KH Designs

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[Laser cut and engrave] Birdhouse — Project made with xTool M1 Ultra machine for Laser cut and engrave.

Birdhouse

Instruction

Birdhousediamond-3Canvases

.xcs

Application scenario

Laser processing (120min)

Machine & module

xTool M1 Ultra

20W

Material used

5mm Poplar Sanded Plywood - Lowes Item # 518477

Krylon Fusion Spray Paint

Titebond II Premium Wood Glue

Super glue

299

3621

Information

      We love our birds and our bird houses; need more to put around our property. This project tried to defeat this newbie, but I didn't let the "crazy carpenter math" get the best of me... 3rd time was the charm, indeed!

Designed from scratch in Illustrator, but sharing xtool files for ease of use. Cut on 5mm poplar sanded plywood from Lowes; item # 518477 if you want to grab some inexpensive plywood but be warned it is a smokey plywood and fills my filter with soot quickly. 

Customize yours with your own crazy colors! No finish on the inside because we don't think the birds would use it if we put chemicals inside.

Instruction

Step1: Cutting the first pieces

Preview

Process step 1 canvas as attached on M1 Ultra 20W.

If using a different machine, I recommend running a test cut array and choose one less than the highest power/speed setting combo which does not overly char the edges (if you are not going to paint, choose the combination which does not char nearly at all).

Four pieces will be processed

Step2: Cut more pieces

Preview

Process step 2 canvas as attached on M1 Ultra 20W.

Final 2 house pieces will be processed

Step3: Cut accessories - optional

Preview

Optional step if you want the opening surround piece and address plate to go over it.

Change the address number to your liking - just double click on the number already there.

Step4: Rough fit pieces togehter

Preview

4 More images

Rough fit the pieces together using the images as a reference. This will help you know where each piece goes before gluing.

I recommend fitting them in the following order:

Place the back piece flat on a surface (it's the one with a small screw hole and diagonal score lines)
Attach the two bottom pieces ensuring the drain hole is near the back piece for proper draining if water gets inside
Attach the front piece
Attach one side of the roof
Attach the other side of the roof

Step5: Glue together

Preview

Using your preferred wood glue, glue the pieces in place using the reference photos in step 4. Be liberal with the glue. I use Titebond II premium wood glue.

If you are not painting the house, you can glue on the accessories now too - wait on this if you plan to paint, it will look better to glue the accessories after painting.

Tada - you have a bird house!

Step6: Paint

Preview

For best results and longest wear, spray two coats of primer before spraying color and ensure you get the open plywood ends to seal them off from moisture.

I sprayed in this order: