Simple Wooden Bird with Moving Wings

Looking for a fun and easy woodworking project? This charming wooden bird design was created by B&O Craftsman. It’s a perfect decorative piece for your garden or fence line, and a wonderful project to do with kids, allowing for creative painting and personalization.

Materials and Tools

  • 1/4 in x 4 in x 48 in wood (for the body)
  • 3/4 in x 6 in x 48 in wood (for the blocks) or 24 in if making fewer birds
  • Wood screws (size depending on your design)
  • Wood glue
  • CA glue (optional for quicker adhesion)
  • Nails for reinforcement
  • Sandpaper
  • Drill
  • Jigsaw or band saw
  • Paint (rated for outdoor use)
  • Polyurethane (for protection)

Step 1: Prepare Your Wood

Start by cutting your wood pieces. For the body, use the 1/4 in thick wood, and for the connecting blocks, use the 3/4 in thick wood. Make sure to sand all your pieces well to avoid any rough edges.

Cutting the wood pieces

Step 2: Create the Blocks for the Wings

Cut two blocks measuring 2 in by 1 in 1/4. Drill a hole through the center of each block for the screws that will hold the wings. Ensure the holes are snug enough to hold the screws without being too tight.

Drilling holes in the blocks

Step 3: Cut the Templates

Using the templates, cut out the bird body and wings. Remember to align the templates with the grain of the wood to ensure strength. You can use a coping saw for more intricate cuts.

Cutting the templates

Step 4: Assemble the Wings

Attach the blocks to the body, ensuring one block is cut in one direction and the other in the opposite direction for proper wing attachment. Apply wood glue to secure them, and then reinforce with nails for extra strength.

Attaching the blocks to the body

Step 5: Attach the Wings

Line up the anchor points for the wings using the templates. Use glue and nails to secure the wings in place. Make sure to drill pilot holes for the screws to avoid splitting the wood.

Attaching the wings to the body

Step 6: Painting and Finishing Touches

Now comes the fun part! Paint your bird any color you like. B&O Craftsman chose to paint the head and back black and the body green, inspired by the birds he grew up with. After painting, consider applying a coat of polyurethane for outdoor protection.

Painting the wooden bird

Step 7: Mounting the Bird

There are various ways to mount your bird. B&O Craftsman opted for a stationary mount, but you could create a pivoting base so the bird can turn with the wind. Whatever you choose, ensure all screws are tight and the wings can move freely.

Mounting the wooden bird

Video

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