Building an Automatic Bird Feeder (Step by Step DIY Woodworking Project)

Building an Automatic Bird Feeder

If you love attracting beautiful birds to your yard, then you know how important it is to keep a steady supply of food available. In today’s project, we’re building an automatic bird feeder using pine, plexiglass, and a simple piece of rope. This feeder is designed with a central hopper that automatically dispenses seed as birds eat — and it looks great hanging in any garden or outdoor space.

This project is beginner‑friendly, budget‑friendly, and a fun weekend build for any woodworker.

Materials We Used

• Pine boards

• Plexiglass panels (10" wide, later cut to 6 ¼" tall)

• ¼" nylon rope

• Titebond III wood glue

• Brad nails

• Hinges

• PolyShades stain (Mission Oak)

 Tools We Used

• Miter saw

• Table saw

• Random orbital sander (120‑grit)

• Drill

• Brad nailer

• Measuring tools & pencil

Step 1: Cutting All the Boards to Size

We started at the miter saw, cutting the main pieces for the feeder:

• Two 9" boards

• One 10 13/16" board

• Two 11 ½" boards

Later in the build, we came back to cut a custom bottom panel once the frame was assembled.

Step 2: Creating the Plexiglass Grooves (Dados)

This feeder uses plexiglass sides so we can easily see when it’s time to refill the seed. To hold the plexiglass in place, we cut angled dados into the side panels.

We had never cut dados on the miter saw before, but since we didn’t have a jig for the table saw to cut them at an angle, we gave it a try — and it worked out great.

Step 3: Ripping Boards to Final Width

At the table saw, we trimmed everything to its final dimensions:

• Side panels: 6" wide

• Tray pieces: 2" wide

• Roof pieces: 4" wide

We waited to cut the bottom panel until the frame was partially assembled so we could get an exact measurement.

Step 4: Building the Roof With a 50° Peak

Each roof panel was beveled at 25°, giving us a clean 50° peak when assembled.

We also cut matching 25° miters along the tops of the side panels so the roof would sit flush.

To make the feeder easy to refill, we designed the roof so that:

• One side is permanently attached

• The other side opens on hinges

• A 1" strip is ripped off the hinged panel to act as a fixed mounting point

This gives us a smooth, easy‑to‑use lift‑up lid for adding seed.

Step 5: Drilling Rope Holes for Hanging

We drilled ¼" holes in the side panels for the nylon rope. This rope will support the entire feeder, so we tied strong knots and later reinforced them with hot glue to prevent fraying.

Step 6: Sanding All the Pieces

Before assembly, we sanded everything with 120‑grit using the random orbital sander. Sanding individual pieces is always easier than trying to sand a fully assembled project.

Step 7: Partial Assembly & Cutting the Bottom Panel

We assembled just enough of the frame to measure the bottom panel accurately. It ended up being 9 5/16" × 6".

We glued and brad‑nailed it into place using Titebond III, which is perfect for outdoor projects.

Step 8: Cutting and Installing the Plexiglass

The plexiglass panels were originally 8" × 10", but we ripped them down to 6 ¼" tall so they would slide neatly into the dados.

One panel is permanently enclosed, but the other can be removed later if we ever need to replace the rope or make repairs.

Step 9: Staining the Feeder

Before final assembly, we stained all the pieces using PolyShades Mission Oak. This color looks beautiful on pine and gives the feeder a warm, rustic finish.

Once the roof was attached with glue and brad nails, we stained the remaining areas.

Step 10: Final Assembly & Hanging Rope

We threaded the rope through the side holes, tied secure knots, and added hot glue to prevent fraying. After sliding in the final plexiglass panel, the feeder was officially complete.

The Finished Automatic Bird Feeder

And just like that, we have a beautiful hanging automatic bird feeder ready to serve as a buffet for our feathered friends. It’s sturdy, functional, and easy to refill — and it looks great hanging in the yard.

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Happy woodworking!