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From a MIG Welding Wire Spool to a Bird Feeder
by
Karen Manasco
(IC: blogger)
3 Materials
$10.00
3 Days
Medium
Years ago, my husband brought home a stack of metal spools used
to store MIG wire. He sewed wire cloth onto the spool in a somewhat
rudimentary fashion, and called it a bird feeder. A raccoon demolished
it, the spool was chunked into a pile, and that was the end of that.
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself with a backyard that had
become a bird oasis. It seemed like a good time to drag out the old
feeder, and give it an overhaul.
The result is a large feeder that is very durable, can be painted, easily
filled, will feed many birds at once, and will also last a very long time.
to store MIG wire. He sewed wire cloth onto the spool in a somewhat
rudimentary fashion, and called it a bird feeder. A raccoon demolished
it, the spool was chunked into a pile, and that was the end of that.
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself with a backyard that had
become a bird oasis. It seemed like a good time to drag out the old
feeder, and give it an overhaul.
The result is a large feeder that is very durable, can be painted, easily
filled, will feed many birds at once, and will also last a very long time.
Supplies and tools needed...
Lay out and cut the screen...
Align and secure the top and side with temporary ties...
Begin stitching the top and side to the spool...
Stitching tips...
Add a chain...
Paint it pretty, let it dry...
This particular MIG wire spool is rather large, and as a result, holds
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Wire welding (MIG) spool (Welding supply / junk pile)
- Galvanized wire (Hardware store)
- 1/4 inch hardware cloth (Hardware store)
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Published October 10th, 2016 3:12 PM
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Karen Manasco on Nov 20, 2016Well, I wish I could say it was, but unfortunately, they swing on the feeders and reach into the filling hole. That could, however, be alleviated with a small screen. Those little stinkers are everywhere. :-)
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Vio20238747 on Feb 09, 2017Hi Karen, I just read to try hot pepper flakes in your bird food. Squirrels do not like hot and I was told that birds can not taste so it does not keep them away or hurt them! I'm going to give it a try!
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Jim10498479 on Dec 05, 2016as soon as I can find the spools. this looks to be squirrel proof too.
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Karen Manasco on Jan 02, 2017Hello Jim and Ann, actually, the squirrels are pretty good about still hanging on to get a few seeds out. They are pretty durable feeders, but raccoons will tear them up. :-)
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