Hunter's Cabin Birdhouse - Project of the Month March 2011

[mtylerfl]

Hello,

Here is a preview of the next Project of the Month (for MARCH 2011), called the Hunter's Cabin Birdhouse. Spring is just around the corner, and here is a ‘just-in-time’ project for your backyard feathered friends nesting season! The Hunter’s Cabin Birdhouse features a log cabin style complete with a gently curved 'shingled' roof, plus a simple nail-hinged side panel for easy cleaning. The crooked wooden stovepipe chimney is an optional item you can create from scrap dowels to add an additional touch of charm to this rustic cabin birdhouse.

The project requires no special bits and uses just the two standard bits that came with your machine. The overall finished dimensions of the assembled Hunter’s Cabin Birdhouse project are about 7" wide x 9" tall x 10" long.

Main items you will need:

1) The Project Files (included):
• Cabin_Birdhouse_Panels.mpc
• Shingled_Roof.mpc

2) Boards with the following dimensions:
Birdhouse Panels: 0.75" x 9.25" x 34.5"
Shingled Roof: 0.75" x 11" x 20"
Bottom: approx. 5.5" x 5.5" (not an MPC)

(NOTE: Do not use boards that are smaller than specified above, or if you are using a sled, you can subtract 7" from the length of the board and have the sled provide the extra 7" required)

3) 1¼" 3d finish nails, one 1" #6 brass screw, scrap lengths of 1¼", 5/8", and 1/8" diameter wooden dowels, four popsicle sticks

4) Wood glue, sandpaper, wood putty, stain and/or paint and clear finish, table saw to cut roof miter joint, drill and bits, belt sander to form stovepipe cone

5) A Dremel-type rotary tool with assorted sanding wheels and bits to sand small details and speed up preparation for finishing.

Here’s what I used on my “Hunter's Cabin Birdhouse” project made from Select Pine:

• Minwax Express Color water-based Emerald (tube) on roof
• Minwax Vermont Maple water-based stain (can) on cabin
• Minwax Dark Walnut #2716 on “stovepipe”
• Several coats of Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic spray

NOTE: Apply stain/paint and clearcoat of your choice to the exterior only. Avoid applying any finishing materials on the inside. This is according to information I found regarding birdhouse building. Apparently, most finishes are toxic to birds. It might be alright to use a “food-safe” clear finish on the interior. However, I did not try that myself and I left the inside completely unfinished.

[rcdages]

Michael,

Love the project and it is just in time for spring.

You were correct per our phone conversation I am surprised with it.

Could change the hole size for different type of birds.

Wonderful project. looking forward to carving it.

[dougmsbbs]

Nice! Well done!

[mtylerfl]

Thanks, guys!

Yes, the hole size in the distributable MPC is set to 1½" diameter, but can be reduced/enlarged as desired. (I made mine a little larger at 1¾" dia. hoping to suit a type of dove in our area - we'll see if I guessed right...or see what bird it actually attracts!)

[Smoken D]

Really great. Just in time because I could use some new bird houses!

[CarverJerry]

Michael, is this a hanging bird house or made to mount on a pole with a plate? I like it, thanks

CJ

[eelamb]

Michael great design and project.

[mtylerfl]

Michael, is this a hanging bird house or made to mount on a pole with a plate? I like it, thanks

CJ

Hi CJ,

I'm leaving it up to the individual to decide whether to hang it, attach it to a shelf or bracket on a tree trunk or mount it on a post. Really depends on the type of birds in the area and the environment. My wife wants me to mount mine on a tree near a back window so she can keep an eye on it in case some birds take residence! My plan was to mount it in a more 'heavily foliaged' tree in front of the garage, so it would be more secluded. But, of course, what mamma wants, mamma gets!

[mtylerfl]

Really great. Just in time because I could use some new bird houses!

Michael great design and project.

Thanks - I've been wanting to make a birdhouse project "forever". I have a bunch of ideas for other styles too!

[mtylerfl]

Just a quick FYI...I added a page to the POM instructions that offers a few guidelines for entrance hole sizing and other related birdhouse info!