This woodworking project is about simple bird feeder plans. Building a basic bird feeder is easy and it is a great opportunity to involve your kids and to pass down the basic techniques. After getting the job done, you should hand the feeder in a tree, at least 6′ above the ground. Alternatively, you could attach the bird feeder to a window, making sure you keep the cats and dogs far away.
There are certain aspects that you should into account, before starting the woodworking project. It is essential to use weather-resistant lumber (cedar, redwood or pine), otherwise the construction will be affected by water damage. Always align the components at both ends, before applying wood glue to the edges and inserting the finishing nails. Don’t forget to drill pilot holes, in order to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 1 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 12” long FACE
- B – 1 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 3” long BOTTOM
- C – 1 piece of 1×2 – 9″ long, 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 3 3/4″ long TRIMS
- D – 1 pieces of lumber – 4 1/2″ x 7”, 1 piece – 4 1/2″ x 6 1/4″ ROOF
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Sander
Time
One day
Building a simple bird feeder
Building a simple bird feeder
Top Tip: Building a simple bird feeder is a basic woodworking project, so it is ideal if you want to pass down several techniques to your kids. Always use quality materials and place it at least 6′ above ground, to protect the birds from cats and other predators.
Simple Bird Feeder Plans
Cut the main component
The first step of the woodworking project is to build the main component out of 1×8 lumber. As you can notice in the image, you need to use a 12″ long piece of wood and cut one end at 45º. Use a circular saw with a sharp blade, if you want to get a professional result.
Top Tip: Smooth the cut edges with medium-grit sandpaper and apply a few coats of paint, in order to protect the construction from decay.
Attaching the bottom
Next, you need to cut a small piece of lumber (3 x 7 1/2″) and attach it to the gable component with finishing nails and waterproof glue. As you can notice in the free plans, you need to drill pilot holes, in order to prevent the wood from splitting.
Align the components at both ends and check if the corners are right-angled, before inserting the 1 1/2″ finishing nails. Leave the glue to dry out for several minutes, while cutting the rest of the components.
Attaching the trims
In order to add style to the bird feeder, as well as to create a proper are to place the seeds, we recommend you to attach 1×2 trims to the bottom components. After cutting the trims at the right size, we recommend you to lock them into place with 1 1/2″ nails and waterproof glue.
Align the trims, making sure they are flush with the bottom component of the bird feeder. In addition, don’t leave any components between the trims and the bottom component.
Building the roof
Building the roof is a straight forward job, as you just have to use two pieces of 1×6 lumber. After adjusting the size of the wood pieces at the right dimension, you should attach them to the gable face. Drill pilot hole and insert 1 1/2″ finishing nails, after applying wood glue to the joints.
Lock the roofing pieces together by inserting finishing nails trough the large piece into the small one. Make sure the roof is large enough to cover the bottom of the bird feeder.
Simple bird feeder plans
Last but not least, take care of the final touches. Fill the cracks and the holes with wood putty and leave the compound to harden for several hours. Afterwards, sand the wooden surface and the edges with medium-grit sandpaper.
Top Tip: In order to protect the bird feeder from water damage and wood decay, we recommend you to apply several coats of latex paint (green, white, brown).
This woodworking project is about simple birdhouse plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.
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