DIY Project: Metal Birdhouse With Built-In Bird Feeder

4 hrs ago 6

Looking for a creative weekend welding project? Follow along as Joe turns sheet metal into a custom birdhouse with a built-in bird feeder using simple materials and basic techniques. From cutting and bending to welding everything together, this DIY build is a fun way to practice metalworking skills while making something unique for the yard. 🐦More

Looking for a weekend welding project? In this video, Joe builds a custom metal birdhouse with a built-in bird feeder using simple materials and a few basic fabrication techniques.

Just one thing to keep in mind: metal birdhouses can get extremely hot in direct sunlight, so this project is best used as a sturdy bird feeder or a unique piece of yard art rather than a real nesting box. To help protect visiting birds, Joe also 3D-printed a smooth insert for the entrance hole to cover any sharp metal edges.

Want to turn it into a functional bird house instead? You can easily use Joe’s layout and dimensions as inspiration for a wood version.

Grab your tools, follow along, and make sure to watch until the end for the hilarious surprise guest that stops by to check out Joe’s creation. 🐦

1. Material

  • 2 Ɨ 24ā€ Ɨ 30ā€ Ɨ 26-gauge Sheet Metal Panels
  • 1 Ɨ 24ā€ Ɨ 36ā€ Ɨ 1 1/4ā€ Corrugated Panel
  • 1 Ɨ 24ā€ Ɨ 36ā€ Sheet Metal Panel
  • 1 Ɨ 1/16ā€ Ɨ 12ā€ Rod
  • 2 Ɨ 3D-Printed Birdhouse Hole Inserts
  • String

2.Ā Equipment & Tools

  • YesWelder DP200
Firstess DP200 Multi-Process DualPulseā„¢ MIG Welder

Firstess DP200 Multi-Process DualPulseā„¢ MIG Welder

  • YesWelder CT2050
FIRSTESS CT2050 Powerful 7-in-1 Welder & Cutter

FIRSTESS CT2050 Powerful 7-in-1 Welder & Cutter

  • CNC Table
  • YesWelder Welding Helmet
  • YesWelder Welding Gloves
  • YesWelder Clamps
  • YesWelder Welding Pliers
  • Clamps
  • Grinder
  • Die Grinder
  • 3D Printer
  • Bender
  • Vise-Grip Bender
  • Straight Edge
  • Hammer
  • Cut-Off Wheel
  • Grinding Discs

3. Building Process

3.1: Create a CAD drawing of the birdhouse on the computer. (0:20)

1. Create a CAD drawing of the birdhouse on the computer.

The drawings and source files are available below for download and use.

3.2: Use the CT2050 CNC function to cut the pattern from the metal sheet according to the design drawing. Ā (0:44)

  • If you prefer, you can also mark the measurements directly on the metal and cut it out manually
2. Use the CT2050 CNC function to cut the pattern from the metal sheet according to the design drawing.

3.3: Bend all the tabs using a homemade bending tool. (1:23)Ā 

3. Bend all the tabs using a homemade bending tool.

3.4: Use a metal punch to create holes in the metal to prepare for spot welding. Ā (3:08)

4. Use a metal punch to create holes in the metal to prepare for spot welding.

3.5: Drill 1/16ā€ holes in front of each opening to create perches for the birds. (3:32)

5. Drill 1/16ā€ holes in front of each opening to create perches for the birds.

3.6: Use some clamps to hold the parts in place, then start welding. (3:40)

6. Use some clamps to hold the parts in place, then start welding.

3.7: Cut out the birdhouse roof panels from 1/4-inch-thick corrugated engineering board. (5:22)

 7. Cut out the birdhouse roof panels from 1/4-inch-thick corrugated engineering board.

3.8: Welding the roof panels onto the birdhouse using the tabs. (5:44)

8. Welding the roof panels onto the birdhouse using the tabs.

3.9: Drill holes in the roof edge, add a string, and hang the birdhouse. (5:50)

9. Drill holes in the roof edge, add a string, and hang the birdhouse.

3.10: Final product and ā€œdeer houseā€ moment. (6:07)

DIY a Metal Birdhouse With Built-In Bird Feeder

Make the Entrance Bird‑Safe with a 3D‑Printed Insert (Optional) Ā 

Joe added a 3D-printed insert around the entrance hole to smooth out the opening and make it safer for birds.

Use this STL file to 3D print the protective birdhouse insert shown in the project.

Download STL File (Birdhouse Insert)

šŸ‘Ā Follow usĀ for more amazing videos!

Ā 

šŸ‘Ā You may be interested in the following:


View Entire Post

Read Entire Article