Neighborhood Lending Library / Birdhouse
by ThemSmithBoys in Workshop > Woodworking
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Neighborhood Lending Library / Birdhouse
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The vision for the Lending Library is to promote reading and fellowship among neighbors and friends. This version of the well-known Little Free Library, comes with a special touch - it's very own birdhouse! The front displays the Lending Library while the back features a house and perch for neighborhood birds.
The three Smith boys designed this Lending Library from scratch. The sketches were combined to develop what is seen here. Their vision was made a reality with lots of hardwork.
Enjoy!
Supplies
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- Tools
- circular saw
- sawhorses
- Kreg tool
- drill
- screwdriver
- wood clamps
- electric sander (optional - may just use hand sander)
- miter saw
- nail gun
- post hole diggers
- Supplies
- wood glue
- wood screws 1/4" and 2"
- sheet metal screws 2"
- Kreg screws 1"
- sanding disks, sander pad (80 grit and 120 grit)
- 1 sheet 4' x 8' finished plywood
- 18" x 24" plexiglass
- 1 sheet 1/2" sanded plywood 2' X 4'
- 2 pieces of 1" x 2" x 4' lumber
- 1 - 4" x 8' post
- 2 cabinet hinges
- 1 cabinet handle
- 4 - 90 degree brackets
- 1 1/2" dowel
- stain - gray
- white paint
- tin for roof
- 4 - 1" X 3" X 8' firing strips
- polyurethane
Segment Wood
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- Plywood
- Rip plywood at 30". Then, cut into two 30" x 36" pieces.
- Cut front and back of library from 30 x 36" plywood pieces:
- 30" (bottom & top), 35" (left side), 25" (right side)
- Cut sides from 18" X 8' plywood piece:
- Side one: 25" X 13"
- Side two: 35" X 13"
- Cut bottom from remaining plywood piece: bottom 13" X 30"
- Cut hole for door in front piece.
- center door (plexiglass piece) 2 1/2" from the bottom, 2 7/8" from left side, & 2 7/8" from right side
- left side is flush with 2 7/8" mark.
- top, right, bottom cuts inset one inch
- Cut 2' X 4' plywood into 30" X 13" for bottom of birdhouse
- Shelf piece will be plywood 29" X 13"
- Framing Pieces
- Using 1" X 2" X 4' pieces - cut two 12" X 24" pieces. Using miter saw, 45 degree angles at the corners.
Sand Cut Wood
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Use sanding disks/sander to sand cut wood to smooth finish.
Assemble
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- Glue, Clamp, & Screw
- Long Side: Using Kreg tool make 12 holes - 6 per side - using Kreg Tool holes a and c.
- Short Side: Using Kreg tool make 8 holes - 4 per side - using Kreg Tool holes a and c.
- Glue: Glue onto front piece. Clamp. Screw into front piece. Dry.
- Bottom: Using Kreg tool make four holes on either short side and four holes on the long side - use holes a and c on the Kreg Tool.
- Shelf: The shelf will sit upon four 90 degree brackets.
- Back: to secure back screw the pocket holes put into either side - 6 long side, 4 short side. And holes put in the bottom - 4 holes.
- Door: Miter sides - 18 in 45 degree corners, Miter top and bottom 24 inches 45 degree corners. Secure to plexi glass with screws. Make sure to pre-drill pilot holes! attach two hinges to the backside of the door. screw hinges into library. screw door handle into door.
- Trim: Paint trim in white (or color of choice). Using a nail gun, attach trim.
- Stain
- entire library grey (or whatever color you wish)
- Polyurethane
- poly door frame to maintain the natural wood look. (unless you wish for it to match trim)
- Roof:
- Plywood roof - polyurethane top for moisture barrier - attach with wood screws
- Tin: Attach tin with metal screws.
- Stand/Post to hold Library:
- 4 X 4 -8'
- cut 2' off - now 6' 4x4
- 3' underground, 3' above
- mounting to 1/2 plywood 24" by 10" for extra support under library
- Using 2' cut off from original 6' 4x4, make support for either side of 6' 4x4 (see picture)
- one at 30 degrees
- one at 11 degrees
- Use wood glue and wood screws to attach
- Bird House: Cut hole for bird on backside of library using a 3" hole saw. Cut 12" dowel down to 6". Drill 1/2" hole for dowel. Attach 6 inch dowel using wood glue.
- Caulk gaps between frame and library.
Display and Fill With Books
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- Dig 3' deep hole with post hole diggers. Insert Post.
- Wood glue the top of the stand, then apply support board.
- Screw library into support board.
- Secure door with hinges.
- Add signage if you wish.
- Add books!