wood for birdhouse

[Dahl Troy Perry]

When making birdhouse ornaments out of tree branches to leave some bark on for looks. Do you rough out and let dry to keep from craking? Or can you finish them and they won't split?

[John Hart]

Dahl, Keeping the wood stable so you can do that, is of paramount concern...expecially if you are going to use smaller branches. Keep in mind that the pith takes up most of the branch center, and that it will likely crack. That pith will need to be removed quickly before the drying process begins. (So like in about 300 milliseconds :))

After the wood is stable, the world is yours. If it is freshly cut green branches, there will be movement during the drying process. Maybe if you bored out the pith and let it dry a bit, then the cylinder would be ready in just a few weeks. I'm guessing though.

If the bark loosens during drying, you can always glue it back in place. Good luck!! :)

[Bernie Weishapl]

I have did several maple branch with the bark on for mini birdhouses. The pith will come out when you hollow it. I hollow and thin the walls to around 1/8" to 3/8". I put oil finish on the inside right away. Finish the top and bottom then glue together.

[Richard Coers]

Branch wood is very unstable. Harvesting after the growing season is a better time if you want to keep the bark on. Species that dry easier than others will also help. Stay away from fruit woods. Start with soft maple, ash, or walnut. You might look for some dead branches that still have the bark on, but then you may be inviting some bugs in for the ride. They love to burrow under the bark.

[Leo Van Der Loo]

I've been doing birdhouses with the bark left on and lichens from green as well as dry and half dry wood, never had them split or the bark fall off, I do make them very thin walled, like not much more than the bark and very little wood, also the roof and bottom are thin, the biggest problem I run into is the pith itself, like walnut has a big soft pith, try making a little thin finial on those, you have to fill the pith first or use other wood for a finial.

I use any wood that is interesting, Apple, Magnolia, Tulip, Walnut, Hickory, Cherry, Oak, Locust, Maple, Buckthorn, Sumac, Dogwood, etc.

Here's a picture of some I made last year, have but 6 left because I didn't want to be without at home or else they would all be gone :-)

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[William Hutchinson]

Here's a picture of some I made last year, have but 6 left because I didn't want to be without at home or else they would all be gone :-)

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Leo, are those Tern houses?

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y66/wlhutch/th_CaspianTernJP9633.jpg (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y66/wlhutch/CaspianTernJP9633.jpg)

[Leo Van Der Loo]

Leo, are those Tern houses?

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y66/wlhutch/th_CaspianTernJP9633.jpg (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y66/wlhutch/CaspianTernJP9633.jpg)

I think the terns over here nest in the beach sand, they will try to distract you when getting close to their nest as I recall :D

With 1/4" openings the birds still have to be developed that will fit inside I think :eek: ;)

[William Hutchinson]

I think the terns over here nest in the beach sand, they will try to distract you when getting close to their nest as I recall :D

With 1/4" openings the birds still have to be developed that will fit inside I think :eek: ;)

Leo,

"turned" bird houses! 'Tern' house- sorry for the bad pun. But your houses are cool.:cool: