BEFORE YOU BUILD
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Instructions
Step 1 Cut the column, disks, and slats
- Cut a sound cedar column to 3 1/2 in diameter and 14 in long.
- Lay out a 14 in disk and an 11 in disk on a 24 x 24 x 1/2 in exterior plywood panel.
- Put their centers at 7 1/8 x 7 1/8 and 18 3/8 x 18 3/8 in from the same corner.
- Cut the disks to their lines. Cut 32 cedar slats, each 1/4 x 1/4 x 6 in, and sand off splinters.
Check: Both disks and all 32 slats match the cut dimensions and have smooth edges.
Step 2 Drill the column
- Mark four points around each of two rings, 8 1/2 and 11 1/2 in above the bottom. Space the points at 90-degree intervals.
- Clamp the column in a V-block. Drill each feeding hole 1 in in diameter and 1 in deep.
- Bore a straight 5/16 in hole through the column axis for the hanging rod. Keep the lower column clear as a tail prop.
Check: The feeding holes are clean, the rod passes through and the lower column remains a tail prop.
Step 3 Mark and cut the ceiling pockets
- Mark 32 centers around the underside of the 11 in disk, each 11.25 degrees apart. Set their centers on a 5 3/8 in radius.
- Cut each pocket 1/4 in wide, 1/4 in radially long, and 1/4 in deep, open to the outer edge. Leave 1/4 in of plywood above each pocket.
- Drill a centered 5/16 in rod hole through the ceiling. Dry-fit each slat and remove splinters.
Check: All slats fit their pockets and the centered rod hole is clear.
Step 4 Fit the cedar slats
- Seat a 6 in slat into each underside pocket with exterior wood glue. Keep all slats parallel to the column.
- Predrill and drive one #18 x 3/4 in exterior brad from the ceiling top, through its remaining 1/4 in thickness and into each slat end.
- Set every brad head flush; the roof will cover the heads.
- Check that the slats project 5 3/4 in below the ceiling. Allow the glue to cure before handling the ring.
Check: All slats project 5 3/4 in below the ceiling and the glue has cured.
Step 5 Fit the roof
- Drill a 5/16 in centered hole in the 14 in roof disk.
- Set the ceiling on the column, then center the roof on the ceiling. The roof should overhang the ceiling 1 1/2 in on every side.
- Confirm that the three rod holes align and every brad head is enclosed between the disks.
Check: The three rod holes align and the roof encloses every brad head.
Step 6 Clamp the assembly with the rod
- Pass the 1/4-20 rod through the aligned parts. Fit the bottom washer and locking nut and a rated eye nut above the roof.
- Dry-fit an 18 in stock rod before trimming. Use 15 3/4 in as a reference; measure the eye nut and allow full thread engagement before cutting.
- Tighten the assembly without crushing the plywood. Check that the slats remain clear of the column.
Check: The hardware is tight without crushing the plywood, and the slats clear the column.
Step 7 Hang and maintain the feeder
- Attach the eye to a short chain and a closed connector on a secure support. Check the complete connection before adding suet.
- Pack suet into the blind holes. Remove spoiled feed and clean the holes before refilling; take the feeder down if wood or hardware deteriorates.
- Inspect the support, rod, eye, nut, and roof regularly. Retighten the lower nut without crushing the wood.
Check: Feeder hangs securely and can be taken down for cleaning.
Sources
Functional dimensions informed by the cited Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife woodworking sheet. CAD, instructions, schedules and illustrations authored for DIY Plans.