Bluebird Nestbox Construction Specifications

1. Cut the back to length: 16 1/2 inches.
2. Cut the front to length: 9 7/8 inches.
3. Cut the sides to length: 10 1/2 inches.
4. Rough cut the bottom: 4 1/2 inches.
5. Set a table saw to exactly four inches. Note: the 4-inch dimension for the sides and bottoms depends on the thickness of the lumber. These plans call for the use of 1 x 6 lumber which means the true thickness is 3/4 inch. Check your lumber. If the thickness varies you will have to adjust the width of the sides and bottom.
6. Cut bottom to finished dimensions: 4 x 4 inches.
7. Cut approximated 1/4 inch from each corner of the bottom. These openings permit drainage in the finished box.
8. Cut sides to finished width: 4 inches.
9. Set the table saw to an angle of 12 degrees.
10. Cut the bevel on two side pieces at the same time to insure an exact match. Remove as little of the wood as possible. Wrap each matched set with tape when complete.
11. Cut a 12 degree angle on the top edge of the front piece.
12. Drill a 1 1/2 inch entrance hole in the center of the front. The center of the hole is 2 inches from the outside top edge of the front.
13. Rout a 3/8 inch slot in the back. Position this 3 1/4 inches from the top edge of the back. Set the depth to approximately 1/4 inch.
14. Cut a top from 1/4 inch exterior plywood. Dimensions are 7 x 6 1/2 inches. One of the long sides is beveled 12 degrees. This edge will later fit into the slot in the back.
15. Predrill nail holes in the front. Use a 1/16 inch bit. Drill two holes on each side of the front. Each hole should be 3/8 inch from the edge.
16. Also, predrill a nail hole in the front to secure the bottom. Position this 1/16 hole centered across the bottom, approximately 1 inch from the lower edge.
17. Predrill nail holes in the back. Use a 1/16 inch bit. Drill three holes on each side of the back, each 3/8 inch from the edge. Position the first hole approximately 1 inch below the slot (located on the other side) and space the holes approximately 4 inches apart.
18. Drill two additional holes in the back to secure the birdhouse to a tree or fence post. Use a 7/64 inch bit. Position one hole in the top center of the back, well above the slot. Position the other in the center of the bottom, approximately one inch from the lower edge. Placement is not critical.
19. Drill one hole in each of the sides. Use a 1/16 inch bit. Position the hole centered in the bottom of the side approximately 1 inch from the lower edge. Each matched pair of sides must be unwrapped before drilling and taped together after drilling.
20. Using a 5/32 inch bit, drill a hole in the top to accommodate a 3/4 inch #8 brass roundhead wood screw. The hole allows the screw to fasten the top to the center of the front of the bird house. Exact placement of the hole depends on the accuracy of the routing and the 12 degree angles. Calculate placement based on your finished pieces. Construct a jig to hold the top at the correct angle for the screw to enter the front parallel to its surfaces. Be sure the beveled edge of the top is opposite the side with the screw hole.

Steps

1. Position one side approximately 1/4 inch beneath the slot flush with the edge of the back, and nail from the back.
2. Nail the other side, taking care that both sides are even.
3. Position the bottom centered on the nail holes and nail through each side.
4. Nail the front in place so that its lower edge is even with the bottoms of the sides. The top will be higher than the sides. This allows for ventilation. Also, place one nail through the front to secure the bottom.
5. Slip the beveled edge of the roof into the slot and screw it down tightly using a #8 3/4 inch brass round head wood screw.