Birdhouse

	Prep Tools & Prep Materials
	Prepare the Materials
	Assembly Tools & Assembly Materials
	Assemble the Pieces

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Tools Circular saw Jig saw Drill/driver Router Sandpaper Goggles Dust mask

Materials 1/2" lumber Carbon paper

You can prepare the materials yourself or have an older child help with the preparation. This is a good opportunity to teach older children shop and power tool safety as well as basic carpentry skills. Always pay close attention to children and young adults around tools.

1. Print the PDF templates for the parts. Click here for a PDF of the templates for the Birdhouse.
   
   
2. Place a piece of carbon paper over the specified material for the part you are cutting. Lay the template over the carbon paper and trace the template onto the stock. Be sure to press hard so the pattern transfers completely.
   
   
3. Use a circular saw or jig saw to cut the piece along the template's edge.
   
   
4. Bore holesin the pieces where indicated.
   
   
5. Make 1/2"wide by 3/16" deep dadoes indicated with a router.
   
   
6. Smooth the edges of each part with sandpaper. Now you are ready to spend some quality family time putting the project together.

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Tools Sandpaper Clamps Paintbrush Goggles Dust mask		Materials Wood glue Decorating materials as needed*
*Decorating Note: The assembly tools and materials listed are only for basic project assembly. What you use for decorating the project, arguably the funnest part of the project, is up to you. Depending on the ages of your family members, anything from stickers and crayons to stencils and other finishes work well on this project.

This project is well-suited for children ages five and older under direct, adult supervision. Take the opportunity to emphasize tool safety and safe work habits. Conduct a safety check. Ensure that everyone is wearing goggles and has a dust mask to wear while sanding. Demonstrate the proper technique for using all tools and materials.

1. Apply generous lines of glue to the dadoes in the right side piece.
2. Lay the right side piece on your work surface with its inside face skyward. Place the back piece in the back dado so that 3/16" of its top extends above the side pieces top edge.		3. Apply glue to the back end of the bottom piece. Place the bottom in its dado with its back end butted against the inside face of the back piece.
4. Apply glue to the bottom end of the front piece. Place the front piece in its dado with its bottom end butted against the bottom piece.		5. Apply generous lines of glue to the dadoes in the left side piece. Place the left side piece over the pieces you have assembled on your work table.
6. Apply generous lines of glue to the dadoes in the top piece and on the top edges of each side piece. Place the top piece on top of the birdhouse so that the front and back pieces fit into their respective dadoes. 7. Clamp the assembly and allow the glue to set. 8. Paint and decorate the birdhouse 9. Nail your new birdhouse in place. Now your whole family can have hours of fun watching the birds in your area.