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This project was undertaken with a dual purpose. The first, and most obvious, is to feed the birds. The second, and not so obvious, is to test construction techniques and how they stand up to the elements. The climate in this area produces a 120 degree Fahrenheit temperature swing (100 degrees in the summer to in the -20's in the winter), the relative humidity is typically 70%+, and storms can bring wind gusts in the 50-70 mph range.
The bird feeder was constructed using pine, oak, and plywood, fastened with Gorilla Glue (tm) and galvanized finish nails or galvanized brads. Where possible biscuits were used to increase joint strength. The base was constructed out of ¾" yellow pine except for the perch which was made out of oak. The base is divided into two equal sized sections by a ¼" plywood divider that was fit into dados. This enables a different type of bird seed to be loaded into each section. The combined sections can hold approximately 16-18lbs of feed. The roof was constructed entirely out of ½" oak, except for the fascia which is ¼" oak, and the roof cap which was made out of a piece of 5/4 oak. Again, Gorilla Glue (tm), galvanized nails, and biscuits (where possible), were used to fasten it together. For the finish, Minwax Spar Urethane was used for its flexibility and ability to handle the extremes of weather. Between three and four coats where applied, with light scuffing of the surface done between each coat. This bird feeder was placed out in the elements in January 2001. |