Scrap Wood Birdhouse using BASIC TOOLS - DIY

Disclaimer: This birdhouse is not meant to have correct dimensions, hole size, removable bottom, etc. This was just a quick video for students at home during our initial Covid Lockdown to attempt building something.
Build a birdhouse at home with basic tools. Good for kids and inexperienced adults! Good way to spend quarantine when no big shop is available!
Be safe when building stuff. I take no responsibility in you hurting yourself by doing dangerous things that are not recommended by me or the manufacturer of your tools and equipment. This video is meant for educational purposes only. I have been using each of the tools shown in this video since I was 5 years old and have learned from past injuries. Be like me but with more hair.
Plans and description at the link below:
holbrooktech.weebly.com/scrap...
Instagram:
/ we_build_stuff
If you found this video helpful consider buying me lunch!
www.paypal.me/holbrookphoto/5usd

[@jlynch916]

For someone, like me, who got a handful of power tools for free/dirt cheap and wants to do something. Yet at the same time has never built anything. I appreciate you making this video. It was very easy to follow. Yes I made some modifications as I scrolled through the comments but this was a great foundational video. Thanks

[@SeattleREconomy]

Looking for cool projects from a variety of creators to feature in a playlist on our channel, and this definitely caught my eye. Love how accessible this is!

[@davidg.5076]

Pre drill the 1-1/4" entry hole with your front piece clamped down to scrap wood and you won't get the tear out or lose the piece inside the house. Also as someone mentioned, every birdhouse needs vents, the chicks can croak out in there with no ventilation or drainage in the bottom. But great idea with the pallet wood !. By the way, original Titebond glue is not water proof or even resistant. It says on the label " for indoor use". You want Titebond II ( Titebond 2) for this project if to use glue. I personally run a bead of sink and tile sealer along the roof joints on my bird houses. Something water proof. I also glue and screw my houses together because with just nails raccoons have torn the roofs or even sides right off. I also put a metal or plastic guard around the hole with the same size hole since squirrels will chew the opening open or woodpeckers hammer it open if its just wood.

[@WeBuildStuff]

That sounds pretty hardcore heavy duty! I built this out of what I had laying around and filmed it for my students during Covid lockdown. It was in no way meant to be "how to build the perfect birdhouse" but more "get off the couch and try to build something" for students while they were stuck at home ;) Thanks for watching.

[@WeBuildStuff]

And the glue was just to make it easier to hold together during assembly. I know that it is a terrible glue choice for outdoors but my kids had fun trying to make their own.

[@davidg.5076]

@@WeBuildStuff Nah, it's really not that big of a change, a few simple steps is all. Your house is cute otherwise

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Nice little birdhouse. I drill the floor with 1/4 inch holes in each corner and one in the middle for air and water drainage. I drill a few holes up top on the front and back pieces for air circulation. I also add to the peek of the outside roof a V shaped metal piece to go over the roof joints. That way it reduces the possibility of water seeping in. They say to not put any perch on the front where the bird enters because it also would allow predators to perch and get at the babies. Food for thought idea's. Thank you for making your video. It all takes time in the editing. Stay safe during the pandemic ;) 🇨🇦. 👍. 😷. 💉

[@ODX171]

Meg you are correct on all your points. As nice as this looks it is not practical for birds to live in and also there is now way to do the yearly cleanout without breaking open a side to get into it.

[@spellbound111]

Instead of hammering in nails at 90 degrees (perpendicular) to the wood surface hammer the nails so that two nails form a dovetail. This makes the butt joints a lot more secure.

[@ProfessorDIY]

That is correct the hammer and drill straight rule is not always applicable

[@Callipsus11]

Gotta admit when you say "small strip of wood" and the music from this thing started i laugh so bad :D Right in time :D

[@xted4944x]

Thanks for taking your time and actually going step by step for us beginners!

[@febeleven]

I've watched many video on how to make a birdhouse and yours is by far the best I've watched. I will follow your instructions and make some. I love the one hanging up by your wind chime! I use to do wood projects but it's been at least 20 yrs since I have done any. Most the time my dad would cut things out for me {he passed away in 2009}, I wanted to start again making wood projects. I do have power tools {scroll saw, jig saw, miter saw and circular saw, the circular saw kinda scares me}.

[@educationtoinspire2319]

Good stuff! Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

[@marcellgarcia9001]

Llll to the lighting system in car now but

[@EdinhoMix]

Nice work guy 👏🏼👏🏼 I also make wood bird houses for my yard. This hole should be make before the gluering process 19:39 just make it here 14:32 I suggest you to never fix the floor with glue and nail 14:50 Use screw for removing it for cleaning or simple for other reasons 20:32. The birds will thank you. I congratulate you for the nice idea. I love birds to 👍🏼👍🏼

[@gyulasimigla739]

Very nice video. If you don't mind please watch my heart warming video about saving a blue tit. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5uncp-Dhttoipo Thanks

[@ParentsandProjects]

Nice, simple and clean. I like it.

[@Thomas-ci4fl]

Excellent.... you gave me some good ideas....Thank you!

[@patriciarussell8450]

Thanks for step by step info. I have a lot of scrap wood so going to see how your ideas help. Again, Thanks for the great video and instruction.☺

[@WeBuildStuff]

One thing I didn't include in this video is a removeable bottom to allow for cleaning out the inside in the off season. A hinge and a latch/pin is an easy solution for that

[@shamsularfeen1676]

Very nice and simple...loved it❤

[@wavelene7]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!!

[@WeBuildStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@dreamlookautodetailingauto3353]

Nice video & bird house for minimal tools u had. Try drilling your bird hole first before assembling the walls & roof, so the round piece doesn't fall in. Also the back or floor of the house should be removable for cleaning out every season.

[@WeBuildStuff]

Thanks for watching. Read the video description

[@lht5dy31]

This is cool, I’m gonna b doin one with Cedar t&g strips Nice job!

[@saltlifegull4091]

WOW awesome job! Women friendly site! Keep up great work. Subscriber from Florida.

[@dintexas2095]

Nice job! This is the basis, good to show new woodworking people how it’s done. Maybe you can get some birds a new home. Thanks!

[@kieranjimmy4844]

instaBlaster...

[@T_B1]

Also quite a long bird house. First I've seen in this stile. Looks good

[@WeBuildStuff]

Good for bird parties. Invite their friends and share birdseed

[@the_iceman_9397]

Really, really nice !!

[@diywoodworkingpl]

A birdhouse like gold :) Easy but very pretty!

[@WeBuildStuff]

Thanks! I'm going to make an updated one without the mistakes from this one ;) After the video was done I added a trap door to clean it out after each bird family!

[@diywoodworkingpl]

@@WeBuildStuff Inspection hole :D Good idea! I'm saving the channel and waiting for more interesting videos :)

[@guadalupesalguero3492]

Thanks, l love how spacious the inside of the house is. I noticed the birds in my neighborhood don't go into narrow houses.

[@WeBuildStuff]

This design probably isnt scientifically ideal for a specific bird but it was just to demonstrate some stuff to my students during quarantine. Next time ill design the area/volume and hole size for a specific bird😁

[@Channel-rg1fs]

Very kewl vid 🐦✨THX🤙

[@paulclarke267]

a great one for the kids cheers chum

[@WeBuildStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulclarke267]

@@WeBuildStuff something for me and my daughter for the weekend thanks

[@WeBuildStuff]

@@paulclarke267 consider adding a removable bottom for cleaning during the off season. I should have done that for this build. I also did not design this for a specific bird. Here's a good reference for some other dimensions and hole size: suncatcherstudio.com/birds/bird-house-hole-size/

[@keithjohnson5190]

Enjoyed the video, it gave me some good ideas. Maybe I can make one some day?

[@birdscare_Rajpura]

Good work bro 👏

[@nikhithakavi2542]

Superb sir

[@johnlewis9745]

The bottom of the entrance hole should be not less than 5 inches from the base to prevent fledglings getting out too early. The inside should be scored from the base to bottom of the entrance to help the fledglings get out when fully fledged. In order that I can clean the nest out, I leave the base not permanently fixed. I drill suitable holes through the walls into the base and use loose nails to hold it in place. It is a simple matter to take out the nails and allow the base to drop out so that cleansing can take place. This is not a critique. But, hopefully, we can all exchange ideas.

[@WeBuildStuff]

100% good tips. I made this as a quick demo for students during covid lockdown of something they could try in their backyards with simple tools. I did zero research for a proper birdhouse other than it looked cool. Mine is more of a predator buffet house ha

[@lawnytoons5042]

The handle on the handsaw you have is used for 90° & 45° angles. Good video. Scrap Wood rules...👍👍

[@Kevo20]

Nice video, subscribed.

[@boatdesigner12]

Pre-drilling nail holes help tremendously.

[@WeBuildStuff]

agreed!

[@margaretbutters6181]

great tks

[@johnnyz7752]

Maybe, next time, drill the opening BEFORE you nail the roof on. Also, use screws instead of nails to attach the bottom. That way, they’re removable to clean out the birdhouse between seasons.

[@brigittepicault7510]

Très jolie bravo

[@cdncycler]

Instead of nails, I use Phillips screws. I predrill my holes for the screws.

[@WeBuildStuff]

Always do whatever works for you. Thanks for watching!

[@anthonyanthony7071]

I like this guy

[@WeBuildStuff]

This guy likes your comment. Thanks for watching!

[@johnlewis9745]

I would have allowed a piece of wood to be taken off for cleaning each season so would have used screws. Depending on whether you intend placing it undercover or not, perhaps you could cover the roof with felt or the like. On the inside, the bottom of the entrance hole should be five inches from the floor with scribe marks on it to allow the nestling to scramble up to the hole. Hope this has been of interest to you.

[@brianbeidle8520]

A nice design and attractive house. Not everyone is through, so to encourage bird health see below: All birdhouses need to be easily opened because wasps, mice, dead birds, and old nests need to be removed. Ones like this last for about 1-2 years, tops. If you love birds, offer them safe homes and not traps like this house. Keep a decorative bird house inside or just paint a black circle to mimic an opening. No drainage = chilled birds, drowned chicks. No vent holes (cooked birds). What species will use it???? entry hole diameter matters Perch = No-no Mount on a post with climbing predator guard (on a tree = lunch box).

[@markforsell494]

How do you clean it after the birds have nested?

[@lynardburt5992]

I think it was good project. How does one open it and clean it out after the birds that did put a nest in and now it needs a new season

[@WeBuildStuff]

I had students solve that and add it as part of the design afterwards. The video was just to show them some basic at home stuff they could do with minimal tools. I usually add a hinge to the bottom with a simple removable pin to lock it into place

[@darlenenelson215]

so cool, I think I can do that, I'm a 71 yr old grandma :)

[@WeBuildStuff]

Thank for watching Darlene

[@herbsu4330]

If some one is going to build a birdhouse which actually will be used by birds they should take the time to research the hole location and size, provide ventilation, provide bottom drainage, use wp glue and rust resistant nails or screws, provide a method for clean out. The construction is almost exactly the same but it also provides an actual habitat. For all that thisvideo shows it just could have built a box and painted a hole. I hate to come down so hard but is so easy to do it right.

[@mweber6382]

it was mentioned before make sure you can clean out the house of old nests to keep them coming back the next seasons to come

[@WeBuildStuff]

and I addressed that in previous comments and video description. Thanks for watching.

[@rosewood513]

Once I used my vice the job went perfectly

[@T_B1]

Those dust masks are hard to come by at the moment 😃

[@WeBuildStuff]

I just discovered an old stash of n95 masks in my painting supply tool box. score!

[@PENTHESILEIA1000]

please provide us with the measures of each part of wood you use for this birdhouse

[@WeBuildStuff]

Please take the time to watch the video and read the description. Everything is there😊 thanks for watching

[@johnlindley5814]

it's common sense to drill the hole before you put it together, and what about a hinge on the top so it can be lifted and cleaned out if required ???

[@carrangil]

Curious…if you wanted to keep the knot as a feature, why didn’t you cut the 45s on the opposite end? 6:29

[@WeBuildStuff]

ooo I totally forgot about that. It just ended up happening. I won't knot forget next time!

[@earleagleson5912]

How do you clean them out at the end of the season?

[@WeBuildStuff]

Shake it lots 🤣 see the video description for the original purpose of this video. Thanks for watching

[@guadalupesalguero3492]

Would you be able to building one bird house with easy acces to clean it at the end of summer? Thank you kindly👑

[@WeBuildStuff]

That is as simple as the bottom piece being attached with a hinge (I've used a nail on either side) to make it a trap door with a simple release

[@ericvandamme6913]

How are you going to clean out old nesting? there was no hinges anywhere

[@WeBuildStuff]

Pressure washer in the hole. Kidding... This was only an intro project for my class to watch during covid lockdown. Any birdhouses we do in class are proper volume/size for specific bird species, have at least one trap door, etc

[@Nxxxxty]

What glue is this? and isn't it harmful for birbs? Also the wood can't be painted i've heard, only with some special dye.

[@WeBuildStuff]

Not sure what the 'birbs' think (wasn't that a 1989 movie with Tom Hanks?). I only speak English to them and we only have been able to communicate with bird seed so don't know what they think. 3 seasons and at least 5 families of birds with this dwelling.

[@bloodclot]

Wheres the other video that shows the hole?

[@squigmaster84]

How do you clean it out every year?

[@WeBuildStuff]

fire. then build a new one ;)

[@WeBuildStuff]

Or I will add a hinged bottom for the next one ;) I thought about it but didn't have time to include it in this build

[@nathanrocks2562]

Man I can feel his agony cutting that wood with a hacksaw..

[@WeBuildStuff]

Using the tools I had kicking around at home!

[@gustafgutt899]

Attractive design and concise instruction, but all bird houses should have A door - an access that you can open to clean out the house at the end of the season. Most birds will not use an old nest.

[@WeBuildStuff]

This has been addressed in previous comments and the video description. I made this quick video for my students last year during the covid shutdowns. I wasn't expecting so many views. When we do birdhouses in class we always add a trapdoor with either a hinge and latch system or a door that can be unscrewed. Thanks for watching.

[@ntinosoooo7689]

I am wondering how one can make a round hole without a drill.

[@WeBuildStuff]

Cut your wood down the middle where the hole would go. Use a handsaw or jig saw to cut a half circle in each so when the wood is glued/nailed together it creates the hole/opening

[@brianmather4798]

PUTTING A PEG BELOW THE HOLE IS A NO NO . IT IS A PERCH FOR PREDATORS.

[@williamhall9116]

And how do you clean it out?

[@WeBuildStuff]

I didn't build this one with a trap door like I normally would. I needed a quick project for students stuck at home during quarantine with minimal tools. Normally I would have the bottom be removable.

[@User556q]

wont the birds do the cleaning?

[@brianmason5500]

The focus of this video was minimal tools. The hand saw you used is designed to act as a straight edge and a square, 45 and 90 degrees using the handle and spine of the saw. The cut of the saw would be greatly improved by adjusting the set of the teeth. See Paul Sellers or Rex Krueger KZbin. All in all, a good lesson but please use outdoor grade glue as others have mentioned.

[@WeBuildStuff]

I'll double check with the current tenants of the scrap wood birdhouse and see if they would prefer the upgrade

[@rickilake6839]

shirt is epic

[@Pro1er]

Too many comments to read but you *_really_* need a way to clean the inside after each breeding season.

[@WeBuildStuff]

Just like a cast iron pan everything has been left for the extra flavors

[@zaptabby]

You used the wrong type of glue, not weather proof. Entrance hole should be at least 12.5 cm from the floor of the box and have ventilation/drainage holes in base. Also, either front or one side should be hinged to allow you to clean bird box around October time.

[@WeBuildStuff]

This was not meant to be the right way to build a bird house. Just showing students that it is possible to still build things in their backyard with scraps in order to practice skills when not in the classroom. I used what I had laying around at home rather than venturing out to a store during covid.

[@harleeb9061]

It is a bird house. Not an actual house Im sure the birds wont care what glue he used

[@zaptabby]

@@harleeb9061 water proof glue for outdoor weather. Nothing to do with aesthetics

[@waynerainey9512]

They do make water proof yellow glue, regular yellow glue will not hold up outside. Agree got to be able to clean out every year.

[@somersnsom781]

NICE!👍

[@gumbylillian4899]

Would a 26mm hole be big enough?

[@WeBuildStuff]

Check here for your desired bird species: www.canadianwoodworking.com/birdhouse-dimensions This video was just a quick intro to tools for a jr woodworking class during our covid lockdown

[@gumbylillian4899]

@@WeBuildStuff Thanks appreciate the reply 👍

[@gilbertmesen3558]

No sabia q...pepillo.garza..hacìa.. Casas de pajaros

[@anniacraig4636]

No excuse not to.. thank you

[@briandalvean2703]

Your cutting wood with a hacksaw blade ?.?????

[@WeBuildStuff]

I'm using the tools I had at my house. I think when I filmed it i found the finer blade didn't tear the wood as much. Thanks for watching

[@CptSpears007]

What do you mean nobody will see the inside, the birds will.

[@WeBuildStuff]

A little humor was all I intended

[@adl2005]

good job but don't choke your hammer when nailing.

[@WeBuildStuff]

I show this way for the younger grade kids that can't aim well or struggle with coordination. Construction class and Jr woodshop get treated a bit differently 😁

[@vikingexperience5089]

Glue is like a gasket...

[@Blackscoutwinter]

NO way to clean out mites after nesting. No drain holes nor ventilation gaps/holes. Unless you want hard boiled eggs or heat stroke babies

[@WeBuildStuff]

As mentioned many times in the comment section and the description of the video.... this was just an intro to backyard wood projects for my students during Quarantine last year. In class students design their own that include a trap door and gaps, etc. Thanks for watching.

[@CobraDove1111]

Birdhouses need AIRVENTS

[@mweber6382]

never put a pole by the bird hole larger birds will use it to kill the younger/baby birds

[@WeBuildStuff]

I've since added a "trap door" to the project. I only made this video for my students stuck at home during covid. The ones we build in class have everything updated to include things like that :) Thanks for watching Mike

[@win1885]

iF IT'S FOR BLUEBIRDS, DON'T INSTALL A PERCH

[@robertkattner1997]

I don't have an electric hammer, can't build.

[@WeBuildStuff]

What about a regular hammer? 🤣

[@MrVishalburat]

These are not basic tools

[@WeBuildStuff]

Hammer Hand saw Clamps Cheap table Glue and nails Hand drill This isn't a primitive building channel that uses mud. I showed the same tools I learned on when I was a kid. Just because you may not own something doesn't mean it isn't basic😁

[@calvinjackson8110]

Wouldn't it have been wise to have cut the hole in the front piece before you nailed all the pieces together? That's what I see others do when making bird houses on similar birdhouse projects. Why didn't you?

[@WeBuildStuff]

Thank you for reading the previous comments/responses and description to understand the point of this video before commenting. The original purpose of this video was a quick sample project for students to watch during their covid lockdowns at home. I was not expecting more than 50 views on this quick video. It was just to see what students could do at home with simple tools. When we are in the shop we design our birdhouses with hinges and trap doors for cleaning, specific volume/measurements for bird species including hole size, etc. And asking "why didn't you?"... There is no need to show a feeling of patronizing superiority on an extremely basic woodwork project meant for 13 year olds. Thanks for watching.

[@Frankferra33]

Umm...how do you propose to clean the inside of it every year? You need to keep one side of the house attached with latches for easy maintenance.

[@WeBuildStuff]

It's a scrap wood birdhouse not a 5 star hotel. Read the description for the original purpose of this video

[@starkaran8390]

Just google Stodoys and make some dust.