Entire Dovetailed Birdhouse From One Board
Introduction: Entire Dovetailed Birdhouse From One Board
I made a simple birdhouse for a titmice from a single board of redwood. For outdoor birdhouses, I recommend weather-resistant lumber, like cedar or redwood. I incorporated some basic dovetail joints, but you don't have to! This is a super easy project; and the design is very forgiving to small mistakes.
Supplies
Main Ingredient:
* One board of wood
* I used sustainably-sourced redwood (naturally rot resistant) 72" x 5.5"
Consumables:
* 8 corrosive-resistant screws
* Wood glue
* Teak oil (or other exterior finish)
Tools:
* Hand saw
* Drill
* Combination square or speed square
* Clamps
* Sander or sandpaper
* Dovetail guide (optional)
* File (optional)
Step 1:
Using a combination square (or speed square), mark a 45-degree line across the board beginning approximately 6 inches from one end of the board (or higher if you want a taller birdhouse, but note that 6" complements the board width, which can more easily create the side walls in Step 2).
Starting at the same point on the opposite side of the board, mark a second 45-degree angled line across the board. These two lines should intersect in the exact middle of the board (see illustration). Continue both of these lines across to the other side.
Using a handsaw, cut along these two lines, creating a pentagon with three right angles (see illustration). This piece will constitute one side of the birdhouse.
Use the cut-out pentagon from the step above to place onto the board and trace a cut line (90-degree line running perpendicular across the board creating a mirror of the first cut pentagon, which will be the second pentagon with a tapered peak).
Cut along this line to create two identical right pentagons. Let's refer to these pieces as the "end pentagons."
Step 2: Cut Out the Two Side Walls
Measure approximately seven inches from the end of the board and mark it where you'll cut out the side wall (you can get more or less; just make sure the two side walls are of equal length).
Cut along this marked line.
Repeat the step above to make the second side wall.
Step 3: Cut Out the Roof Panels
Now to cut out the roof panels, similar to the step above, measure approximately 8.5 inches from the edge and make a perpendicular mark across the board. Cut along this line.
Repeat the step above to cut out the second roof panel.
You need to trim down one of the roof panels so that when they are layered across the tapered peak of the pentagon ends. Use the first roof panel's width, mark a cut line running parallel down the second roof panel. Cut off this edge. Save this thin strip of wood for Step 12.
As you can see in the last photo, now when the two roof panels form the roof, the larger roof panel extends further up. 431
The second panel is tucked beneath, but they both drop down the same distance.
Step 4: Cut Dovetail Joints in the Sidewall
This is optional. I wanted to add dovetail joints because I think they look cool, but you can use a basic butt joint.
Using a ruler or dovetail guide, mark the angles of your dovetail joints. Use the width of the board, mark the depths of the joints. cut them out.
I didn't feel the need to have super precise dovetails. It's a birdhouse, after all, and I plan to use glue to fill any gaps.
Step 5: Cut Corresponding Dovetail Joints in the End Pieces
Now mark the corresponding the dovetail joints on the pentagon end pieces. Cut out these joints. Use a file or sandpaper to trim the joints down to size. Do a dry fit.
Step 6:
With all the sides complete, mix some sawdust into wood glue, and glue the four sides together.
Clamp it up and let is dry.
Step 7: Cut Out the Bird Hole
cut out the hole, which will be the doorway into the birdhouse. I started with a standard bit, then moved up to a 1" spade bit. I wanted my hole to be about 1&3/8ths, and the only bit I had that was that large was a titanium step bit meant for metal. I used that to bore the rest of the hole.
Optional: to increase the depth of the bird's hole (and protect the birdhouse from predators), cut a 3" x 3" wood plate, drill the same sized hole and glue the plate over the doorway so the hole lines up. 76