| A Project for Young Woodworkers -- Building a Birdhouse |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-512 |
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Q: My son is interested in woodworking. Can you suggest a project we can do together? A: (from Bruce Johnson, Ask DIY Woodworking expert) An ordinary birdhouse is easy to build. This is a perfect project for a beginner since it can be built from recycled lumber, and because the construction doesn't have to be exact. A project like this is a good start for a youngster interested in woodworking since it is not too demanding or difficult. In our demonstration, recycled pine boards (figure A) from an old barn were used to create a birdhouse with a rustic look, and to do so at practically no expense. Materials: Recycled or scrap lumber, cut to size
Hammer and nails, or air-powered nail gun
Cordless drill with screwdriver attachment
Wood screws Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes when working with wood and with power tools. Safety Alert: Power tools should never be used by young woodworkers except with close adult supervision. Note: Except for the diameter of the entry hole, the dimensions for a birdhouse are not critical. Our boards were precut to size. Some of the dimensions for the boards used in our demonstration are included in the steps below. Yours won't necessarily need to follow these dimensions exactly.
Steps: - We began with a backboard that was about 18"in length, to which two shorter boards were attached (figure B). The tops of the side boards were cut at an angle so that the roof would angle downward allowing rainwater to drain off.
- The two identically cut side-pieces were attached to the back board using an air-powered nail gun (figure C). The board could also be attached using a hammer and nails. Three nails were used to attach each of the two side-pieces.
- After the two sides have been attached, use the same technique to attach the bottom using two nails to secure each side to the bottom piece.
- With the back, sides and bottom all attached (figure D), the next step is to install the roof. The roof piece should be slightly wider than the body of the birdhouse (figure E) to offer adequate protection against rain. The roof is attached to the slanted side-pieces using two nails per side.
- The final element for the birdhouse is the front with the circular entry door. The size of the circular door is important. An opening of 1-1/2"in diameter (figure F) is large enough for bluebirds, finches and other smaller songbirds, while being small enough to keep starlings from entering or nesting in the box.
- In our demonstration, the front piece was installed using only two screws connecting it to the sides of the structure, near the top. In that way, the front can be flipped open for cleaning out the birdhouse between nesting seasons. A pilot holes was drilled in each of the sides (figure G) -- each at the same height.
- Install a single screw in each of the two pilot holes (figure H and I), resulting in a "hinged" front that can swing open (figure J) for cleaning.
- Finally, install a single securing nail at the bottom of one side (figure K), extending into the swinging door. Attach the nail loosely in a pre-drilled hole to serve as a latch to keep the front piece secure while it's closed.
Q:Can you stain a fiberglass door to look like a wood one? A: Yes, but you have to be sure you're using the right kind of stain. Regular thin-bodied stain won't stick to the surface; instead, you should use a thick-bodied gel stain that's made especially to go on fiberglass. It works especially well on fiberglass that has been textured to look like wood. Q: How do you seal particleboard to make it waterproof? A: All you need to do is brush on a thin coat of polyurethane (a mixture of 30 percent mineral spirits and 70 percent polyurethane). It's a good idea to seal particleboard because the glues that are used to make it can seep out and create unhealthy fumes. Q: How can I remove mildew and moss from my wooden roof? A: Carefully! Remember: A roof can be a slippery place to work. A power-washer is a good tool to use for a job like this; if the roof slopes, start at the top and work your way down. And use bleach only if all the plants around the house are covered to protect them.
RESOURCES :
Birdhouses
Walnut Hollow
Website: www.walnuthollow.com
The Great Birdhouse Book: Fun, Fabulous Designs You Can Build
Model: 0806993340
Author: Mike Dillon
(June, 1999)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
The Backyard Birdhouse Book
Model: 1580171044
Author: Rene Laubach and Christyna M. Laubach
1999
Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
Website: www.storey.com
Complete Birdhouse Book
Model: 0316188867
Author: Donald Stokes and Williams Stokes
(1998)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here
Time Warner, Inc
New York , NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-8700
Website: www.twbookmark.com
Ultimate Birdhouses: 40 Functional, Fantastic and Fanciful Houses
Model: 0806999357
Author: Deborah Morgenthal
(1998)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
The Ultimate Birdhouse Book: 40 Functional, Fantastic & Fanciful Houses
Model: 0806999357
Author: Deborah Morgenthal
(August, 1998)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Birdhouse Builder's Manual
Model: 1565231007
Author: Charles Grodski
(December, 1999)
Fox Chapel Publishing
Make Your Own Birdhouses & Feeders (Quick Starts for Kids! Books)
Model: 1885593554
Author: Robyn Haus
(2001)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Williamson Publishing Company
Charlotte, VT 05445
Email: info@williamsonbooks.com
Easy To Build Birdhouses (Storey Country Wisdom)
Model: 1580172334
Author: Mary Twitchell
(1999)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
Website: www.storey.com
Attracting Birds: Bird Identification, Feeders, Houses And Baths
Model: 0376030933
Author: Editors of Sunset Books
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Sunset Magazine & Books
Menlo Park, CA 94025-3661
Phone: 650-322-3600
Fax: 650-322-1043
Website: www.sunset.com/
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