Swap Boxes and a Squirrel Nesting Box

The Swap Boxes are from the Early Days

The One and Only Squirrel Nesting Box

I can tell it's my first Swap Box... the hinges are visible on the outside.

And I soon switched to plexiglass doors. Ahhh... the Early Days

Introduction:

Squirrels have, on occasion, been the bane of my existence : )

They were always a nuisance when I had a bird feeder or two in the back yard. My wife likes to remind me that I tossed a lovely tiled trivet (her gift to me) out the back window one winter's morn to chase a squirrel off the feeder.

Squirrel and trivet survived. Note slight damage, lower left corner : )

"I wasn't trying to chase it," I'll say. "I was trying to knock it out!"

So, I built a nesting box for wood-working experience only... for someone who lived far away.

One of my first swap boxes went far away as well, to Ottawa, and was featured in a new's story there. I said I was available for a full-length TV interview but I never heard back. The second went to a friend's house a few blocks away.

Photos follow from The Workshop:

More photographs from The Workshop will follow.

Please link to A Fine Batch of Cedar Houses

Photos GH

The Squirrel House (4)

A Few More Details

Now we be done!

I said it was done but I was wrong. I posted 'final' photos of a squirrel nesting box yesterday and within 30 seconds I realized I wanted to add two more details.... a railing for the balcony and a branch for the face.

The railing and trim are from lovely bits of Wortley Village lath

Okay, now I can say 'voila'.

: )

Please link to The Squirrel House (3)

Photos GH

The Squirrel House (3)

One Sturdy Nesting Box

The box, from white and aged pine, stands about two feet high

Finishing touches were applied this afternoon, i.e., complimenting trim, a balcony for easy entry, fasteners to help attach the box to a tree, a small tree branch to allow a squirrel to zip from floor to floor, and latches for the side door.

 A squirrel will get from the top to bottom floor easily

 Side door will provide opportunities for clean-out and photography 

You can remove the top with one hand (while on a ladder perhaps) 

Easy entry - for a squirrel, that is!

Now that the box is done and ready for delivery, I will work on nine birdhouses (3 each of 3 different models), and create sketches for four upcoming and very interesting projects. Next birdhouse sale is in late August so I can move along at a leisurely pace, whatever that is!?

: )

Please link to The Squirrel House (2)

The Squirrel House (2)

Big, Sturdy, Soon for Rent!

White pine barnboard (two different shades) for starters 

Most of the initial, large pieces of stock required for this squirrel nesting box have been cut, sanded and assembled. Side door needs hinges, roof needs to be attached (one loose screw, easily removed with one hand while owner stands on a ladder), and a lot of trim needs to be cut today.

Definitely more to follow.

 Balcony will be attached next, then the western cedar trim 

Side (clean-out) door requires hinges and a latch too

Please link to The Squirrel House (1)

Photos GH

The Squirrel House (1)

At the Start Line

Okay, all the pieces - except trim - are ready to go

I built two squirrel houses last year and received a request for another recently. It is now time to cut, sand and assemble white pine slats and cedar trim.

As I recall, if I have measured the pieces of stock carefully, assembly should move along very smoothly!

More to follow.

Please link to Upcoming Projects: 18 Cedar Birdhouses and More

Photo GH