idcook wrote:db,
Nice looking piece of work.
What're the materials used, overall dimensions and size of the openings
I believe the entire lighthouse is made of white pine.
This was a simple project which required less than an hour, excluding wait time for epoxy and paint to dry.
First, begin with finding a lighthouse at a thrift store (Goodwill in this case) which nobody wants because it is missing three screws from the door which is hanging off and it is in shabby condition. Wait until it is marked down to ½ price ($1 in this case) and, because you see potential, buy it.
This is the critical part: think about what you could do with it other than just have a decorative item that didn’t fit anywhere. Few people think beyond what they see.
Add screws to the door from your stock. I’ve never thrown out a good screw and salvaged many from people who didn’t know how much they cost. I seldom buy screws, nuts or bolts at HD or elsewhere.
Next, determine if a wine bottle will fit – 1/8th inch too long]
Epoxy the wire to the dowels so they stay in place, paint the top and trim and it is ready to feed birds – or squirrels.
I used some acrylic paint from tubes that I’ve had for 40 years. Never throw anything away that can be stored (without becoming a pack rat) and has use.
Now, a note to younger Shopsmith owners. THINK about how something can be used beyond it’s intended purpose. For example, I’ve seen people paying $3 for 3 dishcloths at Target. To wash dishes? And then they throw out washcloths because they are getting worn.
Use it up,
wear it out,
make it do or do without was the mantra of the depression and many of us who had to make it work or do without.
Wash cloths become dish cloths and when too worn become shop cloths which are only tossed it they have too much oil from wiping the drain pan you used to change the oil. You do know how to change your oil? I think I will do a separate post on what I have seen at oil change depots and dealerships. That will open your eyes to watch what they do or decide to do it yourself because you don't want to run the risk.
Think about what else you could dowith something. It’s good mental exercise and great for creating new projects.