# Suet feeders for birds: Skillet and log feeder [View illustrated instructions](https://diyplans.org/plans/suet-feeders/variants/skillet-log) [Plan and other configurations](https://diyplans.org/plans/suet-feeders.md) A drilled log sheltered by an inverted lightweight skillet. ## License [CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/). You may share and adapt this free design for noncommercial purposes with appropriate credit, a link to the license, an indication of changes, and the same license on adaptations. See [the FAQ](https://diyplans.org/faq#license) for details and exceptions. Revision: 1 Status: published Difficulty: intermediate ## Before you start - Use only sound untreated wood. Wear eye protection, clamp round stock in a V-block, and use a drill depth stop. - Dimensions are in inches. These CAD assemblies have not been physically built or load-tested. Purchased hardware is schematic; measure it before drilling. - Choose a secure support and rated hanging hardware for the finished feeder. Keep the feeder accessible for inspection and cleaning. - Use a sound 3 1/2 in diameter log cut 14 in long, with eight feeding holes. - A single 1/4-20 through-rod, bottom washer and locking nut provide a positive hanging connection. This replaces an unspecified top attachment with a dimensioned assembly. - Select a lightweight skillet about 12 in wide. Measure its rim and depth before drilling; the pictured cover is 1 1/2 in deep. Fit two screws to prevent it turning. ## Dimensions - Roof nominal diameter: 12 in - Log diameter: 3 1/2 in - Log length: 14 in - Feeding hole diameter: 1 in - Feeding hole depth: 1 in ## Shopping list Stock for one complete feeder of this configuration; allowances included where noted. - 1 piece: Sound untreated log, At least 3 1/2 in diameter x 16 in long - 1 piece: Lightweight metal skillet, handle removed, Approximately 12 in diameter - 1 piece: Exterior corrosion-resistant threaded rod, 1/4-20 x 18 in - 1 piece: Exterior flat washer, 1/4 in bolt size, approximately 1 in outside diameter - 1 piece: Exterior locking nut, 1/4-20 - 1 piece: Rated exterior eye nut, 1/4-20 thread; compatible with rod - 2 piece: Exterior pan-head wood screws, #8 x 2 in - 1 piece: Rated exterior chain and closed connectors, Select for finished weight and support ### Required installation supplies - Match all purchased hardware to the actual support and finished feeder weight. ## Materials in the model Individual CAD parts including schematic purchased hardware. Small fasteners and chain are in the shopping list. - Untreated log, 3 1/2 in diameter x 14 in: 1 installed pieces - Existing lightweight 12 in skillet; shown nominal profile: 1 installed pieces - 1/4-20 threaded rod x 15 in: 1 installed pieces - 1/4 in washer: 1 installed pieces - 1/4-20 locking nut: 1 installed pieces - 1/4-20 rated eye nut; schematic eye: 1 installed pieces Not quantified: - Suet and cleaning supplies. ## Tools and equipment - Tape measure, square, pencil and center punch - Saw suitable for wood and selected metal hardware - Drill, V-block and clamps, 1 in boring bit and depth stop - Pilot bits and screwdriver for selected hardware - Sandpaper and deburring file ## Instructions ### 1. Cut and mark the log - Debark a sound log and cut a 14 in length with a 3 1/2 in finished diameter. Reject splits through the center. - Mark two rings 8 1/2 in and 11 1/2 in above the bottom. Mark four holes at 90-degree intervals on each ring. - Mark the centers of both ends for the hanging rod. Check: Mark the centers of both ends for the hanging rod. ![Dimensioned cutting and drilling layout for skillet and log feeder.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/image-layout/layout.png?brand=1) Dimensioned cutting and drilling layout for skillet and log feeder. ### 2. Drill the feeding holes - Clamp the log in a V-block. Drill eight 1 in diameter holes, 1 in deep, at the marked centers. - Bore a straight 5/16 in hole along the log axis. Work from both ends with a long bit and confirm that the rod passes freely. - Remove splinters from each opening and keep the lower 8 in of the log clear for tail support. Check: Remove splinters from each opening and keep the lower 8 in of the log clear for tail support. ![Drill the feeding holes. Current parts orange; prior parts gray.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/image-bore-log/bore-log.png?brand=1) Drill the feeding holes. Current parts orange; prior parts gray. ### 3. Fit the skillet roof - Remove the handle from a lightweight 12 in skillet and smooth every sharp edge. - Center the inverted skillet over the log. Drill a 3/8 in center hole and two screw clearance holes 3/4 in either side of it. - Drill pilot holes into the log through the two outer holes. Fit two #8 x 2 in screws; confirm their tips remain clear of feeding holes. Check: Drill pilot holes into the log through the two outer holes. Fit two #8 x 2 in screws; confirm their tips remain clear of feeding holes. ![Fit the skillet roof. Current parts orange; prior parts gray.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/image-fit-skillet/fit-skillet.png?brand=1) Fit the skillet roof. Current parts orange; prior parts gray. ### 4. Secure the hanging rod - Feed a 1/4-20 rod through the log and skillet. Start with an 18 in stock rod and dry-fit all hardware. - Fit the lower washer and locking nut, then the rated eye nut above the roof. Nominal rod cut length is 15 in; confirm actual engagement before trimming. - Use compatible exterior hardware and keep adequate thread engagement in both nuts. Deburr the cut end and tighten without crushing the log. Check: Use compatible exterior hardware and keep adequate thread engagement in both nuts. Deburr the cut end and tighten without crushing the log. ![Secure the hanging rod. Current parts orange; prior parts gray.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/image-fit-rod/fit-rod.png?brand=1) Secure the hanging rod. Current parts orange; prior parts gray. ### 5. 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. ![Complete skillet and log feeder.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/image-overview/overview.png?brand=1) Complete skillet and log feeder. ## Drawings and views ![Complete skillet and log feeder.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/image-overview/overview.png?brand=1) Complete skillet and log feeder. ![Dimensioned cutting and drilling layout for skillet and log feeder.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/image-layout/layout.png?brand=1) Dimensioned cutting and drilling layout for skillet and log feeder. ![Drill the feeding holes. Current parts orange; prior parts gray.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/image-bore-log/bore-log.png?brand=1) Drill the feeding holes. Current parts orange; prior parts gray. ![Fit the skillet roof. Current parts orange; prior parts gray.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/image-fit-skillet/fit-skillet.png?brand=1) Fit the skillet roof. Current parts orange; prior parts gray. ![Secure the hanging rod. Current parts orange; prior parts gray.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/image-fit-rod/fit-rod.png?brand=1) Secure the hanging rod. Current parts orange; prior parts gray. ![Skillet and log feeder front three-quarter view.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/image-gallery-hero/hero.jpg?brand=1) Front three-quarter view. ![Skillet and log feeder opposite three-quarter view.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/image-gallery-angle/angle.jpg?brand=1) Opposite three-quarter view. ![Skillet and log feeder skillet and bored log detail.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/image-gallery-detail/detail.jpg?brand=1) Skillet and bored log detail. ## Downloads - [Editable FreeCAD assembly](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/download-freecad/suet-feeders-for-birds-skillet-and-log-feeder-r1-model.FCStd): FCStd, 59976 bytes, file revision 1. Editable FreeCAD assembly for skillet and log feeder. SHA-256: 9884f9fa668bcea9a0cd6101d8c4031af325f34615dd88501e3b45ab58d234b6 - [STEP exchange assembly](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/download-step/suet-feeders-for-birds-skillet-and-log-feeder-r1-model.step): STEP, 186425 bytes, file revision 1. STEP exchange assembly for skillet and log feeder. SHA-256: a5b88d52bd36dd9c33e731051e78ebb8a68e73aa0a8bca296a2c04ea13551fbf - [Shopping list](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/download-shopping-list/suet-feeders-for-birds-skillet-and-log-feeder-r1-shopping-list.csv): CSV, 1195 bytes, file revision 1. Shopping list for skillet and log feeder. SHA-256: 1aab1ceae110427dd6a88cc75563877a647153b846f22cabd2255411801a363c - [Cut list](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/download-cut-list/suet-feeders-for-birds-skillet-and-log-feeder-r1-cut-list.csv): CSV, 190 bytes, file revision 1. Cut list for skillet and log feeder. SHA-256: c2128bdaf27c2911e44c57b760fb240e242a2875f1736542c0a60f8ec5b5f719 - [CAD and materials package](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/download-package/suet-feeders-for-birds-skillet-and-log-feeder-r1-package.zip): ZIP, 1032893 bytes, file revision 1. The sanitized CAD models, Blender scene, shopping list and cut list. Read the instructions and drawings on this page. SHA-256: a23bc3024db9b9d47348cc6764825981802e0ff14467b016c8f89a164d2979a5 - [Blender scene](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/892e4d7445d9040cd96e4c911e980b865414951b54f520346335a823913ac80a/download-blender-gallery/suet-feeders-for-birds-skillet-and-log-feeder-r1-scene.blend): BLEND, 2703086 bytes, file revision 1. Editable assembly meshes, simple materials, three cameras and studio lights. The gallery images show the separately rendered wood finish. SHA-256: 440bfb2121d2aad31fdc29b5887aa463621c1a4e33e84be7d39c857b3c36eb14 ## Using the CAD files - Open model.FCStd in FreeCAD. Parts are separately labeled and carry stock descriptions. - Open model.step for an exchange assembly in CAD software. - Edit the native CAD model to change dimensions. Purchased hardware shapes are schematic, and changes require checking fit and remaking the schedules. ## Sources Functional dimensions informed by the cited Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife woodworking sheet. CAD, instructions, schedules and illustrations authored for DIY Plans. - [WDFW Suet Feeders for Birds](https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-11/suet_feeders.pdf)