tight under your pressure bar. Please consider some sort of removable pad, attached to the bottom of the bed, to allow increased pressure for those smaller diameter sticks.
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RalphBliss-s4s
This all could have been done alone, but then nothing new would be learned buy anyone. Sharing knowledge is the way, this is a win for both of you. I believe this part of the build would have been more than twice as hard, and taken more than double the time, if done alone.
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This all could have been done alone, but then nothing new would be learned buy anyone. Sharing knowledge is the way, this is a win for both of you. I believe this part of the build would have been more than twice as hard, and taken more than double the time, if done alone.
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Peter-g2h8z
Watching you from the first small cabin to the great mansionlike home I am very impressed, the way you demonstrate to us the knowledge how to create a solid home under most primitive conditions and also, how you hand it over to the next generation. My sincere respect!
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Watching you from the first small cabin to the great mansionlike home I am very impressed, the way you demonstrate to us the knowledge how to create a solid home under most primitive conditions and also, how you hand it over to the next generation. My sincere respect!
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MeowMeinStreams
I wonder if for the draw knife bench if you could auger some holes to put removable pins (like on a woodworking table) into the board to hold the peg pieces straight as you carve them down to size, I assume the pegs being made are standard-ish size
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I wonder if for the draw knife bench if you could auger some holes to put removable pins (like on a woodworking table) into the board to hold the peg pieces straight as you carve them down to size, I assume the pegs being made are standard-ish size
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timmyg2548
It is easy to believe that you have been studying and practicing post and beam construction for years to see how easy you make the measuring and shaping look. Beautiful work! Your apprentice is fortunate to be able to learn from such a can do man.
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It is easy to believe that you have been studying and practicing post and beam construction for years to see how easy you make the measuring and shaping look. Beautiful work! Your apprentice is fortunate to be able to learn from such a can do man.
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Sue-ec6un
I've been waiting for this one! I am one day going to make maple syrup, the first time I saw it, I knew I had to do it. It's all getting closer now. Good thing too because pretty soon I won't be able to see that far, I'm getting old! : D
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I've been waiting for this one! I am one day going to make maple syrup, the first time I saw it, I knew I had to do it. It's all getting closer now. Good thing too because pretty soon I won't be able to see that far, I'm getting old! : D
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douggibson9084
You have pigs now, smoke house in the future. And Shawn when is the Blacksmith shop coming. I know priorities and only one thing at a time. But, it will go 3X faster with your helper/ Apprentice.
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You have pigs now, smoke house in the future. And Shawn when is the Blacksmith shop coming. I know priorities and only one thing at a time. But, it will go 3X faster with your helper/ Apprentice.
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audieniles5556
this is strong, strong, like being military strong, not gym strong. The apprentice will learn building techniques while in the process becoming strong from lifting those heavy timbers. Good work.
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this is strong, strong, like being military strong, not gym strong. The apprentice will learn building techniques while in the process becoming strong from lifting those heavy timbers. Good work.
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jasonappleton5045
I was wondering with your expansion of the cabin, how has your battery system held up over the years. Looking at it now would you change the size or the brand that you use
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I was wondering with your expansion of the cabin, how has your battery system held up over the years. Looking at it now would you change the size or the brand that you use
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LynnSegouin
Nice so see another building going up on the homestead, looking forward to the final results. What a great experience for your apprentice, he will learn a great deal from you.
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Nice so see another building going up on the homestead, looking forward to the final results. What a great experience for your apprentice, he will learn a great deal from you.
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williamsheils3339
I imagined you talking to the apprentice at the table while you were eating I bet you want some don’t you! Obvs Cali but hilarious. Onward and upward Shawn
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I imagined you talking to the apprentice at the table while you were eating I bet you want some don’t you! Obvs Cali but hilarious. Onward and upward Shawn
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shawn_james
To do it ( build it ) is one thing, to be able to teach it is a hole different level. My hat is tipped Shawn. I have unfortunately never been a teacher
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To do it ( build it ) is one thing, to be able to teach it is a hole different level. My hat is tipped Shawn. I have unfortunately never been a teacher
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user-f4d2r
Been following you for years and love your content. Always was curious as to what you do for bug and pests like spiders in and outside of your cabins.
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Been following you for years and love your content. Always was curious as to what you do for bug and pests like spiders in and outside of your cabins.
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