Birder Feeder for my Backyard (Not Art)

[FrankEV]

I have made this bird feeder about 6 times now.  Up till now I have used plywood and each has disintegrated in a matter of a year or so.   I was looking to purchase a marine grade plywood for this latest one but could not find any locally and to order on-line, the price was too high.  I decided to try a different approach.  Western Red Cedar.  Cedar fences seem to last for many years, so maybe thisbird feeder will last for a while.  

I obtained the plans for this feeder a number of years ago.  This version uses a modified version of the original scrollwork pattern and I have deviated significantly from their plans for the roof construction.

I own a 12” planer but not a jointer.  The maximum width available is eight inches, and I needed pieces up to 14” wide, so I was forced to edge join pieces to cut the parts from.   I planed the rough nominal ¾” stock down to  ½” and used biscuits however the joints were not all tight.  Used lots of glue and sawdust to fill the joints.

I wanted to make better looking sloping roof joints.  So, after lots of calculations and some testing I finally got the four triangular roof pieces cut to the right size but unfortunately, I still did not figure out correctly what the bevel cut angle should be, so the pieces meet to form a nice joint, but I had to use scraps to fill the joints from the back side.  Fortunately this is hidden by the inside ceiling of the feeder box.

The scroll saw cut side walls were easy cutting using a Pegs #5 MGT R blade.  I did not try to sand the cedar to a smooth finish.  Where needed I used 80 grit paper to sand with, leaving a somewhat rough finish. 

Also, I was going to keep the cedar natural and let it turn grey/silver over time.  However, my lady wanted it to be white, so I stained it white and then applied a coat of Polyurethane.  The stain is somewhat transparent, so the grain still shows a little and the “Clear” Poly actually turned the white stain a little yellow.  I don’t think the birds will care.

Squirrels love to get to the bird seed, so I have two deterrents.  First the metal pole is electrified so when the squirrels try to climb the pole, they get a shock.  They learn fast not to climb the pole, but they still can jump over to the feeder from a nearby Fig tree.    I have added a row of pointy nails facing out to the bottom piece where they land when they jump.  Hoping they get stuck by the nails and learn not to jump.  Not sure if this will work. They are smart critters.

Here is a couple of pics.

 

Aa always, comments and critiques are welcome.

 

 

 

[Freddie]

Looks good Frank. I built a bird house using the cedar fence pickets from Lowe’s. I cut and glued them to the size I wanted. It has lasted for years. I like the squirrel deterrents. My luck, I would forget and touch the pole while refilling the seeds. I may have to use the nail idea for my house. They jump on my house roof from trees early in morning and driving me crazy!  You should build a bluebird house. They are a lot of fun to watch as well if get a pair to move in. 

[Norm Fengstad]

Looks good, I also have power struggles with squirrels at our feeders Your deterrents my be something to try

[Ron Johnson]

Very nicely done Frank 

[FrankEV]

2 hours ago, Norm Fengstad said:

Looks good, I also have power struggles with squirrels at our feeders Your deterrents my be something to try

Works if your pole is metal.  Mine is 1/2" galvanized steel pipe.

Using  some #14 Romex, I strip abojut 4 feet and use just the white and the bare ground and white wires.   The white is cut short and I use a metal  screw clamp to attach the stripped back white to the pole.   I run a strip of electrical tape up the pole under the bare ground wire, taping the run about every 12 inches with a band of electrical tape to hold it in place.  I run an extension cord to the boton of the wires on the pole to energize the white and bare wire. I run mine in conduit below ground from an outlet on the house.

Griping the pole touching both the metal pole and the bare wire results in a shock that the squirrels quickly learn to avoid.   However, if you touch either just the pole or the bare wire you won't get shocked, so I never have to worry about adding bird feed to the feeder, but I'm careful anyway.  

Just in case you are wondering how to electrictrafy the pole!

 

   

 

 

 

run a  

Edited February 22, 2023 by FrankEV

[Charlie E]

Love the bird feeder, but I have to say, that sounds like a death trap. I think I'd invest in an electric fence charger if you're actually talking about putting 120 VAC on a metal pole.  But maybe I'm misunderstanding. 

Edited February 23, 2023 by Charlie E

[Scrappile]

That is a great feeder.  I think the cedar is a better choice of wood for such a project.  I have one I purchased maybe 10 years ago,  I have had to repair it a few times but the wood has lasted that long..  This next time it will be a pattern for a rebuild, I will use cedar.

[daveww1]

terrific job

[Phantom Scroller]

Yes Frank that looks great love it. Also the way you try and stop those critters made me laugh not enough voltage haa haa. Only kidding. Roly

[Denny Knappen]

That is an awful nice birdhouse.  Squirrels can be pesky.

[wombatie]

That is so lovely, any bird would be happy to feed there and be seen.
Look good in and yard.  Excellent work Frank.

Marg

[rdatelle]

Great job Frank. Don't know how you di it but you did. I don't have a planner or a joiner so Im in trouble. LOL

[heppnerguy]

I can not believe how much planning went into making this piece. It turned out really swell, as everything I have seen you make always does. I guess the planning before hand has a lot to do with the success of your project. It is a real winner, for sure

 Dick

heppnerguy

[Tbow388]

Neat project.