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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.

I figured out how to change my phone to save jpeg's last night. Thanks for the help!

I took some time off from scrolling after Christmas and I haven't had much time in the garage since I decided it was time to go back but I have managed to get these done. Hitchcock is for my daughter for Christmas and the oval names are for a neighbour who's got new additions to the family. Hitchcock is cut from 2.5mm bamboo in a shop bought frame and the names are cut from 5mm Blackheart Sassafras. Can't remember what blade I used for Hitchcock but I used PMG #3 for the names. (My new go to blades) Thanks go to CharlieE for telling me where to get the Hitchcock pattern. Marg

My new Hegner arrived Tuesday. It was supposed to be dropped off at my door. I woke up Tuesday morning and forecast was for rain, all day. Rain. In the middle of winter in Minnesota. I didn’t take that into account. Thank goodness a neighbor was able to keep an eye out and bring it in for me. I bought the 18” with stand, magnifying lamp, and quick change. My thoughts so far: I was pleased that it came very well packaged. It was easy to get everything set up. This saw is the exact same height as my Ex so that’s nice. I took off the hold down and the arm that holds it. I was amazed at how sturdy that was! Once everything was set up, I practiced putting in and taking out a blade. Did that about 20 times and said to myself it’s time to make dust. I took the lower blade cover off, it was in the way. The footprint is considerably smaller than that of the EX. Yes, the Hegner has a much smaller table, but that shouldn’t affect what I do, as I generally, am making small parts. I drew a few lines and circles in scrap walnut and put in a Pegas modified #5, my go to blade and off I went. Very quiet, no vibration at all, the blower worked very well. I hooked my my Fein to it and reversed the blower to be a vac. Hose for the shop vac fit, cool! The suction on on top was in my opinion terrible. I don’t care about that because I didn’t know about that until after I purchased it. My first piece was a Rook for a chess set that I am making. 1 1/4” square mahogany. I used a Pegas #5 Super Skip, recommended by Denny at ArtCrafters. (How’s that fair shameless plug). Man, what a saw, cutting that piece was as smooth as a fresh jar of Skippy Peanut Butter. The magnifier will be the hardest thing to get used to. I’ve made about 6 of the chess pieces and just really like this saw. Patti at Advanced Machinery, who I purchased it from, was fun to work with. I have yet to break a blade, or have a blade slip. Both of EX’s the blade slipped pretty much all the time, even with the new clamps from Pegas. After just a few hours on the saw, I can say that it is worth every penny. Thanks again to all who have offered their opinions on getting a new saw.

Can I join the band? I can bring my own instruments!!! From the latest issue. Not sure what the wood is. Cut with #3 FD Full/Ultra reverse.

Hello all, I don't make many boxes but thought I'd give this one a try. Quite pleased with how it turned out. Regards, Alan.

Thanks to @Dan for the pattern. I have the special order done. Took some "design" choices on the cutting. Some of the spaces were getting a little thin. Ended up having to cut a few extra. The first stack letters weren't so great. Increased the size of the pattern. Test cut the letters only. Had to cut an extra stack because there was a void in the middle layer of the middle stack, so he is getting 14 instead of the 12. Increased the size of the Grand Historian pattern just a titch more and changed the bridges on the "O". Cut with #3 FD Full reverse and finished by dipping into shellac.

Aragorn, King of Gondor, from The Lord of the Rings. I put him, Gandalf, and a map of Middle Earth by my new reading chair. Now all I need is a little Halfling Leaf/Old Toby.

I scroll naked! That way people who know don't interrupt me when I am in the shop... Any stranger the happens to come in does no stay but a split second. Don't even try to picture it Guaranteed to give you weeks of nightmares!

Very nicely done Frank

I wear Copper Fit Gloves. Love em.

Not gonna tell ya what I wear while I'm scrolling! Unless you beg! LOL

Charlie another beautiful job, RJ

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

that is a good idea. I sometimes wear tight fitting cut resistant gloves as it helps my grip.

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.

HI all, I took a spare floor brush from my shop vac and mounted it under my table by the base of the saw with the hookup pointing down and ran the hose to my dust extractor and it works just perfect. I also hooked my dust blower to a small airbrush compressor and its all hooked up to my floor foot switch, when I hit the peddle it all goes on. Bill

It'd be nice when people are selling these used Hawk saws if they'd take photos of the clamps or at least the lower arm where the clamps go.. Very seldom do I find one for sale that actually takes photos of the clamps and or the lower arm..

Pretty sure that's a laser file / pattern from etsy. I've searched a little but can't fine the exact one.. This seller has some similar but not pine trees.. https://www.etsy.com/shop/TangledTreeStudio?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1085360834 I thought it was this sellers work since I have bought designs from them but they don't seem to have any dogs.. might be their work still.. https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackBearCreationsUS?ref=yr_purchases

My that looks good Barb. If you bring your own band, you can perform at ArtCrafters.

I do. I am an alto and can do tenor.

How did you change the format? A separate app? I would have changed them if I knew how. Apple changed the file type and that’s given me troubles. I feel this computer stuff is losing me; and that’s kind of ironic as I work with microwave radios that are quite high-tech. Anyway, thanks for the assist.

Nice cuttings... Use to always watch the hitchcock show. Was a favorite.

I love all your projects and I am always anxious to open them and take a look at what you made this time as I know it will always be a great job. You have never disappointed me yet. Dick heppnerguy

That is a really nice reply to my pattern attempt from you. I will try to continually make an effort to understand about patterns. There are so many steps from photos to scroll patterns and it is not easy for me to remember them all. With practice, I know it will eventually come automatic. I did another one and I am not even close to what I am after. I may or may not post that one for critique, not sure yet as I am a little embarrassed but my results. As far as my mediocre scrolling goes, I am confident that I can do about any pattern cut I choose to take on but the results has somethings to improve on, but in the past few months I have finally learned to slow down and my success rate is much better now than it ever was but being in my 80's now isn't an asset for sure. I look at some of the other scrollers work and I am still amazed by what they can do. The good part is the people that buy from me an a regular basis are not able to compare my work with those that are so much better than I so, what they do not know helps me. Dick heppenrguy

Great bunch of goodies. Love the painting. Wish I could paint like that.

Very beautiful work Bobby. I really like the toy cars and trains .

Really nice work! Your painting makes everything pop.

Very nice!

Those are really cool! Great cutting great painting! Great work!