First Batch of the Birdhouse Season (2).

Lots of Marine Varnish and Red Paint.

I don't know when I'll run out of marine varnish. Maybe not for ten years. But the red paint? I go through a can or two per year. (Might be because of my taste for burgers).

The Red Barn, Dundas St. East. Photo Credit: UWO Archives
As found at London Ontario Blast from the Past, Facebook

Perhaps more memories of the popular burger barn will be stirred once I finish a few Red Birdhouses using white pine.

My work is stacking up!

Some birdhouses will have natural wood roofs, no paint or varnish.

Nine will sport two coats of Behr Marine Varnish

Several others will light up a tree branch with a splash of Apple Red

Progress continues. More photos to follow.

Please link to First Batch of the Birdhouse Season (1).

Photos GH

First Batch of the Birdhouse Season (1).

Red Cedar and White Pine at the Start Line

Cedar and fir stock for 18 houses

Four little free libraries dominated my time in the shop in late winter and early spring, and now it's time to take a change in direction. Birdhouse season has officially started.

Red cedar houses stacked up for the next move - i.e., sanding

Once the saws were set up last week I ran several cedar fence boards (6ft. x 5.25in. x 3/4in.) through the table and chop saws, and followed up with several planks of white pine (4ft. x 9.25in. x 3/4in.). 

My philosophy is as follows: If the saw is set up for six cedar houses, might as well do 18. 

 One white pine house led to more. "Once the saw is set up...."

 Entry holes are finished, as is the sanding.

 "Once the first once is assembled...."

 Roof slats will follow

Half the red cedar houses are stacked, ready for a roof.

Busy times ahead in April and May, and many families of chickadees, wrens, sparrows, finches and more will prosper in Old South London and environs.

Please link to The Workshop in Review, 2016 (6).

Photos GH

Little Free Libraries, Progress Continues (9).

Little Library - Ready to Go.

Just needs an interior shelf, and last exterior sign - over door.

Details take time. 

Shelf and sign are painted

But the photos reveal progress to the very last task before delivery, i.e., attach the triangular sign over the door.

Shelf is inside. Exterior sign is almost done. Platform is assembled.

I just need a couple of nails!

Last photo(s) to follow.

Please link to Little Free Libraries, Progress Continues (8).

Photos GH

Little Free Libraries, Progress Continues (8).

Two for a Park are Finished

Wee 'community libraries' stand tall atop a workshop table. Voila. Fini.

People in the know will be able to spot a couple of differences between these and earlier models.

Because gray-on-both-sides barn board has dried up I now use white pine barn board, knowing it will turn a golden bronze colour over the first two years before showing signs of very light gray.

Because I am out of tongue and groove cedar (1/2-inch thick; also rare) I now use 1-inch thick cedar decking for roofs and trim, and make my own ship lap or overlap style for the roofs. Finished libraries are at least 5 pounds heavier as a result.

Dimensions are slightly bigger than in the past. So, now that they are heavier on two counts, installation should be a lot more fun! : )

Still the same: Board and batten walls and some splashes of colour still seem to set them off nicely, in my opinion.

SHOWING OFF:

Last photo: A third model, for another client, is almost finished. An interior shelf requires paint and installation, signage is needed over the front door, and the platform and stand need to be painted and assembled.

So, guess what is on my to-do list this weekend?

Please link to Little Free Libraries, Progress Continues (7).

Photos GH

Little Free Libraries, Progress Continues (7).

Finishing Touches

Three little free libraries are in the final stretch.

Doors fit nicely and hardware (hinges, door pulls, latches and catches) are solid.

Signage will be attached tomorrow and support poles will be attached to platforms at least by Friday.

 Solid doors and hinges

 Solid door pulls and latches

 Catches (tried and true, above and below) keep doors from rattlin'

Soon, I will be digging a post hole.

Please link to Little Free Libraries, Progress Continues (6).

Photos GH

Little Free Libraries, Progress Continues (6).

Final stages are the order of the day for three 'little free libraries'.

A bit more cedar exterior trim is needed for one of them. Nicely painted platforms have to be attached to sturdy five-foot poles (4" x 4" in size). And a pile of signage needs to be finished and then attached in all the right places.

 Platforms are dry and ready to be attached to support poles

 Finished poles and platforms will look like the above

Lots of painting this weekend!

If all goes well I will be digging holes in a community park some time next week!

: )

Please link to Little Free Libraries, Progress Continues (5).

Little Free Libraries, Progress Continues (5).

Platforms and Signage (Lotsa Signage)

Sturdy red rain guards are in place

One of three still requires cedar batten (to complete for the board and batten look). Then doors, latches, platforms and collars, posts and signage need to be finished. In other words, lots on the go inside the workshop.

I think I've timed my projects not too badly  this spring. The 'little free libraries' (large projects) are coming to a close and the start of 'birdhouse season' (small projects) is a week or two away.

Collars and platforms look better with a touch of paint

Signage, lotsa signage is underway

Please link to Little Free Libraries, Progress Continues (4).

Photos GH