Birdhouse
Instruction
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.
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
Process step 2 canvas as attached on M1 Ultra 20W.
Final 2 house pieces will be processed
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.
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
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!
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:
- 2 Coats cheap grey primer on the house and accessories; let dry
- 2 Coats of your roof color of choice and let dry
- 2 Coats of your accessory color of choice and let dry
- 2 Coats of your house color of choice and let dry
- 1 Coat of clear all around and on accessories and let dry
Glue on the surround and address plate using super glue
ALL DONE :)
Using the hole on the back, screw into tree or post