How to make a swinging chair bird feeder

Hi everyone.   Hope you are all enjoying early spring this year.  I know it is a bit different than are usual with the virus and all, but I am choosing to look at this as an opportunity of time.   We have time now to pursue our hobbies if we want to.   Today I want to show you how to make a cute little birdfeeder.   I saw something similar at my friend's house and thought it was cute, so I came home, drew a picture and then some plans.   We can make this!!

Supplies and equipment:

1/4" plywood

Proxxon mini table saw

Proxxon mini band saw

Proxxon OZI/E delta sander

1" nails

wood glue

clamps

6" of 12-14 gauge wire

chain or string to hang feeder

paint primer  

Plaid paints

sealer of your choice

First thing I did was to lay out my pattern on my piece of plywood.   I chose to cut the tray pieces using the Proxxon mini table saw.   It is soooo very much easier putting a "box" together if the pieces are cut straight and square.  Proxxon's mini table saw is a precision instrument and perfect for this job.  I used the fence to ensure perfect straight cuts.

I used the Proxxon mini bandsaw to make my cuts in the chair part of this project.

Now that my pieces are cut, I will start the assembly.   First to build the feeder box.   I want to glue and then nail my sides to the bottom.   I have only one corner clamp so I will do one corner first with glue and the clamp then let it dry well.   I am determined to keep this thing square.

  

When it is dry I use small nails to add strength to the joint, then I do the opposite side.

To make the chair back from my cut pieces I lay out the back pieces and spread them so they have equal spaces between them.  I want them to span 10 inches (across the back of the box.)and leave 1/2" at each end.  Then I nail them to the back brace.  The top of the brace should be 4 1/4" from the bottom.  This is going to support the arm of the chair.  Glue it then nail them.

  

Add the arm supports to the side of the chair and secure them with glue and nails, then lay the arm with the pointy end towards the back, supported on the back brace and the rounded end nailed to the  supports.  

Sand everything really well using the Proxxon OZI/E delta sander.  This sander is made to get into all the nooks and crannies.  

Time to decorate.   But, first things first.   This is going outside so I paint every exposed piece with some Kilz It primer.  Pay special attention the the end grains as they are prone to suck up moisture if not sealed well.   When the primer is dry.  Paint as you like.   I chose a beach scene.   I used Plaid paints for their vibrant colors.  

My plaid paint palette is as follows:   902 Taffy, 524E Calypso sky, 2050 Black, 

  20225E bright blue, 99262E Aqua sky, 21482E bimini blue, 21884E Snow white,  21473E pale daffodil.

When the paint is dry, be sure to seal it with the sealer of your choice.  I used Krylon triple thick as it doesn't seem to break down or yellow when exposed outdoors. 

To hang it I used the Proxxon professional rotary tool to drill a hole in each arm at the point where the chair would sit level.  I determined this by using one finger to support the chair on either side till I found the perfect spot.   Then I took my wire and made a loop slipping the other side through the hole where I bent it and it so it wouldn't slip out.

I suggest a light chain to hang it but I used clothesline cord because....well it is what I had on hand.😅

Find a pretty place and hang it.  I've never had a bird feeder that the birds didn't love!!

Thanks for visiting.   Thank you Proxxon for providing the fine tools used in this blog.   And thank you Plaid for your fine paint.  If you enjoyed this please leave a short comment so I know you've been here.   Thanks so much!

Hope to see you next time.   Take care,  Carol

How To Build A Colonial Table Riser

    Hi everyone!  I'd like to show you how I made a simple table riser. It could have multiple purposes from purely decorative to lifting something hot off your table. I first made a round one to put under a lantern and later I made a rectangle one that I want to go down the center of my farm table. It's an easy project and can be modified to any size you need. Follow along with me and I'll show you how I made it using my Proxxon tools.

Supplies:

•  1" x 12" pine boards (various lengths)
• Proxxon Table Saw
• Proxxon Micro Band Saw
•  Proxxon Delta Sander
• Wood Glue
• Brad Nailer (optional)
• Plaid Paint black
• Plaid Waverly Inspirations Clear Wax

 Draw your pattern on the 12" pine board.

Cut the board off with the Proxxon Table saw leaving the section with the pattern.

Using the Proxxon Mini Band Saw, cut out the pattern.

Draw the leg pattern on the corner scraps. You will need 4 of these.

Sand edges of all the pieces using the Proxxon Delta Sander. Glue legs to the circle using wood glue. 

Can also be secured with brads.(optional)

Paint with Plaid paint. I used black.

Finish with a coat of clear wax (Plaid Waverly Inspirations)

Thanks for following along with me. Colleen

proxxon

Make a Rustic Shadowbox from Reclaimed Pallet Wood

A shadowbox is a great way to display your favorite collection, frame a photo or piece of ephemera or house a miniature scene. Using reclaimed lumber, like the slats from an old pallet, is a great way to get a rustic or vintage look while re-using materials that might otherwise go to a landfill.

In this video, Joe Rotella, founder of Create N Craft, shows how to use a Proxxon Table Saw to create an 8”x10” shadowbox with a recessed back from old palette wood.
The Proxxon Table Saw gives you perfectly straight cuts and is can easily cut wood, non-ferrous metals, plastics, Plexiglas, fiber-glass reinforced sheets, foam and many other materials.

Are you a fan of vintage Christmas decorations? Well then, you're going to love how the finished box was decorated. Look for the blog post coming up on Thursday, December 10, 2015, for the finished project.

What You’ll Need

• Proxxon Table Saw
• Slats from an old pallet (2 at least 12” long and 2 at least 10” long)
• 1/8” plywood or Luan for the back (about 10” x 12” so you can trim it to size)
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Safety glasses
• Wood glue
• Hammer and finishing nails (optional)
• Corner clamp (optional)

Steps to Follow

1. Trim one end of each of the 4 strips of wood to be sure they are square.
2. Cut two pieces at 12” long and 2 pieces at 10” long.
3. Cut a 45° mitered corner on each end of each piece, about 1” from the end of the piece. That gives you 2 pieces 10” long and 2 pieces 8” long.
4. Cut a groove about 3” from the front edge of each piece, about ½ the thickness of the wood, and wide enough to fit the back panel. This gives you a recessed groove to hold the back in place.
5. Trim the 1/8” plywood to fit the groove of the shadowbox.
6. Assemble using wood glue. Optionally use finishing nails as well. TIP: A corner clamp makes assembly even easier.