Scrap Wood Birdhouse
This is a very easy project to build at home using "basic tools". Not everyone will have these "basic" tools but a hammer, saw, and some nails should be part of every household. When you are allowed to go outside after Covid-19 has been figured out you should convince your family to get these "basic" tools for your home. They are good to have for fixing and building stuff. That's why your here right?
I salvaged the wood from some old pallets I liberated from outside a flooring warehouse. I did ask permission first...
I designed the project based on the material I had. If you have different material then change the dimensions or the whole design!
I found a piece of paper and drew up some detailed CAD style plans.
I salvaged the wood from some old pallets I liberated from outside a flooring warehouse. I did ask permission first...
I designed the project based on the material I had. If you have different material then change the dimensions or the whole design!
I found a piece of paper and drew up some detailed CAD style plans.
The scrap pieces I had were all "about" 3 inches wide. I used that as part of my design which meant less cutting to bring the wood to size. I had a few pieces that I wanted wider so I laminated them together. If you don't have access to wood glue or clamps This whole projects can be held together with nails if you are sneaky. Watch the video for the rest of the instructions!
Don't forget your safety techniques to prevent death or worse. Utilize proper parental supervision unless your parents don't have a clue what they are doing. In that case watch the video and follow along with the student worksheet (to be uploaded soon).
Non Tool activity - for those without access to tools
You have a choice with this activity and this will most likely be the case for many of the future activities.
Build something or do a worksheet!
If you already have a wood project and tools at home that you can work on then document with photos or video and attach them to the google classroom response for this activity.
If you have tools and wood and want to build this project or something similar (different design but still a birdhouse!) that is awesome but optional. The project shown in the video is very beginner level but if you are limited to simple tools it does make it a little hard compared to having a real wood shop available.
If you are not able to try the practical activity here some some questions related to the video that you can answer.
Video Questions:
1) I was able to use "reclaimed lumber" from some old pallets. Where around town could you source free materials like this if you really needed or wanted to? I don't need a name and address but research at least 2 places you could get material from and what kind would it be.
2) a.What is the purpose of "laminating" wood?
b. What important things to you have to check for when laminating wood. List the ones I talked about in the video and add more if you know more.
c. What would this project have looked like if I had only used nails and no glue?
3) Aside from having the wood available why do you think I chose to use this reclaimed wood? *hint. I say it a bunch of times in the video!
4) Why do I clamp/secure the material to the work table when cutting and drilling?
5) I got frustrated with my "aggressive wood saw" and used a different saw at one point. What was the difference between the two saws and why do you think the 2nd one (the bi-metal blade) was easier to use?
6) Why do I score/go backward/pull toward (best way to describe it!) with the saw when starting a cut?
7) Glue questions: What was the purpose of me adding glue to the "END GRAIN" of the wood and letting it sit? Why do you think end grain sucks in glue compared to gluing faces or edges/sides of wood?
8) What is the obvious difference between the two nail choices I show in the video? Why is nail/fastener choice important in a project like this (think long-term...)
9) Why would I "pre-hammer" nails and how does this make my project easier?
10) Why would the hole size of a birdhouse matter? Why not make it twice as big?
11) Research the "house" volume and hole size required for a different type of bird than what was shown in the video. List your answer.
Bonus Question!!
x) What did you think of that cool video transition at 11:15! How do you think I did that? Did you notice it was two separate shots?
Build something or do a worksheet!
If you already have a wood project and tools at home that you can work on then document with photos or video and attach them to the google classroom response for this activity.
If you have tools and wood and want to build this project or something similar (different design but still a birdhouse!) that is awesome but optional. The project shown in the video is very beginner level but if you are limited to simple tools it does make it a little hard compared to having a real wood shop available.
If you are not able to try the practical activity here some some questions related to the video that you can answer.
Video Questions:
1) I was able to use "reclaimed lumber" from some old pallets. Where around town could you source free materials like this if you really needed or wanted to? I don't need a name and address but research at least 2 places you could get material from and what kind would it be.
2) a.What is the purpose of "laminating" wood?
b. What important things to you have to check for when laminating wood. List the ones I talked about in the video and add more if you know more.
c. What would this project have looked like if I had only used nails and no glue?
3) Aside from having the wood available why do you think I chose to use this reclaimed wood? *hint. I say it a bunch of times in the video!
4) Why do I clamp/secure the material to the work table when cutting and drilling?
5) I got frustrated with my "aggressive wood saw" and used a different saw at one point. What was the difference between the two saws and why do you think the 2nd one (the bi-metal blade) was easier to use?
6) Why do I score/go backward/pull toward (best way to describe it!) with the saw when starting a cut?
7) Glue questions: What was the purpose of me adding glue to the "END GRAIN" of the wood and letting it sit? Why do you think end grain sucks in glue compared to gluing faces or edges/sides of wood?
8) What is the obvious difference between the two nail choices I show in the video? Why is nail/fastener choice important in a project like this (think long-term...)
9) Why would I "pre-hammer" nails and how does this make my project easier?
10) Why would the hole size of a birdhouse matter? Why not make it twice as big?
11) Research the "house" volume and hole size required for a different type of bird than what was shown in the video. List your answer.
Bonus Question!!
x) What did you think of that cool video transition at 11:15! How do you think I did that? Did you notice it was two separate shots?
Vocabulary and Safety information
Saws: Saws have pointy bits. Only let them touch wood. Do not shake hands with danger or saws
Hammer: Meant for hitting nails and adjusting alignment on vehicles
Safety glasses: Wear them on your face to cover your eyes. Most of you only have two to protect. Be smart.
Dust mask: Protect your lungs from dust or anything that could hurt the insides of your body.
Clamps: Meant for securing your work while using tools. If your work slips you risk hurting yourself or breaking a tool.
Hand drill: Pull the trigger and it spins the chuck. If a drill bit is installed you can make holes in stuff. Don't make holes in yourself, people, or animals. Only wood please.
Nails: Typically not meant for human consumption. Good for holding two or more pieces of wood together with or without glue. Don't poke yourself or eat them.
Wood Glue: Not meant for human consumption. it is useful for stopping pieces of wood from falling apart after a 24 hour cure.
Table or workbench: Easier than working on the ground.
Bird: A warm-blooded vertebrate. Usually able to fly better than me.
More information will be added below once I get to it!
Saws: Saws have pointy bits. Only let them touch wood. Do not shake hands with danger or saws
Hammer: Meant for hitting nails and adjusting alignment on vehicles
Safety glasses: Wear them on your face to cover your eyes. Most of you only have two to protect. Be smart.
Dust mask: Protect your lungs from dust or anything that could hurt the insides of your body.
Clamps: Meant for securing your work while using tools. If your work slips you risk hurting yourself or breaking a tool.
Hand drill: Pull the trigger and it spins the chuck. If a drill bit is installed you can make holes in stuff. Don't make holes in yourself, people, or animals. Only wood please.
Nails: Typically not meant for human consumption. Good for holding two or more pieces of wood together with or without glue. Don't poke yourself or eat them.
Wood Glue: Not meant for human consumption. it is useful for stopping pieces of wood from falling apart after a 24 hour cure.
Table or workbench: Easier than working on the ground.
Bird: A warm-blooded vertebrate. Usually able to fly better than me.
More information will be added below once I get to it!
Worksheet downloads
03._scrap_wood_birdhouse.pdf | |
File Size: | 240 kb |
File Type: |
03._scrap_wood_birdhouse.docx | |
File Size: | 218 kb |
File Type: | docx |
"Cheaper" tools but they will work if you treat them right!
Quick Release clamp https://www.kmstools.com/magnum-12-ratcheting-clamp-spreader-102670
1 1/4" Hole saw https://www.lowes.ca/product/hole-saws-kits/bosch-1-14-in-carbon-non-arbored-hole-saw-687514
Wood Saw www.homedepot.ca/product/husky-15-inch-aggressive-tooth-saw/1000805062
Cheap hacksaw https://www.homedepot.ca/product/hdx-15-inch-toolbox-saw/1000805544?rec=true
Wood Glue https://www.homedepot.ca/product/lepage-pro-carpenter-s-glue-easy-flow-bottle-400ml/1000119746
Nails I used in the video https://www.homedepot.ca/product/paulin-1-1-4-inch-3d-smooth-finish-nail-bright-plated-150g-approx-250-pieces-per-package-/1000683602
Work table (I got a similar one on sale for $30 at Canadian tire) https://www.lowes.ca/product/work-benches/black-decker-30-in-workmate-x-frame-portable-project-center-and-vise-176390
Cheap drill https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ryobi-3-8-inch-variable-speed-corded-drill/1000721580
Cheap hammer https://www.homedepot.ca/product/anvil-10-oz-rip-hammer-with-wood-handle/1001221471
Awesome free video tutorials https://youtu.be/isiLRtJlUso
1 1/4" Hole saw https://www.lowes.ca/product/hole-saws-kits/bosch-1-14-in-carbon-non-arbored-hole-saw-687514
Wood Saw www.homedepot.ca/product/husky-15-inch-aggressive-tooth-saw/1000805062
Cheap hacksaw https://www.homedepot.ca/product/hdx-15-inch-toolbox-saw/1000805544?rec=true
Wood Glue https://www.homedepot.ca/product/lepage-pro-carpenter-s-glue-easy-flow-bottle-400ml/1000119746
Nails I used in the video https://www.homedepot.ca/product/paulin-1-1-4-inch-3d-smooth-finish-nail-bright-plated-150g-approx-250-pieces-per-package-/1000683602
Work table (I got a similar one on sale for $30 at Canadian tire) https://www.lowes.ca/product/work-benches/black-decker-30-in-workmate-x-frame-portable-project-center-and-vise-176390
Cheap drill https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ryobi-3-8-inch-variable-speed-corded-drill/1000721580
Cheap hammer https://www.homedepot.ca/product/anvil-10-oz-rip-hammer-with-wood-handle/1001221471
Awesome free video tutorials https://youtu.be/isiLRtJlUso