Making a Bird Feeder

On this week's show, I demonstrate how to make a simple bird feeder. I hope you enjoy the show. If you haven't already, please consider liking and subscribing and while you are at it, click the bell to get notifications of future episodes of the show. As always, thank you so much for tuning in. It is very much appreciated.

[@tomstanley5410]

Thank you for your service soldier

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

LOL. You're very welcome. Thanks again for tuning in Tom.

[@markb8954]

Clear, concise instructions, a bit overkill on the joinery but good practice for sure. The bottom piece / platform could be larger so birds can land, peck about & eat. Rounding over looks good, but makes the little base even more prone to seed spillage. A little ledge to hold in the seed would be better. Nice use of dowels. Nice size feeder. Clear presentation.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Any project that is presented on the show is always able to be modified to suit your own needs. Please feel free to modify this one however you see fit. Thanks for tuning in to the show Mark and for chiming in with your suggestions.

[@larrydannatt7571]

Great Job just starting to build a feeder.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

good luck on your build Larry. I hope you're happy with the results. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@tomstanley5410]

I love how you give the dimensions. Other channels do not do that they Show the steps but not measurements. I appreciate it very well built and explained

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked the show Tom. The type of channels that just build something and don't give explanations or dimensions are nothing more than "look at what I built" channels. I prefer to have a channel full of videos that show you how YOU can build something. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to leave the kind words. It's very much appreciated.

[@davidbrousseau4591]

Nice little feeder Kenny. Great job! Keep them coming. Thanks Dave

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+David Brousseau Glad to hear that you enjoyed the show and the project. Thanks for taking the time to leave me a comment. It's much appreciated.

[@mikevyvyan7060]

Another great project and great video - thanks Kenny. Appreciate the step by step approach and clear instructions. Another confidence builder.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're really digging deep in the archives now Mike. Glad that you enjoyed the project. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@scottfaulk9081]

You did a great job with the video. Thanks for the greatly detailed instruction.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're very welcome Scott. Thank you for tuning in to the show.

[@calvinjackson8110]

Complexity! But the end product will be pretty!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I hope you are going to give this a try Calvin. Thanks for tuning in

[@mundlkalli4396]

Thank you very much for a great video. I am on my third project ever. So I am totally beginner. Your instruction are clear,step by step,not rushed and very visual by showing and explaining. Thank you ....looking forward to look at other videos made by you !!!!!!!!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad that you liked the show. Please feel free to ask any questions that you might have along the way. Thanks for tuning in.

[@mundlkalli4396]

Yes def. will !!!!!!

[@luclegare2800]

Great teacher. Thank you!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're very welcome Luc. Thank you for tuning in to the show.

[@frankorona1]

Wonderful project, thanks for sharing your idea.!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Francisco Corona Thanks for the kind words and thanks for tuning in to the show. Great to have you aboard

[@pcorlis]

Kenny, super project. Great scrap wood idea. Another thing on my "to do" list. Thanks for sharing the video. Paul / paulsmessyworkshop

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+pcorlis Your list must be getting huge. LOL. Good luck with the project. It's always a good thing when you can use up scrap stock. I really hate wasting my material and I'm always on the lookout for projects that can keep the stock out of the wood stove.

[@gkbain]

Wish I was the age I was when I made my first bird feeder/house. Made many for my 9 grand kids over the last 15 years. Great instructional video and a great place for beginners to start.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+gkbain Thanks for the kind words on the show and on the projects. It really is a great place for beginners to start. From the young to the old, it doesn't matter. Simple straight cuts with simple mitres and dados. With the spline cut for the roof piece, this project has a little of everything. Thanks for tuning in.

[@brianmcgrath2565]

Another nice project. I like your double rope design, that would help keep it from spinning around like the single hanger designs I have used. Look forward to making some of these. Thanks again Kenny.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're very welcome Brian. Glad that you liked it. Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words. Good luck on your project.

[@stevenmason1674]

Excellent, i love it. Looks very good

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Steven Mason Glad to hear that you enjoyed the show and like the project. Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to leave them for me.

[@nwrasch]

Great video; excited to make one of these. Thank you for sharing this. :)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're very welcome Nathan. Good luck on your build and thank you for tuning in to the show. It's very much appreciated.

[@bobnicholas5994]

Thx Kenny great vid.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for the kind words Bob. I'm glad that you enjoyed the show. Thanks for tuning in.

[@hgohlke]

Another great project! It is a little like watching "Breaking Bad", I could not wait until the next show came available:) Thank you!!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Henning Gohlke I guess I'm the Heisenberg of the woodworking world then. LOL. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for the kind words on the project.

[@andrewhannah3826]

A nice little project Kenny, I can see it being a handy one to do in order to get familiar with a table saw when I can eventually afford to purchase one. Loving your channel, keep it going, all the best.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Andrew Hannah I'm really glad that you enjoy the show. The show will continue to be produced as long as people still enjoy it and it is still useful to folks. Thanks for tuning in.

[@thomasburns9116]

Good video Ken .... Looks easy ... I'm going to build one.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it Thomas. Thanks for tuning in to the show. Good luck on your build.

[@frankporter6363]

Nice bird feeder. I had to add a small perch on each side so that the birds could actually land and eat. Used two small dowels attached to a 3/4" piece of wood which was then attached to the bottom. Keep up the good work!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Nice modification Frank. Great way to make the project your own. Glad to hear that you enjoyed the project and the show. Thanks for tuning in.

[@robertbrunston5406]

Nice little project!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Robert Brunston Glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Thanks for tuning in.

[@robertbrunston5406]

I think it's a nice little project funny thing is I was thinking of making a bird feeder similar to your design it's like you were reading my mind!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Well that makes this show even better then. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to help you out.

[@anglingpro]

Hi Kenny, I have just binge-watched a little over 100 videos about building bird nests and bird feeders on KZbin, and YOU ARE THE ONE AND ONLY WOODWORKER to use the measuring tool at the 1min52sec-1min58sec mark. That measuring tool - where you can make your mark via the holes on the ruler - is pure genius!! What is that item called as I would like to get back into woodworking and that item will be worth more than its weight in gold. What is it, and where do you get it? Also, again, you are the one and only woodworker that uses dowels when making a bird feeder, none of the other woodworkers used that approach - except for one bloke who made a log cabin feeder using dowels for joining the wood together (that was a BIG feeder though!). And lastly, you gave clear instructions and there was no rushing involved, which is a sign of a good instructional video! Am going to binge-watch all your videos now :)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for the kind words on the show and the project Peter. I'm glad that you enjoyed it. The device that you are referring to is called an INCRA T-rule. They are available at most woodworking stores and I purchased mine at Lee Valley Tools. Here's a link. www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/marking-and-measuring/rules/58877-incra-t-rules They are also available from INCRA directly. They are not cheap but as you pointed out (correctly) they are worth their weight in gold. I love these things and have several of them. Although I use the imperial measurements version, they are also available in metric measures. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show. It's very much appreciated.

[@frankrodriguez6424]

Kenny, awesome bird feeder. Would like make it somewhat bigger, I have a pedestal for it to sit on

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Frank Rodriguez That would work perfectly. I'd be interested to see what you come up with. Thanks for the kind words and thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@tonyrome3119]

simple yet elegant, I have chosen your design however I would make two modifications. I would widen the platform meaning it would have to be a wider piece of stock so you can notch the base to receive the side walls. in other words you would cut ears on all four corners as you would window sill. secondly I would route a half round gutter or grove at both sides of the base to prevent the bird feed from spilling to the ground. I may even enlarge the project in width about half inch to an inch just to allow more birds to feast simultaneously. of all the birds feeder designs this one appeals to me for its simplicity and design concepts.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm glad that you like the project Tony. Your modifications of it sound great and I hope they work out for you. Let me know if you have any questions at all and I would be more than happy to help you out. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for taking the time to leave me a comment. It is very much appreciated.

[@roykyme5558]

Have found from previous projects that water will make its way dow the chord and into the bird food.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I've never had that experience Roy. Mind you, my feeders are mounted under a very thick and lush Ginko tree so the rain water may be filtered out enough by the time it gets to my feeders. That's definitely a consideration though for anyone making one to hang in a sparse tree or out in the open. Thanks for tuning in and for chiming in with your experiences with this type of feeder. It is very much appreciated.

[@cliffcarlo180]

Nice build with good clear instructions. Just one question. What stops the seed pouring straight out of the hopper and onto the floor as I don't see any barrier around the feeding platform.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I have honestly never had an issue with the feed running out onto the platform. I can only think that the routed groove to give the birds somewhere to perch, acts as a barrier and prevents the seeds from going any further. Although if you had concerns, you could always build a little barrier wall around the lower platforms. That would work as well. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@stinger4583]

That's the first thing I wondered about too. Nice feeder and good instruction.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@stinger4583 Thanks for the kind words and for tuning in to the show. It's appreciated.

[@galinanagaria7]

You are wonderful, Kenny! Married? Lucky woman!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for the kind words. You're going to make me blush. LOL. Been with the same wonderful woman for 28 years and been married for 25 of those. I'm the one whose lucky. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for taking the time to leave me a comment.

[@barryroberts6470]

Hello my Friend, hope you and the Family are well.Another great project and video Kenny. One question, can you use biscuits instead of the spline?It's always good watching your videos, as usual very well informed and precise that's how a video build should be explained. Take Care my Friend, Barry. (from England)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Barry Roberts There is no reason at all why you couldn't use biscuits. The would do the job just as well as a spline. I've shown biscuits on the show before and for this project, I decided that I would show something different. Thanks for the question. I'm sure there were others that were thinking the same thing. Take care

[@chemcody5119]

Cool project Kenny. You will have to give us an update on your feeder once it's open for business.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Chem Cody I can give you an update right now. I've been using this design of feeder for years and it is a constant source of bird traffic. Everything from the small chickadees to cardinals and blue jays. The morning doves usually hang out around the base of the feeder on the ground and graze through what other birds have spilled. I just hand them from the trees in the back yard and viola!!! The birds start coming. I just have to remember that they are there when I mow the lawn. More than once I've gotten a bird feeder in the forehead while pushing the lawnmower around. LOL.

[@chemcody5119]

Ha ha ha. We have a humming bird feeder that has left quite an impression on me too! :)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

It can be mesmerizing can't it?

[@chemcody5119]

Yep. I have seen stars after wacking my forehead on it. :)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I figured it would have been those little blue tweeting birds that you see on the cartoons. Oh well. Starts work I guess. LOL

[@colbra2]

Hi Ken is there group of followers that get to get together to have a talk about all of the wonderful projects if so I would like to join up with this group in the hope that I could learn a bit more about your methods and practices. Regards colbra … Colin. From Australia

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

There really isn't a group Colin. You can always follow the channel on Facebook or you can always visit the website but other than that, it's just me. I'm a one man show. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@EasyFold007]

Nice little project. Side question... Don't you get condensation on your machines with the fire going? My garage is so cold but when I started a heater in there it was only a few minutes and everything had a small layer of watery mist..

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Wonder Around No condensation at all. The shop is very well insulated and I've never had a problem with condensation. In the summer time, I used to have an issue with that but I run a dehumidifier in there in the evenings now to keep it nice and dry. Venting is also important in the shop and I have quite a few roof vents which also help. Chances are, you garage is not as well insulated as the shop and it probably gets a lot colder in there than what my shop does. In the 7 or 8 years that I had this shop, I have only had something freeze once and that is throughout a cold Canadian winter. Insulation is the key sir. That's all I can think of that would make it different. Make sure that your cast iron tools have a good coating on them as well. Whether it be wax or topcote spray, a protective layer will go a long way to preventing rust on your tools.

[@EasyFold007]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I think you are right.. The difference is in the insulation or the lack of in my case :)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Insulation is never a key concern to the builder when constructing a garage. After all, it isn't considered as a "living" space and isn't considered as an area that a human would be hanging out. Who cares if a car gets cold right? When building my shop, insulation was a key factor and knowing that it would be heated with a wood stove, the choice for insulation was Roxul Safe and Sound fire and temperature insulation. It was a little more expensive at the beginning, but the benefits that it has provided have been awesome.

[@ruggedrickrude1946]

First time watching one of your videos I have a question I do not have all the tools that you have mainly a tablesaw Not having a tablesaw, but a regular saw where the blade is in the air and you move the handle down for the blade to go to the table. Is that called a radio saw I don’t know either way without having a tablesaw. How would I cut those slots that plexiglass slides in Do you need to stain these after they’re done or can you paint them with a rattle can or a bucket of paint your expertise answer will help me a lot. Good video.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I think you mean that you have a radial arm saw. That's what it sounds like you are describing anyway. For those, you can still cut the dados but you will have to put a stop on the saw so that it does not cut all the way through the wood. Most radial arm saws have an adjustment that will do this. You just want to be careful that you aren't cutting too narrow of a piece and that your hands are not getting too close to the blade. If you aren't comfortable with the saw, you can always make those dados with a hand saw, a router, or even just a simple knife and chisel. It doesn't have to be fancy. As for the finish, a rattle can would work just fine. As long as you seal the wood with something. Shellac, paint, varnish, spray paint, lacquer, or whatever. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in and good luck on your project. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

[@ruggedrickrude1946]

@@acutabove_woodworkings TYVM for detailed answer and will use your suggestions…was outside working on car today in the cold…..shower some pinto beans with bacon cooked in them and homemade cornbread muffins….should be knocked out soon LOL AGAIN TY…have a good one

[@mundlkalli4396]

When you were in the process of cutting the plexi ,u used two rulers and you had one earlier in the video that was much longer. What are they called and what is the price on those. ?? These are very convenient and more accurate vs. tape measure Thank you

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I think that you are referring to the T-rules that I use during my show. They are made by INCRA and are available in either metric or imperial. They have a variety of models available in a variety of lengths. I have the 6", the 12" and the 18" and I would say that I use the 6" the most, followed by the 12" and lastly, the 18". They are not cheap, but they make woodworking layout so much easier. You can find them at most woodworking suppliers or from INCRA directly. I got mine at lee valley tools. Here's then link. www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/marking-and-measuring/rules/58877-incra-t-rules I hope this helps. If you want to check out INCRA's site, you can find them at www.incra.com/measuring_marking-trules.html

[@mundlkalli4396]

Yes I am and thank you very much for the prompt reply and Info !!!!!!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@mundlkalli4396 You are very welcome.

[@107retired]

Hey Kenny....when the therapy fails...there's always heavy doses of medication!! That feeders for the birds! lol!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

+Keith Rayeski A team of therapists couldn't help me so I turned to woodworking. LOL. Thanks for tuning in.

[@daddywoofdawg]

you should of put a lip around the tray to contain the seed as is it will just pour out every time a bird lands and tips the feeder or a little bit of wind

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I've had one of these hung for years and never had the problem that you are speaking about. With that being said though, it's not a bad suggestion and might give others some ideas of how to modify their bird feeders. Thanks for chiming in with the suggestion and for tuning in to the show.

[@cloa9431]

Hi show your work is better than all explanation,pepole fall to sleep Napoleon Bonaparte

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that I could help with your nap schedule. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@cloa9431]

@@acutabove_woodworkings your job is really good but I think in my concerns It will be better to show the work and really small small explanation all of people who watch the show know what you doing but really good job 👍☺️

[@MariaMunoz-fw9jl]

great can you show how to make this without the machines? all I have are hand tools.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You can very easily make this project with hand tools. The assembly and joinery will all be the same but instead of using a table saw, you use a handsaw. Instead of a router, you can use a sanding block or a plane with a shaper blade installed. The concept and dimensions of the project will not change, just the method with which you get to the final product. It isn't really that hard.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Good luck. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

07:07 um.. chief: could you explain the difference *dado* vs. *kerf* ? Thanks. 15:00 but, chief - I don't wanna split hairs here - but those *holes* you just mentioned are actually round recesses. *Holes* are created by boring *through* materials. 17:31 um.. chief - even at the risk of wrecking your nerves.. - if that cord is out of nylon take a God damn lighter and weld these fibers together. Great job. I like the way you jointed the roof.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

A dado is the shallow groove that is cut in a board to receive another board or feature of a project. A kerf is a specific thickness of groove that is left behind in a board where the thickness is determined by the width of the outer most teeth of a blade. Holes can be in many forms. Defined as a hollow placed in a solid body or surface, they can be stopped holes, through holes, flat bottomed holes or square holes (mortises) just to name a few. As for wrecking my nerves, you haven't got a chance. After woodworking for over 42 years and doing this show for about 8 years, I have gotten used to people nit-picking and trying to be the expert. It doesn't bother me. Some people just like to be heard, that's all. And you're right. It wouldn't hurt to weld the cord fibres together with a lighter. Thanks for tuning in.

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

@@acutabove_woodworkings Thanks for you reply. I wasn't quite sure about dado/kerf - but that clears it up. With regard to *holes* : that was nit-picking, but by no means would I try to be the *expert* . I'm just a hobby woodworker [DIY]. And: at three in the morning, I'm usually silly as hell, and I really appreciate, you have a deep understanding for goofballs like me. Cheers.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@GNU_Linux_for_good I get a to of comments on the show from a lot of people around the world. Most of them are constructive, some of them are funny and goofy and others are just ridiculous. I hope you enjoyed the show and that you will try it for yourself. Hopefully, there are other shows on the channel that you would enjoy. Feel free to ask any questions you might have.

[@MyVantasticLifeVoyage]

You’re going to,lose a lot of seed off the platform. It needs some kind of retaining wall around the platform.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I've made this design for years and surprisingly, it doesn't lose as much seed as you think. Maybe it's the size of the hole that prevents it. I have no idea but the seed does not come pouring out as you might think. That being said, if a retaining wall would make your project better, then by all means, install a retaining wall. That's what it's all about. Taking a project idea and making it your own. Thanks for tuning in and taking the time to chime in with your comment. It's appreciated.

[@Ekrindul]

A birdhouse should not have perches, as predators will use it to attack the nest from, trapping adult birds inside the nest box. But a feeder can have perches, as this danger isn't a concern at the feeder. The feeder you made has a perch, in fact. That ledge at the bottom is a perch. Birds, except for hummingbirds, must perch to eat.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for tuning in and for chiming in with your information. It's appreciated.

[@mefirst4266]

I LIKE YOUR ROOF IDEA...... YOU SHOULD PATENT THAT...... OH NO !!!!! DO NOT PATENT IT ....... THAT WOULD TAKE YOU 10 YEARS TO WRITE UP THE WAY YOU EXPLAIN...... BUT I DO LIKE YOU BIRD HOUSE..... INSTEAD OF CUTTING THE PLEXI GLASS AT THE THE BOTTOM>>>>>>>> YOU COULD HAVE PUT TO WOOD STOPS TO HOLD IT OFF THE BOTTOM.. BUT I KNOW YOU TUBE DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH TIME FOR THAT......... IT WOULD HAVE MADE THIS VIDEO 2 HOURS. LOL BUT YOU GOOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Not every video on youtube has to be a quick, 10 minute display of "look what I made". I do my best on this show to gear it towards all levels of woodworking so that even the novice can understand the steps necessary to make a bird feeder of their own. You are not the first and you won't be the last to comment that the don't like the pace of my videos. If there's one thing I've learn from the years of being on youtube, it's that you can't please everyone. Thanks for tuning in. p.s. Why the heck are you yelling?

[@chriscurtis7723]

a lot of over kill for a bird feeder

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're not wrong there Chris and while it may be overkill and there may be much easier ways to make a bird feeder, this one provide plenty of ways to build a woodworker's skill set with different joinery methods and processes. And while it may be overkill, it's a ton of fun to make and looks great in the yard. Sometimes, overkill is just fine. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to chime in with your comment.

[@kringles65]

Way too much effort into a bird feeder....

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

It's a shame you feel this way J K. There is much more to this episode of the show than just a bird feeder and while a bird feeder is a fairly simple project for a beginner, this one incorporates several other methods that newcomers to the craft can master on a smaller scale like this and take that knowledge forward to larger projects. Things like dados, mitres and splines are all part of this project and are all essential methods of woodworking. For those folks who just want something that is "good enough" maybe this channel isn't right for them but if they want to learn something and make quality projects, I suggest they stick around and see what this channel has to offer. Either way, I can't please everyone. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for taking the time to leave me a comment.

[@calvinjackson8110]

Yeah simple to you because you have the tools and you know what you are doing. But anything but simple to a complete dummy like me.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Don't sell yourself short Calvin. There's no reason that you can't use this tutorial and follow along to make your own bird feeder. Give it a try. I think you might surprise yourself. There is always more than one method to make something and the methods that I demonstrate here on the show are merely suggestions. Give it a try and if at any time, you have a question, feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to help out if I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show.