DIY Network

Birdhouse Beginnings Birdhouse Beginnings From "Woodturning Techniques" episode DWTT-113

Figure A

Combine the wonders of nature with a love of woodturning and what do you get? A beautiful, functional birdhouse. Master turner Dave Hout has been turning for more than 25 years, and he's sharing his expertise with fellow turning enthusiast Lucky Scott as he shows how to turn this wonderful addition to any garden (figure A).

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This general-purpose birdhouse is put together using several different modes of construction. The body is constructed of poplar staves and the top and bottom of walnut sections, which are glued and screwed together to create a sturdy, cleanable structure.

Figure B

Tools
1/2" bowl gouge
1" spindle gouge
3/8" spindle gouge
Parting tool
Wood staves (figure B)
4 discs of wood
Wood glue
2 band clamps
Metal hanger

	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Steps

1. A disc of wood with a recess in the back is mounted to the chuck (figure C). A second disc, with a threaded center, is mounted to the tailstock.

2. The glued stave cylinder is firmly mounted to the wood disc. When this cylinder is being mounted, it must be firmly attached, but keep in mind that if it's mounted too tightly, the disc will act like a wedge and push the stave structure apart.

3. The grain, which runs the length of the stave, is turned to a smooth cylinder, using the spindle gouge.

4. Ends are trimmed smooth and straight, using the parting tool (figure D).

5. The tool rest is removed and, using a drill and sanding pads, the cylinder is sanded with 100-, 150- and 220-grit sandpaper (figure E).

6. The top of the birdhouse is two glued blocks of wood that are hollowed to fit the cylinder. After hollowing, the blank is turned to shape the exterior roof of the house.

7. The blank is next centered on the lathe, and a tenon is turned into the smaller side of the blank, allowing it to be turned around and held in place on the chuck as it is hollowed.