ecologito

Hi,

I am building a bird box with 1x6 cedar wood. I got the plans here:

http://www.shawcreekbirdsupply.com/p...n_bluebird.htm

I already cut the wood to lenght and I am getting ready for assembly of this simple project. I decided not to buy treated wood for environmental purposes. What would be the best way to finish the bird box? will a couple of layers of varnish be ok?

I already made a slight change to the original plan and that is a tilted roof so water will not sit on top.

Any suggestions or comments will be appreciated. I will post pictures as soon as I am done.

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Build something like you mean it.

Daren

No finish .

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http://nelsonwoodworks.biz/ ...Urban logging/tool sharpening

jerry

I agree, let it weather,cedar is a very good wood for your project.

Jerry

Check twice!

A great exterior wood! No reason to finish in my mind.
Good choice for your project!

John

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But will make what I am looking at better!

jonise

Have you tough on a light layer of oil or in a oil base varnish?

ecologito

I am fairly new to wood work and I have oil based varnish and I thought about applying one layer but I guess it would be ok if I don't. This is going to be a little something for my mother in law (mother's day is coming).

The wood I bought was one side sanded one side rough. I made the mistake to cut the wrong angle on the roof so I used a new belt sander that I picked at Sears for 20 bucks. It's the Makita 9910. Belt sanders ROCK!

I will post a picture as soon as I am done with this fun easy project.

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Build something like you mean it.

The woodsman

You could slop a little danish oil on it,to help it hold up a little better,but the birds love the natural look.At least thats what they told me.
Ken

clarionflyer

Bird Whisperer....

ecologito

Here it is, the final product. I wish I had more time to detail and plan this project but I ran out of time. The box is going to the in laws tomorrow. I am pretty sure lots of birds will enjoy the box.

I have to admit that even cutting and sanding wood can be messy if you live in a small apartment. I can't wait to move out, have a full basement for shop and make a lot more saw dust.

Attached Images

  

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Build something like you mean it.

Check twice!

eco

You will make some birds happy.
Did you put something to protect it or is it natural.

Good job
John

__________________
Cleaning my glasses will not make me look any better.
But will make what I am looking at better!

ecologito

Thanks John, I am leaving it all natural.

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Build something like you mean it.

jonise

I would like to be a bird

MrRodeoCC

A lot of birds won't use a painted or finished wood birdhouse, I guess they can smell the finish and don't like the chemicals.