Birdfeeders

Building birdfeeders is a great way for me to combine my two favorite pastimes.  I stated doing it a few years ago with some real simple designs like these.  Just some plain cedar boards with a few angles.  I don't really do them anymore, not very good sellers.

My next design was a hopper style with some plexiglass windows. The top comes off to fill it and one side has a stick for a perch and the other sided is a small platform.  It took me a while to get the design down but it was worth it.  I still make this one regularly and have one myself.  It's spent 24/7/365 outside for about 3.5 years now and is still holding strong.

The next design was the log style.  At first I was using shingles for doll houses.  They did look really good but weren't time or cost effective.  I think they were only about 3/4 inch wide x 1 1/2 long.  It took a long, long time to get them all installed.  This one is made out of pine with an outdoor finish.  The pine was a request, otherwise I stick with cedar.  It's zero maintenance and lasts forever.

I started making my own shingles out of cedar 2x4 and it works waaaaay better.  I cut them different lengths and thicknesses so it gives the roof lots more character.  Since then I've been making little changes here and there like shingles on the gable ends and incorporating some birch sticks.